As a tenant in Canada, you have the right to live in a rental property that is in a good state of repair and meets all applicable health and safety standards. This includes having access to essential services such as heat, water, and electricity.
If your landlord does not make necessary repairs, you have a number of options.
Contact your landlord. The first step is to contact your landlord in writing and inform them of the repairs that need to be made. Be clear and specific about the problems, and provide a deadline for the repairs to be completed.
Contact your local housing authority. If your landlord does not respond to your request or does not make the necessary repairs, you can contact your local housing authority. They may be able to inspect the property and issue an order to the landlord to make the repairs.
Apply to the Landlord and Tenant Board. If the repairs are not made within a reasonable timeframe, you can apply to the Landlord and Tenant Board. The Board can order the landlord to make the repairs, and may also award you compensation for any inconvenience or financial losses you have incurred.
Withhold rent. In some cases, you may be able to withhold rent until the repairs are made. However, this should be a last resort, as it can be grounds for eviction.
Important things to keep in mind
- Before you withhold rent, you should consult with a lawyer or tenant advocacy group to ensure that you are doing so legally.
- You should also keep a copy of all correspondence with your landlord and the housing authority.
- If you are applying to the Landlord and Tenant Board, you should file your application as soon as possible.
Case example
In a recent case before the Landlord and Tenant Board of Ontario, a tenant applied for an order requiring her landlord to make a number of repairs to her rental unit, including fixing a broken window and a leaky faucet. The landlord had refused to make the repairs, arguing that they were not necessary.
The Board found that the repairs were necessary to ensure the tenant’s health and safety. The Board ordered the landlord to make the repairs within 30 days, and also awarded the tenant compensation for the inconvenience she had incurred.
If your landlord does not make necessary repairs, you have a number of options. You should contact your landlord in writing first, and if they do not respond or do not make the repairs, you should contact your local housing authority or apply to the Landlord and Tenant Board.
This article is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Contact us today to discuss your specific situation.