Ontario. Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing - Rental Housing Enforcement Unit

Responds to complaints from tenants or landlords and enforces the Residential Tenancies Act * works to get compliance with the Act with both parties * completes investigations of alleged offenders which may lead to prosecutions in the Ontario Court of Justice

Administers the provincial Maintenance Standards that apply to private rental residential units in the province not covered by municipal property standards by-laws * investigates and conducts site inspections for serious health and safety violations such as structural problems, inadequate heating, electrical problems, plumbing defects, and general maintenance concerns * issues work orders against landlords where violations are occurring * outstanding provincial work orders are forwarded to the Investigation Unit * educates and provides advice to landlords, tenants, municipalities, legal clinics and other agencies and internal clients * conducts information sessions to interested parties upon request