7 Maintenance Requests You Should Never Ignore
By Solutions Property Management — Fri Mar 06 2026
Quick answer
Landlords in Hamilton, Ontario, should never ignore maintenance requests involving water leaks, no heat, gas smells, non-working safety alarms, security issues, sewage backups, or electrical problems. Prompt action and professional help are crucial to prevent larger issues, ensure tenant safety, and avoid significant financial and legal liabilities.
Most maintenance is boring — replace a fill valve, tighten a hinge, swap a light. The seven below aren't. Ignore any of them and you're rolling dice with your insurance premium and, in some cases, your tenant's health.
1. Any water where it shouldn't be. Ceiling stain, damp baseboard, condensation on a cold pipe. Water damage compounds. What's a $200 fix today is a $12,000 mold remediation in six months.
2. No heat in a heating month. In Ontario, landlords must maintain 20°C between September 1 and June 15. If a tenant reports no heat and you can't fix it same-day, put them in a hotel. That's cheaper than the LTB order.
3. Any smell of gas. Call Enbridge. Do not send a handyman. Do not text your tenant "try opening a window."
4. Non-working smoke or CO alarms. These aren't optional. Fine per unit under the Ontario Fire Code is significant, and the liability if someone gets hurt is unlimited.
5. A dead lock or exterior door that won't secure. Same-day fix. The tenant has a right to secure the unit.
6. Sewage backup. Bio-hazard, insurance claim, hotel voucher. Don't try to DIY this one.
7. Anything electrical that sparks, smells, or trips repeatedly. Licensed electrician, same-day. Old aluminum wiring and overloaded panels are how buildings burn down.
The pattern here: fast triage, licensed trades, documented response. Save the receipts. If you ever end up at the LTB, "we responded within 4 hours and here's the invoice" is a very different case than "we'll get to it next week."
Frequently asked questions
What maintenance issues in Hamilton, Ontario, should landlords prioritize for immediate attention?
Landlords in Hamilton, Ontario, must immediately address water leaks, lack of heat during heating months, gas smells, non-functioning smoke or CO alarms, insecure exterior doors, sewage backups, and any sparking or problematic electrical issues. Ignoring these can lead to significant safety risks and financial liabilities.
What are the rules for providing heat to tenants in Ontario?
In Ontario, landlords are required to ensure the rental unit maintains a temperature of at least 20°C between September 1 and June 15. If a tenant reports no heat and a same-day fix isn't possible, providing a hotel stay is a recommended solution to avoid potential LTB orders.
How should a landlord respond to a tenant reporting a gas smell?
If a tenant reports a gas smell, the landlord must immediately contact Enbridge. Do not attempt to fix it yourself, send an unqualified person, or advise the tenant to open windows. This is a critical safety issue requiring immediate professional attention.
What are the consequences of not maintaining smoke and CO alarms in Ontario rental properties?
Not maintaining working smoke and CO alarms in Ontario rental units carries significant penalties under the Ontario Fire Code. Beyond fines, landlords face unlimited liability if a tenant is injured due to a non-functional alarm. These safety devices are mandatory and not optional.