What to do next
Put the request in writing and photograph everything
Email or letter, dated, describing the problem and asking for repair by a reasonable date. Photograph or film the condition with visible dates. Verbal requests are the reason most repair cases fail — there is nothing to prove.
Escalate to the municipality for health and safety issues
Property standards or by-law enforcement can inspect and issue an order, which becomes powerful evidence. For heat, water, mould, pests or electrical hazards this is often faster than a tribunal.
Apply to the tenancy tribunal
Ontario's Landlord and Tenant Board (a T6 application) or Quebec's Tribunal administratif du logement. They can order the repair, abate rent for the period you went without, and award damages. Free tenant duty counsel and legal clinics assist.
Do not withhold rent
Withholding is not a recognised remedy in most provinces and is grounds for eviction. The correct route is an abatement ordered by the tribunal, which achieves the same thing without putting your tenancy at risk.
Frequently asked questions
Can I stop paying rent until it's fixed?
No — that risks eviction. Apply for a rent abatement instead, which the tribunal can order retroactively for the period the unit was substandard.
Can I repair it myself and deduct the cost?
Only in narrow circumstances and generally with prior authorisation. Doing it unilaterally often ends with the landlord disputing both the need and the amount. Get advice first.
What if the landlord retaliates?
Retaliatory eviction and harassment are prohibited. If notice follows your complaint, say so at the hearing — the timing itself is evidence.
Does mould count?
Yes. Mould, pests, lack of heat or hot water and electrical hazards all engage the maintenance obligation, and usually also municipal property standards.
This is general information, not legal advice. Laws vary by location and every situation is different — speak with a qualified lawyer about your specific circumstances.