Landlord maintenance responsibilities in Canada
Understand what landlords must maintain, from repairs and heat to plumbing, safety, pest issues, tenant duties, provincial differences, and complaint options.
Across Canada, landlords have a legal obligation to maintain their rental properties in a good state of repair. The specifics vary by province, but the core principle is consistent: tenants have the right to a safe, habitable home.
What Landlords Are Responsible For
Regardless of province, landlords are generally responsible for:
- Keeping the unit structurally sound, including the roof, walls, floors, and foundation
- Maintaining plumbing, heating, and electrical systems in working order
- Providing and maintaining essential services including heat, hot water, and electricity where included in the lease
- Addressing pest infestations
- Keeping common areas clean, safe, and well-maintained
- Ensuring smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms are present and functioning
Heat Requirements
In Ontario, landlords must provide heat from September 1 to June 15, and indoor temperatures must meet local standards. Similar requirements exist in other provinces. Check the specific rules in your province for minimum temperature standards.
Responding to Maintenance Requests
When a tenant reports a maintenance issue, landlords are expected to respond within a reasonable time. What counts as reasonable depends on the urgency of the issue. A broken heater in winter or a significant water leak requires urgent attention. A cosmetic issue or minor inconvenience allows more time.
Keep written records of every maintenance request and every action taken in response. This protects you if a dispute arises later.
What Tenants Are Responsible For
Tenants are generally responsible for:
- Keeping the unit clean and undamaged beyond normal wear and tear
- Replacing light bulbs and other minor consumables
- Reporting maintenance issues promptly so they don't worsen
- Any damage they or their guests cause to the unit
Provincial Differences
- British Columbia: Landlords must maintain the unit in a state of repair compliant with health, safety, and housing standards (Residential Tenancy Act, s. 32)
- Ontario: Landlords must keep the unit in a good state of repair fit for habitation and comply with health, safety, housing, and maintenance standards (Residential Tenancies Act, s. 20)
- Alberta: Landlords must ensure the premises meet health and housing standards as required under the Public Health Act (Residential Tenancies Act, s. 16)
- Quebec: Landlords must deliver the dwelling in good habitable condition and maintain it throughout the tenancy (Civil Code of Quebec, art. 1854)
- Manitoba: Landlords must maintain the rental unit in a good state of repair and comply with all health and safety standards
When Tenants Can Take Action
If a landlord fails to carry out necessary repairs after being notified, tenants in most provinces can file a complaint with the relevant provincial tribunal. In British Columbia that is the Residential Tenancy Branch, in Ontario the Landlord and Tenant Board, and in Alberta the Residential Tenancy Dispute Resolution Service.