OHI | Can My Tenant? · Ontario rental question #43
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Last verified: September 15, 2026
Quick answer: Generally, not without a clear agreement or legal authority. A tenant who hires someone and subtracts the bill from rent may create rent arrears even if the landlord failed to repair. Maintenance remedies and rent-payment obligations should be handled separately.
Section 20 of the RTA requires landlords to maintain the property. Tenants can pursue a T6 application and request remedies such as repair orders, abatements or reimbursement. They should not assume they can grant themselves those remedies.
Emergencies can create difficult facts, but written notice, efforts to contact the landlord, necessity and reasonable cost will matter.
What if the landlord agrees?
A written agreement can authorize a specific repair and credit. It should state the contractor, maximum cost, receipts and how the credit applies.
What if the repair is urgent?
Protect life and property first and contact the landlord and appropriate emergency service. Keep evidence of the problem and every attempt to reach the landlord.
Can the tenant stop paying all rent?
Generally no. Withholding or deducting can support an N4. The tenant should seek the proper order instead.
What should the tenant do?
- Report problems in writing and allow lawful repair access.
- Obtain written authorization before arranging non-emergency work.
- Keep photographs, estimates, invoices and contact attempts.
- Use municipal enforcement, a T6 or legal advice rather than unilateral deductions.
What should the landlord do?
- Respond promptly and triage urgent reports.
- Put any tenant-arranged repair credit in writing.
- Maintain accurate rent and repair ledgers separately.
- Do not retaliate against lawful maintenance complaints.
Example
A landlord emails approval for a plumber up to $250 and agrees to credit the receipt against next month’s rent. That differs from a tenant replacing a fixture and subtracting an unapproved amount.
Related OHI guides and tools
Official sources
- Residential Tenancies Act, 2006
- Landlord and Tenant Board: Renting in Ontario
- Current LTB forms and instructions
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General information only: This article discusses Ontario residential tenancies and is not legal advice. Other laws, bylaws and condominium rules may also apply. Rules and forms change; verify current information with the responsible authority or obtain advice from a licensed Ontario legal professional.