OHI | Can My Tenant? · Ontario rental question #25
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Last verified: September 15, 2026
Quick answer: Generally, no. A tenant should not simply stop paying rent because repairs are outstanding. The landlord’s maintenance obligation and the tenant’s rent obligation are separate. A tenant may pursue municipal enforcement, a T6 application or other lawful remedies while continuing to pay rent.
Section 20 of the RTA requires landlords to maintain rental properties and comply with health, safety, housing and maintenance standards. Tenants have LTB remedies where that obligation is breached. But unpaid rent can still support an N4 and rent-arrears application.
An LTB order may authorize remedies such as a rent abatement, work order or reimbursement depending on the evidence. Tenants should not award themselves an abatement in advance.
What should happen before an application?
The tenant should report the problem clearly in writing, allow lawful access and give the landlord a reasonable opportunity to respond where the situation is not urgent. Photographs, dates, temperatures, inspection reports and repair requests can be important.
What if the problem is urgent?
Loss of heat, water, electricity, a major leak or another safety hazard may require immediate contact with the landlord, municipality, utility or emergency service. The appropriate response depends on the risk.
Can the tenant pay for repairs and deduct the cost?
A tenant should not assume they can hire a contractor and deduct the invoice from rent without agreement or legal authority. Emergency facts may be relevant, but documentation and advice are important.
What should the tenant do?
- Report the issue in writing and keep a dated repair record.
- Allow lawful access for inspection and repairs.
- Continue paying lawful rent unless an authoritative order or specific legal advice says otherwise.
- Consider municipal property standards, a T6 application or licensed legal advice.
What should the landlord do?
- Acknowledge repair reports promptly and triage urgent hazards.
- Schedule qualified repairs and document access attempts and work completed.
- Do not retaliate against a tenant for asserting maintenance rights.
- Keep maintenance issues separate from rent-enforcement procedures.
Example
A tenant reports a leaking ceiling and the landlord does nothing for weeks. The tenant may have strong maintenance remedies, but stopping rent without an order can create a separate arrears case.
Related OHI guides and tools
Official sources
- Ontario Residential Tenancies Act, 2006
- Landlord and Tenant Board: Renting in Ontario
- Current LTB forms, instructions and filing information
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General information only: This article discusses Ontario residential tenancies and is not legal advice. Some rentals are exempt from all or part of the RTA. Outcomes depend on the facts and evidence. Rules and forms can change; verify current information with Tribunals Ontario or obtain advice from a licensed Ontario legal professional.