What to Do If Your Landlord Refuses Repairs

Residing in a rented property should never involve tolerating unhealthy or dangerous conditions. In Ontario, tenants have robust protections to ensure their homes maintained and safe. But when a landlord refuses to make necessary repairs, it can be overwhelming and infuriating. You will be better equipped to stand up for yourself if you understand your tenant repair rights Ontario and the correct procedures.

Landlord Maintenance Responsibilities in Ontario

In Ontario’s Residential Tenancies Act (RTA), the duties of maintenance for landlords to keep rental units in proper condition are explicitly stated. Such a duty is applicable irrespective of what your lease may or may not state, which implies that landlords cannot contract out of such tasks.

Some of their duties are to maintain:

• Plumbing, heating, and electrical systems in safe and working condition.
• Floors, walls, and ceilings are structurally undamaged and safe.
• Entrances, hallways, and common areas clean and safe.
• Units are pest and mold free, both of which are dangerous to human health.

Not fulfilling these obligations is not only a hassle—it can also be a breach of local property codes and regulations, and can result in legal penalties or prosecution against the landlord.

Common Repair Issues Tenants Encounter

Each tenant’s case is different, but most rental repair problems are more common in Ontario than you might expect. Knowing these typical situations will enable you to identify when your landlord is not meeting his or her legal responsibilities.

Plumbing & Heating Issues
Leaks, faulty pipes, or defective water heaters can render your space uninhabitable. In the coldest of Ontario winters, a failure of sufficient heat is an emergency, and it must be resolved by the landlord at once.

Pest Infestations
Roaches, mice, bed bugs, or ants have the ability to make a cozy room an unhealthy place within no time. Extermination costs should always be borne by the landlord, and tenants should never be made to pay for extermination.

Unsafe Living Conditions
Problems like mold, broken locks, exposed wiring, or water damage are not mere nuisances—they are unsafe living conditions. These are potential health and safety hazards, and landlords have a legal obligation to correct them.

Steps Tenants Can Take

If your landlord won’t fix needed repairs, it’s essential to take careful actions that safeguard your rights and provide a record of the problem.

Document the Problem
The first thing to do in any repair dispute is to obtain clear evidence. Take date-stamped photographs or videos, save copies of all letters and emails, and record the dates the fault began and when you contacted your landlord. This evidence will prove invaluable if you have to refer your case. 

Write to Your Landlord
Although it may be tempting to use phone calls or informal conversations, always follow up in writing—through an email or formal letter. This indicates that you made a specific and reasonable request and leaves a paper trail to back you up if you need to appear in front of the Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB).

Contact Local By-Law or Tribunal
If your landlord continues to refuse, contact your municipality’s property standards department. Most Ontario cities have inspectors who can investigate and require landlords to make the needed repairs. Taking this action gives your complaint official weight and can put pressure on the landlord to fix things before they reach another level.

Filing an LTB Application for Repairs

If informal communication and by-law complaints are unsuccessful, a T6 Application for Maintenance will need to be filed with the Landlord and Tenant Board. This action enables you to request:

• An order forcing the landlord to make the repairs.
• A reduction of rent temporarily until the problems are fixed.
• Compensation for inconvenience, health effects, or extra costs brought about by neglect.

Although the process of application may appear easy, building a strong case involves thorough planning. Providing supporting documents, a chronology of the events, and clear proof can be the difference between a poor claim and a winning case.

Why Hire a Paralegal for Rental Repair Disputes

Dealing with an LTB application or hearing by yourself can be daunting, particularly when you’re also under the pressure of hazardous housing conditions. That’s where paralegal tenant rights services can really come in handy.

A trained paralegal can:

• Assess your case and tell you how strong your claim is.
• Draw up accurate and proper applications and supporting information.
• Represent you at hearings, ensuring your situation is properly explained.
• Negotiate with the landlord to resolve disputes quickly when possible.

Because paralegals specialize in landlord-tenant law, they offer focused expertise at a cost that is often far more affordable than hiring a lawyer. For tenants, this can mean faster resolutions and stronger outcomes without adding unnecessary financial strain.

The Emotional Impact of Repair Disputes

Living in uncomfortable or unsafe conditions is hard on the mind, in addition to the legal and logistical issues.  Having to keep asking your landlord to fix things, worrying about your health, and having trouble communicating can all affect your life in general.  Knowing that you have legal options and clear ways to resolve the issue can help you feel less stressed and more confident as you move forward.

Preventing Future Repair Disputes

Although some repair problems cannot be helped, tenants can take precautions to minimize the likelihood of future conflicts:

• Notify problems early in case they get worse.
• Save copies of all correspondence for your own records.
• Educate yourself on your rights through Ontario’s Residential Tenancies Act so that you know when your landlord is not doing its job.

Being proactive doesn’t just strengthen your case if a conflict occurs; it also prompts landlords to fix things sooner.

Final Thoughts

Rental tenants in Ontario should never be helpless when it comes to repairs. The law is simple: landlords are obligated to keep their buildings in good shape, and tenants have the right to call for a safe and habitable home.

By writing down issues, writing down messages, and hiring a professional when necessary, you can assert your rights and gain a reasonable outcome. If your landlord is unwilling to comply, don’t delay in taking the next step—whether it’s contacting your local by-law office, applying for a T6, or consulting with a paralegal who specializes in tenant repair rights Ontario.

Don’t settle for living in hazardous conditions. Get represented in repair disputes by our paralegals.