Housing

Your home should be a safe and comfortable space for you and your family. But hidden problems—like mould, pests, or broken stairs—can sometimes threaten your health and safety. The good news? You can take simple steps to keep your home safe. 

How to spot and fix hazards in your home

Some hazards are easy to miss but can affect your health. Regularly check your home for these issues:

Check for air quality problems

• What to look for: Musty smells, damp areas, or peeling paint that could indicate mould.

• What to do: Clean small mouldy spots with household cleaners. For larger areas, call a professional.

Look for water damage

• What to look for: Stains, leaks, or soft spots on walls or ceilings.

• What to do: Fix leaks right away to stop mould and structural damage. Test your water if it smells or tastes strange.

Prevent pests from invading

• What to look for: Droppings, chewed wires, or small holes where pests might enter.

• What to do: Store food in sealed containers, clean up crumbs, and call pest control for severe problems.

Spot structural problems

• What to look for: Wobbly stairs, loose railings, or cracks in walls and ceilings.

• What to do: Fix small repairs yourself if safe to do so. For bigger jobs, like roof or plumbing issues, hire a professional.

Store household products safely

• What to look for: Cleaning supplies, paint, or chemicals stored where kids or pets can reach them.

• What to do: Keep these items in locked cabinets and follow safety instructions on the labels.

What should tenants do?

If you rent your home, it’s your landlord’s responsibility to fix hazards. Here’s what to do:

• Report problems right away. Use email or written letters to describe the issue clearly.

• Be specific. Explain what’s wrong and ask for a timeline for repairs.

• Keep records. Save emails, letters, and photos as proof in case you need to follow up later.

What if your landlord doesn’t fix the problem?

If your landlord doesn’t act, here’s how to proceed:

1. Remind them politely. Send a follow-up message and explain why the issue is urgent.

2. Document everything. Keep copies of photos and written communication.

3. Contact Property Standards. Call your city or town’s Property Standards Department for help.

4. Reach out to the Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB). If the problem still isn’t resolved, the LTB can help settle disputes between landlords and tenants.

When should you contact Property Standards?

Your city or town’s Property Standards Department ensures homes meet safety rules. Call them if you notice:

• Unsafe stairs, walls, or roofs

• Plumbing, heating, or electrical issues

• Mould, pests, or garbage buildup that isn’t being addressed

They’ll inspect the problem and work with landlords or homeowners to ensure repairs are made.

How can homeowners prevent hazards?

Taking care of your home regularly helps stop small problems from becoming big ones. Here’s how:

• Check your home annually. Look for leaks, mould, pests, or structural damage.

• Fix small problems quickly. Don’t wait to repair leaky faucets, cracked tiles, or loose railings.

• Test air quality. Use a radon test kit or hire a professional for peace of mind.

• Hire professionals when needed. For major issues like electrical work or roofing, bring in experts to do the job safely.

What to do next

• For tenants: Report hazards to your landlord. If they don’t act, contact Property Standards or the Landlord and Tenant Board.

• For homeowners: Use this guide to check for hazards and fix them before they grow.

• For landlords: Follow Ontario’s property standards to ensure your rental property is safe.

Have questions? Contact us at 1-800-922-0096 for advice and support.

Where can you learn more?

• Review Landlord and Tenant Board FAQs

• Guide to find and fix hazards in your home