If your landlord won't fix maintenance problems in your Ontario rental, you have the legal right to file a T6 — Tenant Application about Maintenance with the Landlord & Tenant Board.
What Qualifies as a Maintenance Issue?
Your landlord is responsible for maintaining the unit to Ontario's standards. Common T6 issues include:
- Mold or mildew — especially in bathrooms, basements, or around windows
- Pest infestations — cockroaches, bed bugs, mice, rats
- Heating problems — no heat or insufficient heat (minimum 20°C Sept 15 - June 1)
- Plumbing issues — leaks, no hot water, broken toilets
- Broken appliances — if included in the lease (fridge, stove, dishwasher)
- Structural problems — holes in walls, broken windows, damaged floors
- Safety hazards — broken locks, missing smoke detectors, exposed wiring
Before You File: Give Written Notice
The LTB expects you to give your landlord a chance to fix the problem. Send a written notice (email or letter) that includes:
- The specific problem
- When it started
- How it affects you
- A reasonable deadline to fix it (7-14 days for most issues)
Keep a copy. This becomes evidence for your T6 application.
How to File Your T6
- Complete the T6 form — LTB Ready generates it in minutes
- Pay the filing fee — $48 online / $53 by mail
- File online at tribunalsontario.ca
- Serve a copy on your landlord
- Attend your hearing (3-4 weeks later)
Gathering Evidence
Strong evidence wins T6 cases. Collect:
- Photos and videos with timestamps (date-stamped phone photos are fine)
- Written complaints to your landlord (emails, texts, letters)
- Municipal inspection reports (call your city's property standards department)
- Doctor's notes if the issue affects your health (e.g., mold, pests)
- Receipts for any expenses caused by the issue (e.g., pest spray, portable heater)
What Can the LTB Order?
If the LTB finds your landlord hasn't maintained the unit, they can order:
- Repairs: Specific work to be done by a deadline
- Rent abatement: Reduction in rent for the period the problem existed
- Compensation: Reimbursement for out-of-pocket expenses
- Authorization to repair: Permission to fix it yourself and deduct from rent
Generate Your T6 in Minutes
LTB Ready asks simple questions about your situation and generates a correctly completed T6 application. No legal knowledge required.