Water does not always announce itself with a burst pipe. A leak may begin behind a cabinet, under a sink, around a window or above a ceiling. Even if the area looks small, mention it as soon as you notice it. You do not need to know the cause before reporting it.

If water is actively spreading: Move away from any water near electrical outlets, appliances or wiring. Contact the landlord or property manager using the emergency maintenance instructions for the home. If there is an immediate threat to people or the building, call 911. Only turn off a water valve if you can reach it safely and know which one it is.

Early signs worth reporting

  • A drip, puddle or unexplained damp spot under a sink, around a toilet, near a water heater or beside an appliance.
  • A new yellow or brown mark, bubbling paint, peeling wallpaper or a soft-looking patch on a wall or ceiling.
  • A musty smell, damp carpet, swollen baseboard or flooring that feels unusually soft.
  • A faucet, toilet or appliance connection that keeps leaking after normal use.
  • Water entering near a window, exterior door, balcony or foundation after rain or snowmelt.

These signs do not confirm where the water is coming from. They are useful clues for the person arranging an inspection or repair.

What to include in your report

A short, specific message helps the right person understand what is happening and decide how quickly to respond. Include:

  1. Where it is: name the room and the nearest fixture, appliance, window or wall.
  2. What you see: describe a drip, stain, wet floor, smell or other change.
  3. When it started: say when you first noticed it and whether it is getting worse, staying the same or appearing only after rain or water use.
  4. Photos or a short video: take them from a safe, dry position and include a wider view so the location is clear.
  5. Any immediate impact: mention water near belongings, a light fixture, an outlet, a shared area or another room.
  6. How to reach you: share a phone number and times you can provide access, following the home’s usual entry arrangements.

Send the report through the contact method in your lease or property instructions. If the leak is active or worsening, call the emergency contact as well as sending a written message. Keep a copy of what you sent and any reply.

While you wait for help

If it is safe, move personal items away from the wet area and use a container or towel to catch a small drip. Do not touch wet electrical equipment, climb onto a wet or damaged surface, open a wall or ceiling, or attempt a plumbing repair unless the owner or a qualified professional has asked you to do so. Report any change, such as water spreading or the ceiling beginning to sag, right away.

For owners and property managers: close the loop

Acknowledge the message, ask for any missing details and let the resident know what happens next. Arrange an appropriate inspection or qualified repair, coordinate access, and keep a record of the report, photos, visits and follow-up. After the repair, check that the area is dry and the original concern has been addressed.

Ontario note: Where the Residential Tenancies Act applies, section 20 places responsibility on the landlord to maintain the rental complex and unit in a good state of repair and fit for habitation. Reporting a concern promptly helps the landlord respond; it does not require a tenant to diagnose or repair a hidden leak. Specific responsibilities can depend on the facts and the type of housing.

Official information

Read the Residential Tenancies Act, 2006, section 20 and Tribunals Ontario’s maintenance and repairs information for details about repair responsibilities.

This article provides general information only. It is not legal, insurance, plumbing or emergency advice. Follow the property’s emergency instructions and contact a qualified professional where needed.

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