It’s understandable that tenants, especially those in social housing, sometimes worry about facing eviction or other negative actions from their landlord if they make a complaint or stand up for their rights – like requesting proper bed bug treatment. You might fear “revenge” or “reprisal.”
Reprisal is Illegal in Ontario
It’s very important to know that Ontario’s Residential Tenancies Act, 2006 (RTA) specific9ally prohibits landlords from retaliating against tenants for asserting their legal rights. This means your landlord cannot legally:
- Evict you
- Harass you
- Reduce services you normally receive
- Take any other negative action against you
…simply because you asked for repairs, filed an application with the Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB), contacted a tenants’ association, or otherwise tried to enforce your rights under the RTA. Taking such revenge is considered a serious offence under the law.
What Can You Do if You Suspect Reprisal?
If you believe your landlord is taking action against you because you asserted your rights, you can file an Application about Tenant Rights (Form T2) with the Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB). The LTB can investigate the situation and make orders to protect you if they find the landlord acted illegally. Keep records of any actions you believe are retaliatory, including dates, details, and any communication.
VERY IMPORTANT: Keep Paying Your Rent
Even if you have filed an application with the LTB about maintenance (like Form T6 for bed bugs) or about your rights (like Form T2 for reprisal), you must continue to pay your rent in full and on time every month.
- Filing an application does not give you the right to stop paying rent.
- Rent abatement (a refund) is something the LTB may order after a hearing, based on the evidence presented. It is not something you can deduct yourself beforehand.
- Paying your rent consistently is one of your key responsibilities as a tenant and strengthens your position.
Reassurance for Good Tenants
Tenants who pay their rent on time, follow the terms of their lease, avoid causing damage, and don’t disturb others are generally well-protected by the RTA. Asserting your legal rights in a respectful manner is not a valid reason for a landlord to end your tenancy. By fulfilling your responsibilities, especially paying rent, you significantly reduce any legitimate grounds a landlord might have for eviction, allowing you to focus on exercising your rights without undue fear.
Disclaimer: This information is for general guidance only and is not legal advice. Laws and procedures can change. For advice specific to your situation, contact a legal clinic, paralegal, lawyer, or tenant advocacy group familiar with Ontario’s Residential Tenancies Act and the LTB process.