A Tenants RoadMap — Supporting Tenants Dealing With Landlord Challenges

Introduction — Tenant Roadmap (Greater Sudbury, Ontario)

This roadmap is a practical orientation guide for tenants navigating issues with their landlord, particularly when the habitability or safety of a rental unit is affected (for example: pests, infestations, lack of repairs, or unsafe conditions).

The purpose of this roadmap is to remove confusion and fear by clearly outlining:

  • who to contact,

  • in what order,

  • and how to document concerns so they are taken seriously by third-party authorities and decision makers.

Following this process helps ensure that tenant concerns are addressed through lawful, regulated channels rather than informal conflict, emotional escalation, or social media disputes. Each step includes the appropriate Greater Sudbury and Ontario contacts, with phone numbers, emails, and websites.

1. Notify Your Landlord in Writing

Goal: Create a dated, factual record that the issue has been reported.

Instructions:

  • Notify your landlord or property manager in writing (email is preferred).

  • Clearly describe the issue, when it started, and how it affects the unit.

  • Attach photos or videos where possible.

  • Keep the tone factual and unemotional.

  • Save a copy of the email and any replies.

This written notice is the foundation of your documentation if the issue escalates.

2. Document Everything

Keep a record that includes:

  • Dates and times issues are observed

  • Photos and videos

  • Screenshots of messages

  • Copies of emails or letters sent to the landlord

  • Notes of any conversations or inspections

This documentation becomes your evidence if municipal enforcement or the Landlord and Tenant Board becomes involved.

3. Municipal Enforcement — City of Greater Sudbury (Property Standards / By-Law)

If the landlord does not address the issue within a reasonable timeframe, tenants can contact the City of Greater Sudbury to request an inspection.

City of Greater Sudbury – By-Law / Property Standards
Phone: 311 (local) or 705-671-2489 (long distance)
Email: 311@greatersudbury.ca
Service portal: https://311.greatersudbury.ca/
Mailing address: PO Box 5000, Station A, 200 Brady Street, Sudbury, ON P3A 5P3

Municipal enforcement officers can:

  • Inspect rental units and buildings

  • Issue orders to comply with property standards

  • Require landlords to address unsafe or unsanitary conditions

Inspection reports and orders create independent, third-party verification that strengthens a tenant’s position if the matter continues.

4. Public Health — Sudbury & Districts Public Health

If the issue poses a health risk (for example, pest infestations, sanitation concerns, or conditions affecting multiple units), tenants may also contact Public Health.

Sudbury & Districts Public Health
Phone: 705-522-9200
Website: https://www.phsd.ca/

Public Health can:

  • Assess environmental health concerns

  • Provide guidance or directives related to health hazards

  • Create additional documentation supporting the seriousness of the issue

5. Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB) — Ontario

If the issue remains unresolved, tenants may file an application with the Landlord and Tenant Board, the provincial tribunal that resolves landlord-tenant disputes under the Residential Tenancies Act.

Landlord and Tenant Board – Ontario
Toll-free phone: 1-888-332-3234
Toronto phone: 416-645-8080
Email: LTB@ontario.ca
Website and forms: https://tribunalsontario.ca/ltb/

LTB Regional Office (North)
199 Larch Street, Suite 301
Sudbury, ON P3E 5P9

Common applications include:

  • T6: Tenant application about maintenance (used for issues such as infestations or lack of repairs)

  • T2: Tenant application about tenant rights (used if harassment, retaliation, or interference occurs)

  • T1: Tenant application for a rebate (used if the tenant paid for repairs or pest control themselves)

Tenants should not withhold rent on their own. Rent abatements and remedies are ordered by the LTB.

6. Sudbury Community Legal Clinic

Tenants who need help understanding their rights or completing Landlord and Tenant Board forms can contact the local legal clinic.

Sudbury Community Legal Clinic
Phone: 705-674-3200
Toll-free: 1-800-697-8719
Address: 40 Elm Street, Elm Place, Unit 272, Sudbury, ON P3C 1S8
Website: https://www.sudburylegalclinic.com/

The clinic provides legal information, assistance with forms, and help preparing for hearings.

7. 211 Ontario — Community Resource Referrals

211 Ontario provides referrals to community and social services.

Phone: 2-1-1
Website: https://211ontario.ca/

8. Safety and Non-Emergency Contacts

Greater Sudbury Police Service (non-emergency)
Phone: 705-675-9171
Website: https://www.gsps.ca/

Emergency situations should always be directed to 911.

Summary of the Tenant Roadmap

  1. Notify the landlord in writing

  2. Document everything

  3. Contact City of Greater Sudbury By-Law / Property Standards

  4. Contact Sudbury & Districts Public Health if health concerns exist

  5. File the appropriate application with the Landlord and Tenant Board

  6. Seek assistance from the Sudbury Community Legal Clinic if needed

This process protects tenants by ensuring concerns are addressed through regulated, documented, and lawful channels.