When a building is condemned in Ontario, renters often face sudden displacement, safety concerns, and urgent decisions about rent, repairs and temporary housing. This guide explains what condemnation means, the immediate steps tenants should take, and how Ontario rules affect your rights as a renter. You will find clear action steps for documenting problems, communicating with your landlord, and using official channels to seek refunds, repairs or lease remedies. The information is written for everyday tenants and includes links to provincial resources, tribunal guidance and practical examples so you can protect your safety and your legal rights while a building is declared unsafe.
What it means when a building is condemned in Ontario
A building condemnation is an order from a municipal building official that a unit or property is unsafe to occupy. Condemnation can follow structural failure, fire, sewage, or persistent hazards like severe mould or lack of heat or water. When that happens, municipal authorities may order evacuation and post notices. Tenants usually must follow evacuation orders immediately for safety, but evacuation does not erase your rights under the Residential Tenancies Act, 2006 or your ability to ask the Landlord and Tenant Board for remedies.[1][2]
Your immediate steps as a tenant
- Contact the landlord in writing within 24 hours to confirm the evacuation order and ask about relocation plans and rent credits.
- Document the condition with dated photos and videos, and keep copies of notices, emails and texts as evidence.
- Call municipal building services or the fire department if you suspect imminent danger and ask for written orders or reports.
- Keep receipts for temporary housing, transportation and meals if you must vacate; these help support claims for reimbursement or rent abatement.
Legal options and tribunal applications
If the landlord wont address safety problems or refuses refunds, tenants can pursue remedies under Ontario law. The Landlord and Tenant Board handles many residential disputes and accepts applications about maintenance, unlawful eviction, rent abatement and more. Visit the Board for forms and instructions and consider filing an application if negotiations fail.[1] The Residential Tenancies Act, 2006 sets out duties for landlords to maintain a units habitability and tenant rights when a unit is uninhabitable.[2] For additional context on hazards and building safety, see Health and Safety Issues Every Tenant Should Know When Renting and use that guidance to document condition risks.
Forms you may need
Use the Landlord and Tenant Boards forms page to choose the application that fits your situation. Municipal orders or evacuation notices from building officials are also critical documents to attach. Below are common form types and practical examples.
- Application to the Landlord and Tenant Board (see the LTB forms page): use when you seek rent abatement, repairs or an order for the landlord to fix safety issues; example: file an application asking for reduced rent while your unit is unsafe and attach the municipal evacuation notice.
- Urgent or interim relief applications (see the LTB forms page): use if you need an immediate order, for instance to stop a landlord from changing locks or to request urgent repairs while you are displaced.
- Keep copies of municipal Notices of Violation or Orders to Vacate issued by building officials: there is no tenant form number for these, but they are strong supporting evidence for Board applications and insurance claims.
Practical examples
If a fire-damaged roof leaves your unit uninhabitable, first follow the evacuation order and document the posted notice. Send a written message to your landlord requesting a plan and reimbursement for emergency lodging. Save receipts and then apply to the Landlord and Tenant Board for rent abatement and compensation if the landlord does not cooperate. For common problems and step-by-step dispute options, see Common Issues Tenants Face and How to Resolve Them.
FAQ
- Can my landlord make me leave immediately if a building is condemned?
- If a municipal officer orders evacuation for safety, you must leave immediately for your protection, but evacuation orders do not remove your statutory rights as a tenant. You can seek rent abatement or compensation through the Landlord and Tenant Board after you are safe.
- Will I get my rent back if I have to vacate?
- Possibly. Tenants may seek a rent reduction or reimbursement for reasonable temporary housing costs. Keep receipts and file an application with the Landlord and Tenant Board if the landlord does not agree to reimburse you.
- How do I start an application with the Landlord and Tenant Board?
- Use the Boards forms page to find the appropriate application, complete it with evidence (photos, notices, receipts), and submit according to the Boards filing instructions; consider legal clinics or tenant duty counsel for help.
How-To
- Collect official notices and municipal orders and save digital copies to use with any application.
- Document the condition with photos, dates and written notes describing hazards and interactions with the landlord or officials.
- File the appropriate application at the Landlord and Tenant Board with supporting evidence and attend any scheduled hearing or mediation.
- Keep receipts for temporary housing and related expenses and seek reimbursement or rent abatement through negotiation or a Board order.
Key Takeaways
- Follow evacuation orders immediately but preserve evidence and communications about the hazard.
- Document everything: photos, notices, receipts and messages strengthen your claim.
- Use the Landlord and Tenant Board and official forms to seek rent abatement or compensation if the landlord does not act.
Help and Support / Resources
- Landlord and Tenant Board (Tribunals Ontario)
- Renting in Ontario: Rights and responsibilities (Ontario.ca)
