My landlord won't replace the drafty windows - what are my rights as a tenant in Ottawa?

As a tenant in Ontario, you have specific rights regarding window conditions, but the situation depends on whether the windows create health and safety issues or just comfort concerns.

Under the Residential Tenancies Act (RTA), landlords must maintain rental properties in good repair and comply with health and safety standards. If your drafty windows are causing significant problems like ice buildup, mold growth, or making the unit impossible to heat to reasonable temperatures, this could violate the landlord's obligations. However, if the windows are simply older or less energy-efficient but still functional, this typically falls into a gray area.

Your first step should be documenting the issues - take photos of ice buildup, measure indoor temperatures, and keep records of unusually high heating bills. Contact your landlord in writing describing the specific problems and requesting repairs. If the windows are genuinely defective (broken seals, rotting frames, won't close properly), the landlord is more likely required to address these issues.

For Ottawa-specific guidance, you can contact the Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB) or Ottawa's Property Standards office if the window conditions affect habitability. The City of Ottawa Property Standards Bylaw requires rental properties to maintain reasonable indoor temperatures and prevent moisture problems. If informal discussions fail, you may need to file an application with the LTB for maintenance orders.

Keep in mind that energy efficiency upgrades (like replacing functional but drafty windows with modern triple-pane units) are generally considered improvements rather than repairs, which landlords aren't typically required to provide unless the existing windows are actually defective or creating health hazards.

Document everything in writing and consider seeking advice from Ottawa's legal aid services or tenant advocacy groups for guidance specific to your situation.