Plain-language answer
In Ontario, the landlord is generally responsible for keeping the rental unit and the building in a good state of repair, fit for habitation, and compliant with health, safety, housing, and maintenance standards. This duty generally applies even if the tenant knew about a problem before moving in, and even if the lease says otherwise.
Tenants generally have responsibilities too: keeping the unit reasonably clean, and repairing or paying for damage caused by the tenant, their guests, or other people the tenant allows in. Normal wear and tear — like worn carpet or aging paint — is generally not considered tenant damage.
If something breaks or becomes unsafe, the usual first step is to tell the landlord in writing and keep a copy. If the problem is not addressed, there are official options, including municipal property standards complaints and applications to the Landlord and Tenant Board.
Why it matters
Repair disputes are among the most common tenant issues, and the outcome often depends on who reported what, when, and in what form. A clear written record protects you.
Unresolved maintenance problems can affect health and safety, and in some cases may be relevant at an LTB hearing — including hearings the landlord started for other reasons.
Facts that affect the answer
Based on the information available, these are the kinds of facts that commonly change how a situation like this is assessed:
- Whether the problem affects health, safety, or an essential service such as heat, water, or electricity — urgent problems are treated differently.
- Whether the damage was caused by the tenant, a guest, or normal wear and tear.
- Whether the landlord was told about the problem, when, and in what form — written notice is much easier to prove.
- How the landlord responded, and how long the problem has continued.
- Whether a municipal property standards or bylaw officer has inspected and issued any order.
Evidence to preserve
Preserve these now, in their original form
- Dated photos and videos of the problem, taken from several angles, repeated over time if it continues.
- Copies of every repair request — emails, texts, letters, or maintenance portal tickets.
- The landlord's responses, or a note of dates when there was no response.
- Receipts for anything the problem cost you, such as space heaters, laundromat visits, or damaged belongings.
- Names and dates for any inspectors, contractors, or witnesses who saw the problem.
Common mistakes
- Reporting problems only by phone or in person, leaving nothing in writing.
- Withholding rent to force repairs — this is risky in Ontario and can lead to an eviction notice for non-payment. Get legal advice before considering anything like it.
- Doing major repairs yourself and deducting the cost without legal advice.
- Waiting months to document a problem, so photos only show the final state.
- Blocking access when the landlord offers to repair — refusing lawful entry can weaken your position.
Possible official process
The usual path is: written notice to the landlord, reasonable time to respond, then escalation. Escalation options may include a complaint to your municipality's property standards or bylaw office, and an application to the LTB (commonly a T6 maintenance application).
At the LTB, remedies can vary and depend on the evidence — they may include repair orders or rent abatement in some cases, but no outcome is guaranteed.
For urgent, dangerous conditions — like no heat in winter or a gas smell — contact your municipality and, where appropriate, emergency services first. Documentation can follow once you are safe.
Tools that help with this
Jurisdiction: Ontario · Last reviewed 2026-07-15 · currently under review. Rules, forms, and deadlines can change — always confirm against the official sources above.
This is legal information, not legal advice. RTO Pro is not a law firm. Deadlines and exceptions may apply to your situation — a qualified legal professional should confirm anything important before you rely on it.