Repairs and Maintenance Rights in Ontario

Under the Residential Tenancies Act, 2006, a landlord is required to keep the rental unit and the residential complex in a good state of repair and to comply with health, safety, housing, and maintenance standards. This duty applies regardless of what the lease says -- a lease clause that tries to shift this responsibility entirely onto the tenant, or waive it, does not override the RTA.

Vital services are specifically protected under the RTA: heat (required from September 1 to June 15), electricity, fuel, and hot and cold water. A landlord cannot willfully cut off or interfere with any of these services, even during a dispute with a tenant, and even if rent is owed. Deliberately shutting off vital services to pressure a tenant to leave is illegal, regardless of the circumstances.

Put repair requests in writing (email works well) so you have a record of when you reported the issue and what you asked for. Keep photos or video if the issue is visible. Follow up if the landlord does not respond within a reasonable time.

You should not withhold rent on your own as a way to force repairs -- this can expose you to a non-payment notice (N4) and does not guarantee the repair gets done. Instead, use the formal complaint process below if the landlord does not act.

If a landlord fails to meet their maintenance obligations, a tenant can file a Form T6 (Tenant Application about Maintenance) with the Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB). The filing fee is $53 by mail or in person, or $48 if filed through the Tribunals Ontario Portal.

Bring your written repair requests, photos, and any other evidence to the hearing. The LTB can order the landlord to make repairs, and may order a rent abatement or other compensation depending on the circumstances.