Tree Falls on Rental Property: Ontario Tenant Coverage

If a tree falls on your rental home in Ontario, your first priorities are safety and clear documentation. As a tenant, make sure everyone is safe, call emergency services if needed, and avoid entering damaged areas. Notify your landlord right away and take dated photos or video of damage, including fallen trees and structural harm. Check your tenant insurance policy for coverage of personal belongings, temporary accommodation and liability, and ask your landlord about building insurance and emergency repairs. Knowing timelines, official forms, and who pays for what helps tenants protect their rights and reduce out-of-pocket costs while repairs and insurance claims are handled.

Immediate steps after a tree falls

Follow a clear order of steps to protect safety, start claims and preserve evidence.

• Call emergency services if anyone is injured or if there is a gas, electrical or structural danger.
• Serve written notice to your landlord and follow up by phone; document times and names of who you spoke with.
• Take time-stamped photos and videos of the fallen tree, damage to the building and any damaged belongings.
• Avoid entering unsafe areas until a qualified inspector or contractor confirms it is safe.
• Arrange emergency repairs if needed to prevent further damage and keep receipts for any temporary costs you pay.

Who pays and what insurance covers

In Ontario, the building owner (landlord) is usually responsible for repairing structural damage to the rental unit, while the tenants insurance covers personal property loss and some temporary living costs. Check both your landlords statements about building insurance and your own tenant insurance policy so you know whether contents, additional living expenses or liability are covered. If the landlords insurer accepts responsibility for repairs, coordinate claims to avoid duplicate payments. Keep records of conversations and any emergency repair invoices.

How repairs and emergency work are handled

Emergency repairs to secure the property should be arranged promptly. Tenants can sometimes arrange urgent work to stop further damage and seek reimbursement, but you should confirm the landlords instructions if it is safe to do so.

Learn more about tenant rights for urgent and non-urgent repairs in this guide on Emergency Situations and Repairs: Tenant Rights and Responsibilities.

Documenting damage and evidence

Strong documentation speeds insurance claims and any tribunal applications. Save photos, video, text messages, emails, receipts and a damage log with dates. If the tree came from a neighbouring property, note visible property lines and contact the neighbour in writing.

When to contact the Landlord and Tenant Board and relevant law

If you cannot agree with your landlord about repairs, temporary accommodation or compensation, the Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB) handles disputes under the Residential Tenancies Act, 2006 ^[2]. You can apply to the LTB for orders about maintenance, repairs and compensation; the LTB also provides information on how to start an application and what evidence to bring ^[1].

Refer to the RTA to understand statutory obligations for landlords and tenants, including repair responsibilities and timelines under Ontario law ^[2].

Insurance claim steps for tenants

1. Contact your insurance provider immediately to report the claim and note the claim number.
2. Provide photos, a written inventory of damaged items and copies of receipts where available.
3. Keep copies of communications with your landlord and any contractor invoices related to emergency work.
4. Discuss coverage for additional living expenses if your unit is temporarily uninhabitable.
5. Follow up in writing on claim decisions and keep an organized folder of all claim documents.

If you need a temporary place while repairs happen, consider searching rental platforms and local listings. Houseme - your rental solution in Canada can help you find short-term options quickly.

For guidance on routine maintenance responsibilities and tenant-landlord obligations, see Routine Repairs in Rental Units: Tenant and Landlord Responsibilities.

FAQ

Who is responsible for removing a fallen tree and repairing structural damage?

The landlord is typically responsible for building and structural repairs; tenants should document damage and notify the landlord immediately so repairs can begin.

Should I file a tenant insurance claim or ask the landlord to claim through building insurance?

File your tenant insurance claim for personal property and additional living expenses while confirming with the landlord whether building insurance will cover structural repairs; coordinate both claims to avoid gaps.

Can I arrange emergency repairs myself and seek reimbursement?

Yes, if the landlord cannot act quickly and you must prevent further damage, keep receipts and written estimates to support a reimbursement claim; tell the landlord first if it is safe to do so.

How-To

1. Ensure immediate safety: call emergency services if there is injury or danger.
2. Notify your landlord in writing and by phone, recording names, dates and times.
3. Document the damage with dated photos, videos and an itemized list of losses.
4. Contact your tenant insurer to open a claim and ask about coverage for temporary accommodation.
5. If urgent, arrange emergency repairs and keep receipts; inform the landlord and insurer about the work.
6. If you cannot resolve responsibility or repairs, prepare evidence and apply to the Landlord and Tenant Board for an order.

Help and Support / Resources

• Landlord and Tenant Board forms and applications
• Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB) main page
• Residential Tenancies Act, 2006 — Ontario e-Laws

1. [1] Landlord and Tenant Board (Tribunals Ontario)
2. [2] Residential Tenancies Act, 2006 (Ontario e-Laws)
3. [3] Landlord and Tenant Board forms and applications (Tribunals Ontario)