Appliance breakdowns can cause stress for renters. In Ontario, the answer to “who pays for appliance repairs?” usually depends on whether the appliance is included in the rental agreement and what caused the problem. If an included appliance fails through normal wear and tear, the landlord is generally responsible for arranging and paying for its repair or replacement so the unit meets basic habitability standards. Tenants are typically responsible for damage caused by misuse, neglect, or accidental harm. Tenants should document the issue, notify the landlord in writing, and allow reasonable access for repairs. This guide explains who may pay, what to do when an appliance breaks, how to request repairs, which forms may help, and where to get support if the dispute continues.
Who is responsible for repairs?
Under Ontario rules, the Residential Tenancies Act sets the framework for landlord and tenant duties, including basic maintenance and repairs[1]. When a refrigerator, stove, or another appliance is included in the rental agreement, the landlord usually must keep it in working order. If the appliance stops working because of normal wear and tear, the landlord normally arranges and pays for the repair or replacement. If a tenant caused the damage through misuse or neglect, the tenant may be responsible for the repair cost. Check the lease for clear statements about which appliances are included and who is responsible for maintenance.
Common scenarios
- Included appliance fails from normal wear and tear: the landlord normally arranges and pays for the repair or replacement.
- Lease assigns maintenance responsibility to the tenant: review the written agreement and confirm the responsibility with the landlord in writing.
- Tenant-caused damage: when misuse, neglect, or accidental harm caused the problem, the tenant may be asked to pay for repair or replacement.
For routine problems and minor maintenance, review landlord and tenant duties in our internal guide Routine Repairs in Rental Units: Tenant and Landlord Responsibilities. Contact your landlord promptly and keep a written record so the issue can be addressed before it escalates.
When tenants may pay
Tenants commonly pay when they or their guests cause damage, or when they accept responsibility in writing for a repair. If you agree to arrange a repair yourself, confirm in writing whether the landlord will reimburse you and keep detailed receipts, photos, and other records of the problem and repair work.
- Damage caused by misuse, neglect, or improper use — the tenant may be charged for repair or replacement.
- If you agree in writing to arrange a repair — confirm whether you will be reimbursed before work begins and keep the receipts.
How to request repairs and protect your rights
Start by documenting the appliance problem with date-stamped photos or video and a short written description. Send your landlord a written notice that identifies the appliance, explains what is wrong, describes how the problem affects your use of the unit, and requests action. If the repair is urgent, explain in the notice why immediate action is needed. Keep a copy of the notice and any reply. Allow reasonable access for the landlord or a contractor to inspect and repair the appliance.
If the landlord does not respond or refuses to act, tenants in Ontario can apply to the Landlord and Tenant Board for an order requiring repairs or compensation[2]. Keep copies of messages, photos, videos, receipts, and other records that relate to the repair request.
- Document the problem with photos, video, and the date you discovered the issue.
- Notify your landlord in writing, identify the appliance and problem, and keep a copy of the notice and any replies.
- Allow reasonable access for the landlord or a contractor to inspect and repair the appliance.
If the matter is not resolved, tenants can use official tribunal forms such as the Application about Tenant Rights (Form T2) to ask the Landlord and Tenant Board to order repairs or compensation. The LTB provides forms and guidance on how to file and what evidence helps your case[3].
FAQ
- Who pays if the refrigerator included with my rental stops working?
- If the refrigerator was provided in the lease and fails from normal wear and tear, the landlord usually must arrange and pay for its repair or replacement. If there is clear tenant-caused damage, the tenant may be responsible for the cost.
- Does the lease affect who pays for an appliance repair?
- Yes. Check whether the appliance is included in the rental agreement and whether the written lease assigns maintenance responsibility to the tenant. If the lease assigns responsibility, confirm the arrangement with the landlord in writing.
- Can I pay to fix an appliance and deduct the cost from my rent?
- Not without agreement or a Board order. Deducting from rent can lead to eviction for arrears. Instead, document the cost and consider filing an Application about Tenant Rights (Form T2) with the Landlord and Tenant Board.
- What is considered an emergency repair?
- Emergencies affect health or safety or the ability to live in the unit, such as no heat, no hot water, or a major plumbing failure. For guidance on urgent matters, see our internal resource Emergency Situations and Repairs: Tenant Rights and Responsibilities.
How-To
- Document the appliance problem with photos, video, dates, and notes about how it affects use of the unit.
- Send a written notice to the landlord describing the issue, explaining whether it is urgent, and requesting action. Keep a copy as proof.
- Allow reasonable access for inspection and repairs and agree on a repair schedule when possible.
- If unresolved, file an Application about Tenant Rights (Form T2) with the Landlord and Tenant Board and attach your documentation.
- Attend the hearing, present your records, and follow the Board’s order if one is issued.
Key Takeaways
- For an appliance included in the rental, the landlord usually pays when the problem results from normal wear and tear.
- A tenant may pay when misuse, neglect, accidental harm, or a written agreement makes the tenant responsible.
- Notify your landlord in writing, allow reasonable access, and keep evidence to support any later application to the Board.
- Use photos, receipts, and dated correspondence to document the issue if you need to go to the Landlord and Tenant Board.
Help and Support / Resources
- Landlord and Tenant Board (Tribunals Ontario) — dispute resolution and forms
- Residential Tenancies Act, 2006 on e-Laws
- Landlord and Tenant Board forms and guides
- [1] Residential Tenancies Act, 2006 (e-Laws)
- [2] Landlord and Tenant Board (Tribunals Ontario)
- [3] Landlord and Tenant Board forms
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