Maintaining property

The landlord is responsible for providing and maintaining the rental property: The landlord is responsible for ensuring that the rental unit is in good repair and meets all health and safety standards. The landlord must make repairs as necessary and keep the property in a state that is fit for the tenant to live in.

Vital services

The landlord cannot withhold vital services: This includes services such as heating, electricity, and water, which are necessary for the tenant to live in the rental property. The landlord must provide these services and cannot interfere with them in any way, even if there are disputes or financial issues.

Interference of enjoyment

The landlord must not interfere with the tenant's enjoyment of the property: The landlord cannot harass, obstruct, coerce, threaten or interfere with the tenant's peaceful enjoyment of the rental property. This includes allowing the tenant to use the property for all usual purposes of their household.

Change of locks

The landlord cannot change the locking system without giving keys to occupants: The landlord must provide keys to the tenant for any new locks installed on the rental property.

Entrance of unit

• The landlord may enter the rental unit in certain situations:

  • The landlord may enter the rental unit in the case of an emergency,

  • with the tenant's consent, or

  • for specific reasons as outlined in the tenancy agreement.

  • If the landlord wants to enter the rental unit for any other reason, they must provide written notice to the tenant at least 24 hours in advance.

  Enforcement of landlord responsibility:

  If the landlord fails to fulfill their obligations, the tenant can take legal action against them.

  The tenant may seek an order from the court requiring the landlord to:

  • comply with their responsibilities,

  • return any property belonging to the tenant,

  • pay for damages or expenses caused by their negligence, or

  • pay an administrative fine.

Ontario Residential tenancy act Pt II (1-27)