Hello! Appreciate any help here :))
I moved into my current unit in November 2025 on a 1-year lease (ending November 2026). I have strong rental history (10+ years, references, good credit) and moved here fairly quickly after my previous landlord sold their house.
The unit is the entire main floor of a house in Parkdale, with 3 units above and a few in the basement (separate entrance for basement tenants). I knew Parkdale wasn't the best neighbourhood, but my sister lives 5 minutes away and her street is great, so I wasn’t too concerned.
The unit itself is nice. The only downside I knew about was no in-unit laundry (shared basement laundry). When I viewed the unit, the realtor “forgot the key” to the laundry room. I didn’t think much of it at the time, but now I feel like that was misleading.
Since moving in, I’ve had increasing safety concerns, starting literally on move-in day with very heavy traffic in and out of the basement. Since then I’ve experienced:
- People regularly loitering on the front steps and around the property
- Being approached / startled when entering or leaving
- Yelling and disturbances at night
- Drug paraphernalia on the property and in the laundry area
- Not feeling safe using the laundry room at all (it’s also very small and not well maintained, and another tenant mentioned stolen clothes)
Other issues:
- Occasional cigarette/drug smoke coming into my unit
- A ceiling leak that went unanswered by the landlord
- No access to mailbox key (mailboxes get broken into, I rely on door slot)
- No window screens + no AC, which makes ventilation difficult in warmer months
As the weather gets better, everything seems to be getting worse. As a single woman living alone, I’m increasingly uncomfortable staying here.
I’m trying to understand my options:
- Can safety concerns like this justify breaking a lease early in Ontario?
- What would I potentially be liable for if I leave before my lease ends?
- Should I go through the LTB, or try to negotiate with my landlord first?
- Does documenting this (photos, etc.) actually help, even if it’s mostly just loitering/activity?
I’m considering starting to look for another place, but want to understand the risks before making a move.
TIA!