In Ontario there are two main routes against a landlord: the Rental Housing Enforcement Unit (RHEU) when something may be an offence, and the Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB) when you want an order, such as repairs or a rent reduction.
Step 1: Put the Problem in Writing
The province's first step is to tell your landlord about your concern. Put it in writing, keep copies of your requests and their responses, and note dates. This record becomes your evidence later.
Step 2: Call the RHEU if It May Be an Offence
If you cannot resolve it, check whether the issue is an offence under the Residential Tenancies Act, 2006, then call the Rental Housing Enforcement Unit at 416-585-7214 or toll-free 1-888-772-9277. You must give your name and contact details, because the unit does not take anonymous complaints.
- The RHEU first assesses whether it is an offence.
- If so, it can contact the other party (with your consent), send a letter outlining options, follow up, and may open a formal investigation that can lead to charges.
- If it is not an offence, it explains your rights and refers you to the LTB or another agency.
- Convictions can bring fines of up to $100,000 for individuals and $500,000 for corporations.
Step 3: File With the LTB: T2 or T6?
| Form | Use it when |
|---|---|
| T2 Application about Tenant Rights | Your landlord, their agent or the superintendent: entered the unit illegally; changed the locks without giving you keys; substantially interfered with your reasonable enjoyment; harassed, coerced, obstructed, threatened or interfered with you; or withheld or interfered with vital services. |
| T6 Tenant Application about Maintenance | The landlord has not repaired or maintained the unit or building, or has not met health, safety, housing or maintenance standards. |
Fee: $53 per application, or $48 if you file through the Tribunals Ontario Portal. Extra units are $5 each up to $450. If you cannot afford it, submit a Fee Waiver Request. The Board will not process an application without the fee.
What You Can Ask For on a T6
The T6 lists nine remedies, including a rent abatement, repayment of out-of-pocket expenses or damaged property, an order that the landlord do repairs, permission to do necessary work and recover the cost, a bar on rent increases until serious problems are fixed, or ending the tenancy. The Board may order a different remedy than the one you select.
After You File
Complete all four parts of the form, pay the fee when you file, and the Board sends a Notice of Hearing with the time and location. Questions: LTB at 416-645-8080 or 1-888-332-3234 (tribunalsontario.ca/ltb). Hearing waits are long right now, so file early and see Ontario LTB Backlog 2026. Filing deadlines can apply to some applications, so confirm timing with the LTB before you wait. More in our Landlord & Tenant Complaint Guide and Ontario Complaint Guide.
Draft your landlord letter or LTB application summary.
Draft It With Asya →Frequently Asked
RHEU or LTB: which one first?
If the problem may be an offence (for example, illegal entry or lock changes), the RHEU can step in without an application. If you want an order such as repairs or compensation, file with the LTB. You can also contact the RHEU while preparing an LTB application.
How much does it cost to file?
A T2 or T6 costs $53, or $48 through the Tribunals Ontario Portal, with a fee waiver available.
Can I complain anonymously?
Not to the RHEU. It does not take anonymous complaints.
Do I need a lawyer?
No. Tenants can file the forms themselves, and community legal clinics can help.
Sources & Verification
Figures and contacts in this article come from official sources:
- Ontario.ca: Solve a disagreement with your landlord or tenant
- Tribunals Ontario: Form T2
- Tribunals Ontario: Form T6
General information, not legal advice. Details and deadlines can change, so confirm with the agency before acting. Learn more about how ComplaintCA verifies information on our About page.