Something gone wrong?
My landlord won't make repairs
First, put the request in writing and keep a copy — the maintenance route runs on documentation. Second, use the official application for your province rather than taking matters into your own hands. Third, be careful about withholding rent: it feels like leverage, but it can turn a repair problem into a non-payment problem.
Think twice before withholding rent
Not paying rent to force repairs is risky. In most provinces it is not a protected self-help remedy, and it can expose you to a non-payment notice even when the repairs are genuinely the landlord's responsibility. The dependable route is the maintenance application, which can order the repairs done.
The maintenance route, by province
Ontario
File a T6 (Application About Maintenance) with the LTB. Tenant application fees are "$53 or $48 through the Tribunals Ontario Portal." A fee waiver exists, and LTB fees are non-refundable.
British Columbia
Apply to the Residential Tenancy Branch for dispute resolution — a $100 application for landlord or tenant dispute resolution.
Alberta, Quebec & Manitoba
Each has its own maintenance route: Alberta through the RTDRS or court, Quebec through the TAL, and Manitoba through the Residential Tenancies Branch. Start with your province's tribunal (linked below) for the current application and fee.
Other provinces
Maintenance and repair applications differ across the other provinces and are handled by each provincial tribunal. Start with yours for the current application, fee, and any abatement route.
Common Questions
What can I do if my landlord won’t make repairs in Ontario?
The official route is a T6 (Application About Maintenance) to the Landlord and Tenant Board, which costs $53 or $48 through the Tribunals Ontario Portal. Put your repair requests in writing first and keep copies — the paper trail is what the application relies on.
Can I withhold rent until repairs are done?
Withholding rent is risky and generally not a safe self-help remedy: not paying rent can expose you to a non-payment notice, even where repairs are genuinely outstanding. The reliable route is the maintenance application to your provincial tribunal, which can order repairs and, in some cases, a rent abatement.
How does this work outside Ontario?
In BC you apply for dispute resolution (a $100 application). Other provinces have their own maintenance route through their residential-tenancy tribunal. The tribunal for your province is linked on this page.
Where to go from here
Guidepost is not a law firm, and this is general information, not legal advice. Maintenance obligations and the right route depend on your province and facts — for advice, contact your provincial tribunal or a legal clinic. Full disclaimer. Last updated: July 2026.