Does a seller have to fix things in the home before closing in Ontario?

It depends entirely on what the Agreement of Purchase and Sale says. Most Ontario residential sales include an "as is, where is" clause, meaning the buyer accepts the property in its current condition and the seller has no general obligation to make repairs. Buyers protect themselves by making the offer conditional on a satisfactory home inspection.

However, if specific repairs were negotiated as a condition of the deal — for example, the seller agreed in a schedule to repair a leaking roof or replace a furnace — those obligations are binding. Failing to complete agreed repairs before closing gives the buyer grounds to refuse to close or to seek a price reduction.

The seller is also obligated not to alter the property materially between the date of the offer and closing without the buyer's consent. Removing fixtures or appliances included in the sale, making unauthorized changes, or allowing damage to occur are breaches of the APS. Do not start renovations or remove items listed in the offer after signing — check with your lawyer first if you are unsure about any item's status.