Moving into or out of a rental in Ontario often means transferring, starting, or closing a hydro account. Knowing what to do can help prevent service interruptions, billing errors, and unexpected charges. As a tenant, you may need to contact the local electricity distributor or a licensed energy retailer, confirm who pays for hydro in your lease, and provide identification and move-in or move-out dates. This guide explains how to transfer hydro when renting in Ontario, what documents and forms you might need, when to notify your landlord, how to record meter readings, and how to avoid common billing problems during the tenancy or at the end of a lease. It also points to official Ontario tenancy and utility resources so you can act confidently and protect your rights as a renter.
Who is responsible for hydro in a rental?
Responsibility for hydro depends on your lease. Some landlords include utilities in the rent, while others require tenants to open and maintain hydro accounts in their own name. Review your rental agreement and ask your landlord to confirm whether hydro is tenant-paid or landlord-paid before you move in. If you are moving out, confirm who will be responsible for service after your move-out date.
Key documents and what to check
- Review your written lease for clauses that say "tenant pays" or "utilities included" and note the exact language.
- Ask the landlord for the previous hydro account name or account number if you need to confirm historical billing details.
- Confirm your move-in and move-out dates so you can schedule a service start, transfer, or end date without overlap or gaps.
How to transfer or close hydro when you move in or out
Follow these practical steps to start or transfer hydro service when moving into a rental, and to end your account when moving out.
- Contact the local electricity distributor or a licensed retailer to request a service start, transfer, or end date. Be ready to give the address, relevant move-in or move-out date, and identification.
- Request a specific activation date, ideally the day you move in, or an end date that matches your move out. Ask about any required lead time.
- Ask about security deposits, connection fees, billing cycles, and any other required costs when you arrange service.
- Record the initial meter reading when you move in and the final meter reading when you move out, or ask the provider to note the reading on the transfer confirmation.
- Save confirmation numbers and ask your landlord to confirm the account arrangements and responsibility for hydro in writing.
If utilities are included in rent
If your lease says utilities are included, confirm with the landlord whether the hydro account stays in the landlord's name or a master account is used. Ask for any billing details the landlord will use to calculate utility-inclusive rent, and keep that information with your lease records.
Common problems and how to avoid them
- Avoid starting or ending service late by contacting providers early and keeping confirmation numbers for all calls.
- If a previous tenant's bill appears, request billing history or meter evidence from the distributor and provide your lease dates and meter reading to help resolve responsibility.
- If the unit has habitability issues affecting utilities, such as no heat or hot water, contact your landlord promptly and document requests for repair.
Dealing with disputes about utility charges
If you and your landlord disagree about who should pay for hydro, keep written records of the lease terms, account transfer or end confirmations, meter readings, bills, and communications. If you receive a bill for service before your move-in date or after your move-out date, contact the provider and landlord to correct the billing and keep records of those contacts. If you cannot resolve the issue directly, the Landlord and Tenant Board handles tenancy disputes in Ontario[1] and the Residential Tenancies Act, 2006 explains legal rights and obligations[2].
FAQ
- Who is usually responsible for paying hydro in a rental?
- Responsibility depends on your lease: some landlords include hydro in the rent, while others require tenants to open and pay accounts in their own name.
- When should I contact the electricity provider?
- Contact the local electricity distributor or licensed retailer at least a few days before your move-in or move-out date to schedule activation, transfer, or the end of service and avoid service gaps or billing overlap.
- What if I receive a bill for service before my move-in or after my move-out?
- Keep your lease and account records, take or review the relevant meter reading, and contact the provider and landlord to correct the billing. If unresolved, consider filing an application with the Landlord and Tenant Board.
- Are there fees to transfer or start hydro service?
- Some distributors or retailers charge connection or security deposit fees. Ask about costs when you arrange service and request written confirmation.
How-To
- Contact your local electricity distributor or a licensed energy retailer to request starting, transferring, or ending service and provide the relevant move-in or move-out details.
- Schedule the activation or end date to match your move and request that a meter reading be recorded at the transfer or end of service.
- Confirm any deposits, connection fees, billing cycles, and whether the account needs a credit check or other documentation.
- Save confirmation numbers, take photos of meter readings, and ask your landlord to confirm account arrangements in writing.
- If a dispute arises, gather your lease, bills, meter records, and communications, then contact the Landlord and Tenant Board or consult the official resources listed below.
