Getting rental repairs addressed in Ontario

Report a rental maintenance problem in writing and keep a dated record of what you asked the landlord to repair. Photos, inspection reports, messages, and receipts can help establish the condition, its duration, and its effect on your use of the home.

Give access for lawful repair arrangements and keep track of responses. Depending on the problem, municipal property standards enforcement and an LTB maintenance application may address different parts of the situation. Remedies require evidence and are not automatic. Simply withholding rent can create arrears and eviction risk. If you need urgent work or reimbursement for expenses, seek advice before committing to an approach. A focused application explains the problem, the relevant dates, and the particular order or compensation requested.

Describe each problem in practical terms: where it occurs, when it began, how often it happens, and what part of the home it affects. Dated photographs can show a condition, but written reports and correspondence may be needed to explain its duration or cause. Record appointments offered and completed, including whether a contractor could access the unit. A clear repair history can distinguish a continuing unresolved problem from work already completed or a new issue that has not yet been reported.

Decide what outcome you need before preparing an application. You may want the condition fixed, repayment of a documented expense, or another remedy supported by the legislation and evidence. Keep amounts separate and explain how they were calculated. If municipal staff inspect, retain the report and any follow-up communication. A municipal complaint and an LTB application can serve different purposes, and one does not automatically preserve the deadlines for the other. Prompt assessment is especially useful where conditions are worsening or temporary arrangements are needed.

Sources

• LTB maintenance and repairs brochure
• LTB T6 maintenance application instructions

Read next: When an Ontario landlord can enter a rental unit

General Ontario legal information, not legal advice for your matter, and reading it does not create a retainer. Sources checked 15 October 2026: check the current law, forms and dates before you act.

Photos from Pexels: House keys on a wooden table · A small model house with a key.

This article is general information for people in Ontario, not legal advice. Rules, forms and deadlines change, and every situation is different. Check the current rule or speak to a licensed legal professional before you act.