As a tenant in Ontario, understanding your rights and responsibilities regarding maintenance and repairs is essential for a comfortable and safe living environment. Whether you’re renting a house, apartment, or condo, landlords and tenants both have important legal obligations under Ontario’s Residential Tenancies Act, 2006. Here’s what you need to know to make sure your home stays in good repair, and your rights are protected.
1. Landlord’s Duty to Maintain a Safe and Habitable Home
Your landlord must keep your unit in a good state of repair. This includes meeting health, safety, housing, and maintenance standards as set by law, regardless of what the lease says. You have a right to a home free from hazards, including adequate heat, hot water, and structural safety.
- All systems (plumbing, heating, electrical) must be maintained and functional.
- Landlords cannot pass on repair or maintenance costs that are legally their responsibility to tenants.
For details on potential hazards, visit Health and Safety Issues Every Tenant Should Know When Renting.
2. Tenant Responsibilities for Everyday Care
While landlords are responsible for major repairs and safety, tenants must keep their unit reasonably clean and not cause damage. Regular cleaning and basic upkeep, such as replacing lightbulbs or batteries in smoke detectors, is expected.
- If damage occurs due to a tenant or guest’s actions, the tenant may be required to pay for repairs.
- It’s important to notify your landlord promptly about any needed repairs to prevent issues from worsening.
Learn more about your responsibilities in Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained.
3. How to Request Repairs
If something in your rental home needs fixing, send a written repair request to your landlord. Keep a dated copy for your records. If your landlord does not complete repairs in a reasonable timeframe, you have the right to take further action.
- For non-urgent issues, a reasonable timeframe is expected—typically within a few days to several weeks, depending on the nature of the repair.
- For urgent/emergency issues (like loss of heat in winter or water leaks), landlords should respond immediately or as quickly as possible.
Official Repair Complaint: LTB Form T6
If repairs aren’t made after you’ve notified your landlord, you may file a Tenant Application about Maintenance (Form T6) with the Landlord and Tenant Board of Ontario (LTB). Fill out Form T6 to request repairs, compensation, or a rent abatement.
- Form Name/Number: Tenant Application about Maintenance (Form T6)
- How to Use: Complete the form, attach supporting evidence (photos, repair requests), and submit to the LTB. For example, if your landlord won’t fix a broken heater, document requests, and file T6 online or at an LTB office.
- Access Form T6 and submission instructions
4. Dealing with Emergencies: Immediate Action Required
Some repair needs qualify as emergencies—such as flooding, fire, or a loss of essential services (heat in winter, electricity, or water). In these cases:
- Notify your landlord immediately by phone, text, or email.
- If the landlord cannot be reached, or delays unreasonably, you may arrange emergency repairs yourself and may be reimbursed, provided you tried to contact them first.
- Document all communications and keep receipts for emergency repairs.
For more details on urgent situations, see Emergency Situations and Repairs: Tenant Rights and Responsibilities.
5. What to Do if the Landlord Refuses Repairs
If your landlord does not respond to legitimate repair requests, you can:
- Contact your local municipal bylaw department or property standards office for inspections.
- File Form T6 with the LTB as outlined above.
- The LTB can order repairs, provide rent reductions, or award damages if your landlord fails their legal obligations.
Stay Informed!
To understand all of your rights in the province, check out Tenant Rights in Ontario. Looking for a new place to live? Find rental homes across Canada on Houseme with easy map search and up-to-date listings.
- Who is responsible for repairs in my rental unit? – Landlords must maintain and repair the rental unit at their expense, except for damage caused by tenants or guests.
- What if my landlord doesn’t respond to repair requests? – Send requests in writing and, if ignored, file a T6 application with the Landlord and Tenant Board.
- Can I withhold rent if repairs aren’t done? – No, you must not withhold rent. Use official processes like filing a T6 instead.
- What are examples of emergency repairs? – Loss of heat, water, power, serious plumbing leaks, or anything making the unit uninhabitable.
- Are appliances covered by landlord repair rules? – If appliances are included in your lease, their maintenance is the landlord’s responsibility unless you damaged them.
- How do I file a maintenance application to the Landlord and Tenant Board? – Gather your evidence, fill out Form T6, and submit online or at an LTB office.
- How do I document repair issues? – Take clear photos, keep copies of all emails or letters, and note dates and details.
- How do I request an inspection from my city? – Contact your local municipal property standards office and explain the issue. Provide documentation and prior repair requests.
- How do I know if my repair is urgent or routine? – Emergencies threaten safety or health, while routine repairs are general upkeep. Prioritize emergencies first.
Key Takeaways for Ontario Tenants
- Your landlord must keep your home safe and in good repair
- Written documentation is key—keep copies of all repair requests
- Use official forms and the LTB process to enforce your rights
Need Help? Resources for Tenants
- Landlord and Tenant Board of Ontario: Forms and Guidance
- Ontario Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing: Tenant Rights and Responsibilities
- Municipal Property Standards Offices (Check your city’s website)
- Legal Aid Ontario: www.legalaid.on.ca
