Landlord Repairs and Maintenance Responsibilities in Ontario

Ontario Rental Repairs & Maintenance Guide · Updated for 2026

Featured photo by Olek Buzunov on Unsplash.

Ontario landlords generally have a duty to maintain rental properties in a good state of repair and comply with applicable health, safety, housing and maintenance standards. Tenants also have responsibilities, particularly for cleanliness and undue damage they or their guests cause.

What the Landlord Is Generally Responsible For

Landlords are typically responsible for maintaining core building systems and repairing ordinary wear, defects and failures that are not caused by tenant negligence or intentional damage. Depending on the property, this can include plumbing, heating, electrical systems, appliances included with the tenancy, doors, windows and common areas.

What the Tenant Is Responsible For

Tenants are expected to keep the rental unit reasonably clean and can be responsible for repairing or paying for undue damage caused by the tenant, occupants or guests. Ordinary wear and tear is different from negligent or intentional damage.

A Lease Cannot Simply Shift Every Repair to the Tenant

Ontario’s Standard Lease guide notes that terms requiring tenants to pay for repairs that are legally the landlord’s responsibility may be void. A signed clause does not automatically override the Residential Tenancies Act.

How Tenants Should Report Problems

• Notify the landlord promptly.
• Use written communication for significant issues.
• Include photos or videos where useful.
• Keep a record of dates, responses and repair attempts.
• Report emergencies immediately.

How Landlords Should Manage Repairs

• Acknowledge repair requests promptly.
• Prioritize health and safety issues.
• Use qualified trades where required.
• Give lawful entry notice unless an exception applies.
• Document work orders, invoices and communications.
• Follow municipal property standards as well as provincial tenancy law.

What If Repairs Are Not Done?

Tenants may have remedies through the Landlord and Tenant Board and, depending on the issue, through municipal property-standards enforcement. Tenants should not simply stop paying rent because a repair dispute exists; rent and maintenance remedies are handled through specific legal processes.

See the Ontario Standard Lease guide and our Landlords & Tenants hub.

Repairs & Maintenance FAQ

Can a lease make the tenant responsible for every repair?

No. Terms that try to transfer a landlord’s statutory repair obligations to a tenant may be unenforceable.

Should a tenant stop paying rent if repairs are not done?

Generally no. Repair disputes and rent obligations are handled through specific legal processes. Tenants should document the issue and use the appropriate LTB or municipal process.

General information only: Maintenance obligations can depend on the property and facts. For serious disputes, consult Tribunals Ontario, municipal enforcement or an appropriate legal professional.