Your first stop for self-help is a review of our FAQs. Take a look at the ever increasing collection of questions asked by Ontario’s small-scale landlords as well as the actual answers provided by Landlord’s Self-Help Centre.
Landlords should approach these situations carefully and compassionately. While tenants are generally responsible for maintaining ordinary cleanliness, landlords also have maintenance obligations under the Residential Tenancies Act. Start by communicating respectfully with the tenant about the concerns and seeing whether family members, caregivers, or community supports are involved. If the condition of the unit creates serious health, safety, or damage concerns, legal steps may eventually be necessary. Landlords should first try to work collaboratively with the tenant, and document all concerns carefully. Try to accommodate your tenants according to his/her needs and document all your efforts to do so.
Yes, if the tenant is requesting your assistance and you agree to help. It is best to have clear written instructions from the tenant explaining what access is authorized and what you are expected to supervise. As the landlord, you should be careful not to handle the tenant’s personal property unless necessary and should maintain clear communication throughout the process.
Landlords have a duty to maintain the property safely, but tenants also have the right to make their own decisions regarding accessibility accommodations. You should discuss the risks with the tenant and keep written records of the conversation and the tenant’s request. If the ramp was installed as an accessibility accommodation, you may also wish to seek legal advice before removing it. Safety concerns should always be taken seriously, but landlords should avoid making assumptions about what a tenant with mobility issues wants or needs.
In this situation the only suggestion we have for you is to try contacting The Office of The Public Guardian and Trustee and see what they can do in this case. I’ve included the link to their website for more information,
https://www.attorneygeneral.jus.gov.on.ca/english/family/pgt/