Slip and Fall in an Apartment or Condo: Tenant Rights in Ontario

If you slip and fall in your apartment building or condo, you may be unsure who is responsible — your landlord, the condo corporation, property management, or someone else entirely.

Ontario law is clear: whoever controls and maintains the property must take reasonable steps to keep you safe. When they fail to do so and you’re injured, you may be entitled to compensation.

This guide explains your rights as a tenant, who may be at fault, and what to do after a slip and fall in a residential building.

Who Is Responsible for Your Safety in an Apartment or Condo?

Under Ontario’s Occupiers’ Liability Act, the party that “owns, controls, or maintains” the property must keep it reasonably safe.

Depending on the building, responsibility may fall on:

• The landlord
• The property owner
• The condo corporation
• The property management company
• Maintenance or cleaning companies
• Snow and ice removal contractors

In many cases, more than one party shares responsibility.

Where Slip and Falls Commonly Happen in Apartment and Condo Buildings

Slip and falls often occur in:

• Lobbies
• Hallways
• Stairwells
• Elevators
• Laundry rooms
• Parking garages
• Sidewalks and walkways
• Building entrances
• Garbage/recycling areas
• Patios and rooftop spaces

Common Causes of Slip and Falls in Residential Buildings

In apartment and condo complexes, slip and falls are often caused by:

• Wet floors in lobbies or hallways
• Snow and ice on walkways, stairs, or parking lots
• Poor lighting in corridors or stairwells
• Torn carpeting
• Cracked tiles
• Leaking pipes
• Spilled liquids left uncleane
• Loose handrails
• Uneven steps or flooring
• Maintenance neglect

Any of these hazards can make the landlord or condo corporation responsible.

Tenant Rights: What Ontario Law Requires

Tenants and condo residents have the right to:

• A safe, well-maintained living environment
• Proper snow and ice removal
• Adequate lighting in hallways and stairwells
• Regular inspections and repairs
• Prompt cleanup of spills, leaks, and hazards
• Safe common areas free from foreseeable dangers

Who Is at Fault? Understanding Liability

Liability depends on where the fall happened and who was responsible for that area.

1. Landlords (Apartment Buildings)

Responsible for all common areas, including:

• Entrances
• Hallways
• Parking lots
• Garbage rooms
• Shared facilities

2. Condo Corporations

Responsible for maintaining common elements, such as:

• Lobbies
• Elevators
• Pool or gym areas
• Walkways
• Exterior stairs

3. Property Management Companies

Often hired to perform:

• Daily maintenance
• Inspections
• Cleaning
• Repairs

4. Contractors

Liability may extend to:

• Cleaning companies
• Snow and ice removal contractors
• Repair/maintenance crews

Multiple parties can share responsibility in a single claim.

Snow and Ice Falls: Special Deadlines Apply

If you slipped outside the building due to snow or ice, Ontario’s 60-day notice rule applies.

If your fall happened on municipal property near the building (e.g., city sidewalk), the 10-day notice rule may apply instead.

What to Do After a Slip and Fall in Your Apartment or Condo

Act quickly to protect your health and your claim:

1. Get medical attention
2. Take photos and videos of the hazard and area
3. Report the incident to the landlord, superintendent, property manager, or condo board
4. Request an incident report
5. Collect witness information
6. Keep your footwear and clothing
7. Write down what happened
8. Save receipts and medical records
9. Speak to a lawyer before dealing with any insurance adjuster

What Compensation Can You Claim as a Tenant?

Tenants may be entitled to compensation for:

• Pain and suffering
• Lost wages
• Future income loss
• Medical and rehab expenses
• Out-of-pocket costs
• Housekeeping or home support
• Long-term disability benefits if you can’t return to work

When Should You Contact a Lawyer?

You should get legal advice right away if:

• You were injured
• The landlord or condo denies responsibility
• You slipped on snow, ice, or water
• There was poor lighting or a structural hazard
• You missed work because of the injury
• You’re unsure who is at fault
• You’re worried about meeting notice deadlines

Free Consultation: Apartment & Condo Slip and Fall Claims

You shouldn’t have to navigate landlord or condo insurance on your own. At Samfiru Tumarkin LLP,we can explain your rights and help you take the next steps.

• ✅ Free consultation
• ✅ No upfront fees
• ✅ Millions recovered for injured Canadians
• ✅ Canada’s most-reviewed personal injury and disability law firm

Speak to a Slip and Fall Lawyer in Ontario Today.