Sudden utility shutoffs—such as loss of heat, water, or hydro—can be distressing for tenants. In Ontario, there are clear rules protecting renters from utility disconnections initiated by landlords. Understanding key legal precedents, how to respond, and your rights under the law can help you protect your home’s safety and your well-being.

Utility Shutoffs: Tenant Rights and Legal Protections in Ontario

Ontario law requires landlords to provide vital services like heat, electricity, and water to their rental units. Shutting off utilities to force a tenant to move out or collect rent is strictly prohibited under the Residential Tenancies Act, 2006.^[1]

Key points include:

• Landlords cannot withhold or deliberately interrupt vital services
• Only utility companies can disconnect services, usually for non-payment by the customer
• Tenants may seek remedies through Ontario’s Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB)

Health and Safety Concerns

Utility shutoffs can quickly lead to health or safety risks in your home, especially during extreme weather. Loss of heat in winter, for example, may violate basic living standards, impacting your health. For more on maintaining safe living conditions, see Health and Safety Issues Every Tenant Should Know When Renting.

Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB) Rulings on Utility Shutoffs

The LTB has issued rulings confirming that landlords must not interfere with essential utilities. If a landlord disconnects utilities as a penalty or to pressure a tenant, it’s considered an unlawful act. LTB decisions have awarded tenants remedies such as rent abatements, compensation, or orders to restore services.

• Example Case: The LTB has penalized landlords who shut off electricity due to missed rent, ordering them to immediately restore the service and compensate the affected tenants.
• Decisions vary, but past cases stress the importance of prompt tenant action if utilities are shut off.

These cases reinforce that tenants should not attempt to restore utilities themselves but should start the complaint process right away.

Applicable Legislation

• Section 21 of the Residential Tenancies Act, 2006: Requires landlords to keep the premises in a good state of repair and supply vital services as agreed.^[1]
• Section 33 and 36: Make it an offence for landlords to withhold reasonable supply of vital services.

Summary: Multiple LTB decisions show Ontario tenants are strongly protected against landlord-initiated shutoffs of heat, water, or electricity. Fast legal remedies are available.

What To Do If Your Utilities Are Shut Off

If your landlord cuts off your utilities (not due to a scheduled utility company interruption or emergency), you have legal options. Here’s what to do:

• Contact your landlord in writing requesting immediate restoration of the service
• Keep a record (emails, texts, photos) of the loss of service and any impacts
• If the service is not restored quickly, you may apply to the LTB for an urgent hearing

Relevant LTB Form: T2 - Application About Tenant Rights

• Form name: T2 Application About Tenant Rights
• When to use: If your landlord shuts off (or threatens to shut off) a vital service such as water, heat, or electricity
• How to use: Fill out the T2 form, describe the utility shutoff and its effects, and file with the LTB

For details on ongoing responsibilities after moving in, see Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained.

Understanding Your Ongoing Rights and How To Prevent Problems

Staying informed about your rights and obligations helps prevent utility disputes. Review your tenancy agreement to confirm who is responsible for each utility. If you pay utilities directly, stay current with the provider. If the landlord pays, they are responsible for maintaining the service uninterrupted unless repairs or emergencies require temporary shutoff.

Read more about Tenant Rights in Ontario for comprehensive coverage of legal protections and processes.

If you’re seeking a better rental fit, Find rental homes across Canada on Houseme.

FAQ: Utility Shutoffs in Ontario Rentals

1. Can my landlord legally shut off my utilities if I’m behind on rent?
   No. Your landlord cannot legally disconnect utilities for non-payment of rent. Only utility companies may stop service, and usually only if payments to them are missed.
2. What should I do immediately if my landlord cuts off my heat or water?
   Notify your landlord in writing, document everything, and make a T2 application to the LTB if service isn’t restored promptly.
3. If my utilities are included in rent, who is responsible for outages?
   The landlord is responsible for maintaining the service, except for unavoidable utility company outages or emergency repairs.
4. What types of compensation can the LTB order for illegal shutoffs?
   The LTB may order rent abatements, financial compensation, or even fines against the landlord, and can require service restoration.
5. Where can I find the official T2 application form?
   Download it directly from the LTB’s forms page.

Key Takeaways

• Landlords in Ontario cannot lawfully disconnect utilities as a penalty
• The LTB offers clear remedies—act quickly if you experience a shutoff
• Know your rights to stay protected and prevent future disputes

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB) – File applications, download forms, or ask about urgent hearings
• CLEO (Community Legal Education Ontario) – Guides and fact sheets for tenants
• Contact your local legal clinic or municipality’s bylaw office in urgent health and safety cases
• Review Tenant Rights in Ontario for a province-wide overview of laws and supports

---

1. Residential Tenancies Act, 2006 (Ontario)
2. Ontario Landlord and Tenant Board

Categories

Tenant Rights & Responsibilities Rent & Deposits Leases & Agreements Moving In / Out Maintenance & Repairs Evictions Roommates & Shared Housing Discrimination & Accessibility Utilities & Services Affordable Housing & Subsidies Dispute Resolution & LTB Safety & Security Privacy & Entry by Landlord Special Tenancy Situations Tenant Insurance & Liability Post-Eviction Resources Landlord Compliance & Penalties Legal Precedents & Case Summaries Mental Health & Tenancy