No Heat, No Hot Water, Broken Elevator: Getting Vital Services Fixed

The Residential Tenancies Act treats heat, hot and cold water, electricity and fuel as vital services. A landlord must not withhold them, or deliberately interfere with them. Elevators, laundry rooms and other building systems are part of the landlord's duty to keep the building in good repair.

Step by step

1. Tell the landlord in writing. Email, text or a letter: say what is wrong, since when, and ask when it will be fixed.
2. Call the city. Municipal property standards and heating bylaws are enforced by your city or town. In Toronto, for example, landlords must keep units at a minimum temperature during the heating season.
3. Keep a log. Dates, temperatures (a photo of a thermometer works), photos and every message.
4. Think about the Board. If repairs drag on, you can apply to the Landlord and Tenant Board about maintenance (form T6) and ask for a rent abatement or an order to repair.

What not to do

• Don't stop paying rent on your own: you could face an eviction application.
• Don't use unsafe heaters or extension cords that could start a fire.

Accessibility matters

If a broken elevator traps someone with a disability, tell the landlord and the city that it is urgent. A landlord also has a duty to accommodate tenants with disabilities.

Sources

• Residential Tenancies Act, 2006
• LTB forms, including T6 (maintenance)

Read next: Cash for Keys: Should You Accept Your Landlord's Buyout Offer?

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: A snowy neighbourhood street in Toronto · Pressing an elevator button.

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.