Who Handles Condo Repairs in Ontario? Tenant Guide

Renting a condominium in Ontario is a popular choice, offering modern features and often a great location. But when something breaks—like an appliance or plumbing—who is responsible for repairs: you, your landlord, or the condo corporation? Understanding repair responsibilities is essential for a stress-free tenancy, whether it’s your first condo rental or you’re encountering maintenance issues.

Condo Repair Responsibilities: Who’s Accountable?

In most Ontario condominiums, three parties are involved: the tenant, the landlord (your unit’s owner), and the condo corporation (which maintains the building and shared areas). Their responsibilities are generally outlined by the Residential Tenancies Act, 2006 and your lease agreement.

• Tenant: Responsible for keeping your unit clean, and covering damages that you or your guests cause.
• Landlord: Must maintain your unit in a good state of repair and comply with health, safety, and housing standards. This applies even in condos.
• Condo corporation: Maintains common areas: elevators, lobbies, parking, shared HVAC/water systems, and may cover some building infrastructure repairs.

For a deeper look at tenant and landlord obligations, read Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained.

What Repairs Are the Landlord's Duty?

• Electrical, heating, and plumbing in your unit
• Appliances provided with the unit
• Leaky windows, worn flooring, malfunctioning doors
• Any feature included in your rental agreement

Landlords cannot transfer their legal repair duties to tenants, even if your lease tries to do so. Routine maintenance and emergencies (like floods or broken heating in winter) are their responsibility.

What Does the Condo Corporation Fix?

• Building structure: roof, outer walls
• Common areas: hallways, lobbies, elevators
• Shared systems: fire alarms, bulk plumbing or electrical

If a problem originates in a common area but affects your unit (like a leaking roof), your landlord is still your main contact. They must work with the condo corporation to resolve building-related repairs on your behalf.

What Repairs Are Tenants Responsible For?

• Cleaning your unit
• Replacing light bulbs or batteries for smoke detectors (unless hardwired)
• Fixing damage you or your guests cause, including stains, holes, or broken doors/windows
  

If you're unsure, check your lease for specific mentions—but legal obligations always override lease terms in Ontario.

Health and Safety Repairs in Condo Rentals

If a repair concerns your health and safety—such as broken heating, mould, pests, or poor air quality—your landlord is required by law to fix it promptly. If they delay, or you face a hazardous condition, see Health and Safety Issues Every Tenant Should Know When Renting.

Tip: Photograph and document health or safety issues in your unit. This record can help you if you need to escalate the problem.

How to Request and Document Repairs in Condos

Always notify your landlord in writing about repairs. Keep copies of requests. Reasonable time must be given to fix non-urgent issues (typically 7–14 days), but urgent matters like loss of heat/water require faster response.

• Email, written letters, or the landlord’s official maintenance request portal (if offered in your building)
• Provide clear details: what’s broken, when you noticed, and photos if appropriate.
• If you experience delay with landlord action, they are responsible for following up with the condo board. You are not expected to coordinate major building repairs yourself.

If Your Landlord Doesn’t Make Repairs: Your Next Steps

If the landlord doesn't resolve a repair in a reasonable timeframe, you can file a formal application with Ontario’s Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB).

Key Form: LTB Form T6 – Tenant Application About Maintenance

• Name: Tenant Application about Maintenance (Form T6)
• When to use: If your landlord is failing to make repairs or address maintenance/health issues.
• How to use it: Complete and submit the LTB Form T6 – Tenant Application About Maintenance with evidence (photos, communications, inspection reports, etc.).

For a full guide on emergency and routine repairs, including your LTB rights, visit Emergency Situations and Repairs: Tenant Rights and Responsibilities and Routine Repairs in Rental Units: Tenant and Landlord Responsibilities.

Understanding Your Lease and Condo Rules

Read both your lease and any condo corporation “rules” provided to you. The landlord remains responsible for repairs inside your suite, but noise, use of amenities, and parking rules are enforced by the condo. If you’re dealing with confusing rules, see what’s covered in Tenant Rights in Ontario.

Finding Your Next Condo Rental?

Ready to move or look for a new place? Browse apartments for rent in Canada for a wide selection of condos and rentals in Ontario’s top cities.

FAQ: Condo Repairs for Ontario Tenants

1. Who pays to fix appliances in a rented Ontario condo?
   Usually, the landlord must repair or replace appliances supplied in your rental agreement.
2. Am I required to pay for damages caused by my guests?
   Yes. As a tenant, you are responsible for any damage you or your visitors cause inside your unit.
3. Can the landlord make me talk directly to the condo corporation about repairs?
   No. The landlord is responsible for coordinating with the condo corporation for any needed building or unit repairs that affect you.
4. What if repairs are not done and my health is at risk?
   You can file a T6 application with the LTB if urgent health or safety repairs are ignored.
5. Are repair responsibilities different in condos compared to regular apartments?
   While some issues may involve the condo corporation, tenants and landlords have the same legal obligations in condos as in other rentals.

What Tenants Should Remember About Condo Repairs

• Ontario law requires your landlord to keep your condo unit in good repair, even when a condo board is involved.
• Document all repair requests and keep communications in writing.
• If repairs are not made, you can file a T6 form with the Landlord and Tenant Board.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Ontario Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB): Official website—information, forms, and applications.
• Guide to the Residential Tenancies Act—plain language explanations from the Ontario government.
• Tenant advocacy: Ontario Tenant Hotline, legal clinics, and local community legal aid offices exist across the province for additional support.

1. Residential Tenancies Act, 2006, Ontario. See the full text at: Ontario Residential Tenancies Act.
2. Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB), Ontario: https://tribunalsontario.ca/ltb/
3. LTB Form T6 – Tenant Application About Maintenance: LTB Tenant Forms