Lead pipes and water testing for renters
If you rent, you can still find out whether your home has lead pipes and protect yourself while you wait for an answer. Start by asking your landlord, superintendent or property manager what the water pipes are made of. You can also take our free check, which shows what public data says about homes in your area.
On this page
Does my rental have lead pipes?
It depends on the age and size of the building.
- Houses and small buildings: lead service lines are most likely in homes built before the mid-1950s. The City of Hamilton says lead was used widely before 1955.[1]
- Apartment buildings: In Toronto, the City says lead pipes were not used in buildings with more than six units, whatever their age, because lead is too soft for the water pressure those buildings need.[2] Lead solder and older fixtures can still be a source in any building.
Only a look at the pipe and a test of the tap tell you for sure.
What to ask your landlord
Ask in writing, by email or text, so you both have a record.
- What is the water service pipe made of where it enters the building?
- Has the building been checked for lead pipes? In Hamilton, owners can ask the City for a free inspection.
- Has the water been tested for lead? If so, can you see the result?
- Are there plans to replace any lead pipes?
The City of Hamilton tells renters to call their landlord, superintendent or property management company about the pipes in their home or building.[1] The City of Toronto also suggests renters ask the property owner.[3]
In Hamilton, you can also ask whether your landlord got a lead letter from the City. In 2025, the City mailed lead awareness packages to 25,241 properties with a known lead service line, or built before 1955 with an unknown pipe type.[4]
A message you can send
Copy, fill in the brackets, and send it by email or text:
“` Hi [name],
I’d like to know more about the water pipes at [address]. Could you tell me:
- What the water service pipe is made of where it enters the building
- Whether the building has been checked for lead pipes
- Whether the water has been tested for lead, and if so, whether I can see the result
- Whether there are plans to replace any lead pipes
In Hamilton, the City offers owners a free inspection (905-546-2489) and a loan to help replace a lead service line.
Thanks, [your name] “`
Keep a copy of what you send and any reply.
Can I check the pipe myself?
If you can reach the basement where the water comes in, yes. A lead pipe is dull grey, soft, shows shiny metal when scratched, and a magnet will not stick to it.[5][6] Our lead pipes guide walks through each step. Ask your landlord first if the basement isn’t part of your unit.
Can I test my water?
You can have your tap water tested by a licensed lab. You take the sample at home and send or drop it off. See how to test your water for lead.
In Hamilton, the City says people in apartment buildings or private townhouse complexes who want lead testing need to contact their superintendent or property management company.[7]
In Toronto, the City’s free lead test is open to residents who live in homes built before the mid-1950s, not only owners. Register through 311.[2]
While you wait
These steps lower how much lead you drink:
- Use only cold water for drinking and cooking. Health Canada says hot water draws more lead from plumbing.[6]
- Run the cold tap before drinking if water has sat for several hours. Health Canada says run it until it is cold, about one minute. In Hamilton, the City advises at least five minutes for homes with a lead service pipe.[1]
- Use a filter certified for lead. Health Canada recommends a certified tap filter as a temporary step. See water filters for lead.
- Boiling does not remove lead.
In Hamilton, the City advises that children six and under, pregnant women and women planning a pregnancy use a filter certified to NSF/ANSI-53 for lead, or bottled water, for drinking and for making food, juice, coffee or tea.[1]
Feeding a baby? See babies and formula in our filters guide.
Filter help you can get as a renter
- Toronto: a rebate toward an NSF-053 filter or cartridges for residents with lead pipes, if there is a child under six or a pregnant woman in the home, the home is a single family home, duplex or triplex, and household income is under $50,000. Toronto Public Health also gives free filters to participants in the Canada Prenatal Nutrition Program.[3]
- Hamilton: the City’s filter kits are listed for homeowners.[4] Ask your landlord to request one (905-546-2489).
- Other cities: see the city table in water filters for lead.
Who pays to replace lead pipes?
Usually the property owner. The pipe on private property is the owner’s responsibility, and the City of Hamilton’s lead pipe loan is for property owners only.[1] As a tenant you can ask, share what you’ve learned, and point your landlord to the City’s help. See lead pipes in Hamilton.
If you and your landlord disagree
The Landlord and Tenant Board is the tribunal that resolves disputes between landlords and tenants in Ontario, and can explain your rights and responsibilities.[8] We can’t give legal advice. For help understanding a water test result, contact your local public health unit. In Hamilton, that is the Safe Water Info Line, 905-546-2189.
Sources
- City of Hamilton, Lead Water Service Replacement. Checked . ↩︎
- City of Toronto, Lead Testing for Residents. Checked . ↩︎
- City of Toronto, Lead in drinking water. Checked . ↩︎
- City of Hamilton, Corrosion Control Report 2025. Checked . ↩︎
- City of Greater Sudbury, How To Conduct a Scratch Test and What To Look For. Checked . ↩︎
- Health Canada, Drinking water: what about lead? Checked . ↩︎
- City of Hamilton, Lead in Your Drinking Water. Checked . ↩︎
- Government of Ontario, Renting in Ontario: your rights. Checked . ↩︎