Can my tenant force me to replace drafty windows?

In Ontario, yes — your tenant has legal grounds to demand window repairs or replacement if the drafts are affecting habitability. Under the Residential Tenancies Act (RTA), landlords are required to maintain rental units in a good state of repair and fit for habitation, regardless of what the lease says.

What the law requires from you as a landlord is that windows must be weathertight and properly sealed. Drafty windows that cause cold air infiltration, moisture problems, or unreasonable heating costs can constitute a maintenance failure under Ontario law. Your tenant can file a complaint with the Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB) if the issue isn't addressed, and the LTB can order repairs, rent abatements, or other remedies.

The practical threshold matters here. A minor draft that doesn't significantly affect comfort is different from windows that are visibly failing — cracked seals, broken weatherstripping, frost on interior glass, or air gaps you can feel with your hand. The more severe the draft, the stronger your tenant's case. Ottawa winters make this especially serious, since a drafty window in January isn't just uncomfortable — it's a genuine habitability issue.

From an Ottawa climate perspective, older windows in rental properties are frequently the culprit. Single-pane aluminum windows, aging vinyl with failed seals, or original wood windows from the 70s and 80s are common in Ottawa rental stock and often well past their useful life. Replacing them isn't just a legal obligation in many cases — it reduces your tenant's heating costs and protects your property from moisture damage.

Your best move is to act proactively. Get a professional assessment of the windows so you have documentation of their actual condition. This protects you legally and gives you a clear picture of whether repair (new weatherstripping, recaulking) or full replacement is the right call. In many cases, a full replacement is more cost-effective long-term than repeated repairs on aging windows.

For a free assessment of your rental property's windows, Ottawa Window Pros offers free estimates — it's a good starting point before any LTB situation escalates.