What should a landlord do when a rental basement floods in Toronto?

• PowerIf water has risen above outlets or near the panel, call Toronto Hydro to shut the power off. Keep everyone away from electrical equipment, and have a licensed electrical contractor check for hazards before it goes back on.
• DrainsIf it looks like a sewer back-up, stop using toilets and sinks. Water sent down the drain can come back up in the basement.
• GasFlood water can put out a pilot light. If anyone smells gas, everyone leaves and the gas company is called.
• 311Report the flooding. The City investigates whether its sewer is involved and keeps a record of the call and the findings.
• PhotosPhotograph the damage and keep receipts for emergency repairs and clean-up.

Section 26 of the Residential Tenancies Act allows entry without written notice in cases of emergency, and Roundhouse handles water coming into a unit now as one.

The City says that where flooding comes from a blocked private drainpipe, leaking foundation walls or poor lot drainage, the property owner is responsible for the repairs and any damage that follows. Toronto's property standards by-law requires foundation walls and basements to be kept in good repair and to keep out moisture that would cause damage (section 629-16), and requires downpipe water to be directed so it does not cause damage (629-20).

Section 20 of the Residential Tenancies Act makes the landlord responsible for keeping the unit in a good state of repair and fit for habitation. For sewage, the City recommends a professional cleaning company, and says drywall and insulation contaminated with sewage or flood water should be removed and discarded.

The Basement Flooding Protection Subsidy Program is open to registered owners of single-family, duplex, triplex and fourplex homes in Toronto. Since May 1, 2026, it pays up to $6,650 per property for eligible work completed on or after November 12, 2025, at up to 80 per cent of the invoiced cost for each item:

• a home plumbing assessment
• up to two backwater valves, with alarms
• a sump pump, alarm and battery backup
• severing and capping the storm sewer or weeping tile connection

The conditions that trip applications up:

• Every contractor and subcontractor on the job must hold a valid City of Toronto business licence at the time of the work. Check before work starts.
• The downspouts must already be disconnected from the City sewer, unless the City has granted an exemption.
• A backwater valve needs a building permit and an inspection before it is covered.
• Invoices must be itemized, name each licensed contractor, and be marked "paid in full".
• Applications go in within two years of the work.

The registered owner applies, not the tenant or the property manager.

Roundhouse traces where the water came in before anyone quotes the fix, and drain work is done by licensed drain contractors. If the owner plans to apply for the subsidy, say so when you send the job, so the licence check and the invoice details the City asks for are settled before work starts. See basement leaks and waterproofing, plumbing and drains or request work.