Ontario tenant maintenance disputes

Tenants can consider a T6 application for qualifying maintenance problems. Keep written repair requests, work orders, photographs and a chronological record. Not every inconvenience meets the legal requirements for a particular remedy.

Document the repair and keep paying lawful rent

Report the problem to the landlord, preferably in writing, and keep photos, dates, communications, inspection reports and receipts. The LTB warns tenants not to unilaterally withhold rent because a repair is outstanding: a landlord may start a non-payment case. If an alternative rent-payment arrangement is appropriate, first use the procedure authorized by the LTB.

Form T6 may seek repair orders, rent abatements and other evidence-supported remedies. If the problem has already been fixed, the official T6 instructions say the application must be made within one year after it was fixed. Ongoing issues require separate review of the facts and current filing rules.

Forms and practical next steps

Before acting

1. Check whether the rental law covers your kind of home.
2. Use the latest official form and make sure the legal reason on it fits your situation.
3. Check the LTB instructions for how and when to file, deliver papers and share evidence.
4. If you face eviction or a deadline is close, get help quickly.