Under this new law it is very important if you have a bad landlord to organize a tenants' association in your building. The City of Toronto's Chief of Buildings' Inspections, said this was the only effective tool they had to get slum landlords to repair buildings. If the landlord did not repair the building, the rents would be frozen until they did. The Harris government has eliminated this, claiming that landlords will repair buildings anyways though the history of OPRI's proves otherwise. These are just a few of the issues that are now facing tenants.
Housing is regulated by the province and municipalities.
Rent increases are the jurisdiction of the province, and building standards are first the jurisdiction of the municipality but can also be taken to the provinces Ontario Rental Housing Tribunal for a fee. Document everything you can. Contact your neighbours. They may have similar problems. If you act together you will be more effective.