Ontario Tenant Utilities FAQ: Rights & Responsibilities Explained

Understanding who pays for utilities and how services like electricity, heating, water, and internet work in Ontario rentals is crucial for tenants. Utility arrangements often affect your monthly costs, comfort, and even your rights under provincial law. This page answers frequently asked questions about utilities and services in Ontario rental units and guides you to practical solutions.

Who Is Responsible for Utilities in Ontario Rentals?

In Ontario, the responsibility for utilities—such as electricity, water, heat, and gas—depends on what your rental agreement (lease) states. Your landlord must indicate which utilities are included in the rent and which ones you are expected to pay for separately.

• If a utility is included in your rent, your landlord can’t ask you to pay extra for it unless your lease says so and you agree in writing.
• If you’re responsible for some or all utilities, make sure you set up accounts with each provider and pay bills on time to avoid disruptions.

For more, see What Tenants Need to Know After Signing the Rental Agreement.

Must My Rental Always Have Heating and Hot Water?

Yes. Ontario law requires landlords to provide adequate heating and hot water—even if tenants pay for utilities directly—unless a written agreement says otherwise. Between September 1 and June 15, minimum indoor temperatures must be maintained in accordance with municipal bylaws or the Residential Tenancies Act, 2006^[1].

Common Issues: High Bills, Disconnections, and Service Interruptions

Some tenants face unexpected high bills, service shutoffs, or interruptions. Here’s how to address them:

• High bills: Double-check your lease to see who is responsible. Contact your utility provider if the charges seem incorrect.
• Disconnections: If your landlord is responsible for a utility but hasn’t paid, you can contact the Landlord and Tenant Board. Tenants can apply using Form T2 (see below) if essential services are cut off.
• Interruptions (repairs or emergencies): Your landlord must restore services as soon as possible and keep you informed of planned or unavoidable disruption. For what to do about urgent problems, visit Emergency Situations and Repairs: Tenant Rights and Responsibilities.

Are Internet and Cable 'Essential Services'?

No. In Ontario, essential services generally include heat, hot or cold water, electricity, fuel, and gas. Internet and cable are not legally required, but many leases specify who pays or whether they’re included.

Key Forms for Resolving Utility Disputes

• T2: Application about Tenant Rights
  When to use: If your landlord has shut off (or threatens to shut off) an essential service you should have.
  Example: If your water or heat is turned off and the landlord is responsible for payment, submit Form T2 to the Landlord and Tenant Board. The form lets you claim compensation or request service restoration.
• T6: Tenant Application about Maintenance
  When to use: If your landlord refuses to repair or maintain utility-related equipment (e.g., broken heating system).
  Example: If your rental unit’s heating breaks and isn’t fixed promptly, use Form T6 to start the complaint process with the Landlord and Tenant Board.

The most up-to-date forms and instructions are available from the Landlord and Tenant Board’s official forms page.

Utility Billing, Rent Increases, and Deposits

Landlords can’t charge for utilities that are included in your rent unless your lease changes and you agree. If utilities are billed separately, your landlord must provide proof of costs if requested. For new rental units, landlords sometimes ask for a utility deposit if you’ll be opening your own account—learn more about deposits at Understanding Rental Deposits: What Tenants Need to Know.

Can My Landlord Increase My Rent to Cover Utility Cost Increases?

Not unless they provide proper written notice and follow legal rent increase limits set by Ontario legislation. If the arrangement changes (e.g., you start paying for utilities separately), a written agreement is required.

For More Information

• Read the Residential Tenancies Act, 2006
• Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB): Official resource for applications and dispute resolution
• Tenant Rights in Ontario: Overview of laws, rights, and obligations

To search for apartments that specify who pays for utilities, Browse apartments for rent in Canada on an interactive map.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Are landlords required to pay for heat in Ontario? Not always. Your lease must specify who pays. If your landlord is responsible, they must keep your home at the required minimum temperature.
2. Can a landlord shut off hydro, water, or heat for non-payment? No, landlords cannot cut essential services, even if you owe rent. They must apply to the Landlord and Tenant Board if there are payment issues.
3. What can I do if my landlord doesn’t fix the heat or hot water? Complete and submit Form T6 or contact your municipality’s bylaw enforcement for urgent repairs.
4. How do I file a complaint about a utility shutoff? Fill out Form T2 and file it with the Landlord and Tenant Board.

How To: Resolve a Utility Dispute in Ontario Rentals

1. How to check who is responsible for utilities: Review your lease or rental agreement for a section listing included services.
2. How to apply if your landlord shuts off an essential utility:
   • Step 1: Gather your lease agreement and any proof of service disruption (e.g., photos, bills).
   • Step 2: Visit the LTB Forms page and complete Form T2.
   • Step 3: Submit the completed form online, by mail, or in person and keep your confirmation number.
3. How to seek help if your heat or water isn’t working: Contact your landlord immediately in writing. If not fixed, contact municipal licensing/bylaw enforcement or file a T6 with the LTB.
4. How to prove your utilities are being handled incorrectly: Collect your lease, utility bills, and any written requests or landlord responses as evidence.

Key Takeaways

• Your lease or written rental agreement determines who pays for utilities in your unit.
• Essential services like heat, water, and power must be maintained according to the law.
• If your utilities are interrupted or you have a dispute, use the correct provincial forms and seek help quickly.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB): Applications, forms, and guides for tenant issues (1-888-332-3234)
• Ontario Tenant Rights Information: Government overview of rights and laws
• 211 Ontario: Find local housing help, legal clinics, and tenant support services

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1. ^[1] Section 21, Residential Tenancies Act, 2006

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