Top 50 Questions: Utilities & Services for Ontario Tenants

Utilities & Services Ontario published June 26, 2025 Flag of Ontario
Who is responsible for paying for utilities in my rental unit?
Responsibility depends on your lease. If your lease says you're responsible, you must pay. Otherwise, the landlord pays by default.
Can my landlord increase utility charges during my tenancy?
Only if your lease allows it or if you agree in writing. Otherwise, charges can't increase without your consent.
My landlord suddenly wants me to start paying for utilities. Is this allowed?
No. Your responsibility can't change unless you agree in writing.
Are utilities included in the rent by default in Ontario?
Not by default. Check your lease to see if utilities are included.
What happens if I don't pay my share of the utilities?
Your landlord may treat it as unpaid rent and apply to the Landlord and Tenant Board for eviction.
Can the landlord cut off any utilities?
No. Landlords cannot shut off or interfere with utilities per the Residential Tenancies Act, 2006.
What should I do if my landlord threatens to disconnect utilities?
Contact the Landlord and Tenant Board or file a T2 form to report illegal interference with vital services.
View Form T2
Which board handles utility complaints in Ontario rentals?
The Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB) handles residential tenancy and utility issues.
What is considered a "vital service" under Ontario law?
Heat, electricity, fuel, gas, water, and hot water are vital services.
What do I do if my landlord provides utilities and the service stops?
Notify your landlord and, if not resolved, file a T2 form with the Board.
T2 Application
Can my landlord make me sign a new lease to pay for utilities?
No, unless you voluntarily agree. You can't be forced to change lease terms.
How much notice must a landlord give before changing utility arrangements?
Changes to utilities require your written consent—notice alone is not enough.
Am I responsible for utilities if I'm subletting?
Only if your sublet agreement says so. Otherwise, primary lease rules apply.
What if my roommate doesn’t pay their share of the utilities?
If the account is in your name, you are responsible to the utility company.
My landlord won’t fix the heating. What are my options?
You can file a T2 form for interference with vital services.
T2 Form
Is air conditioning a vital service?
No, air conditioning is not listed as a vital service under Ontario law.
Who pays for repairs if a utility appliance breaks, like a furnace?
The landlord is responsible for repairs to provided appliances.
Can a landlord charge me for water if it wasn't in the lease originally?
No, unless you agree in writing to take on the cost.
Are there rules around how much heat my landlord must provide?
Yes. Between Sept 1 and June 15, the unit must be at least 20°C, unless a higher temperature is set by city by-laws.
What if the hydro bill is in the landlord’s name but not paid?
Contact the utility company and file a complaint with the Board if vital services are disconnected.
Can I get compensation if my landlord cuts off a vital service?
Yes. File a T2 application for possible compensation or rent reduction.
T2 Form
Is my landlord required to snow-clear or maintain walkways?
Usually yes, unless the lease says otherwise. Check your agreement.
Who handles garbage collection service?
Landlords must ensure garbage removal unless your lease assigns responsibility to you.
Do I have to set up utility accounts in my name?
Only if your lease requires you to pay for utilities directly.
What forms do I use to file a complaint about utilities?
Use Form T2: Application about Tenant Rights to report service interruptions.
See T2 Form
What if my landlord increases rent because utilities have become more expensive?
Rent increases must follow legal guidelines, and not be due to utility cost increases alone.
Can my landlord install a separate utility meter and make me pay?
Only with your written consent or on a new lease agreement.
What notice must be given for scheduled utility interruptions?
Landlords should provide reasonable advance written notice for planned outages.
Is the landlord responsible for pest control?
Yes, unless stated otherwise in your lease and permitted by the law.
My landlord says the "property manager" handles utilities. Who do I contact?
Contact the property manager; they act on behalf of the landlord.
Can I change to a different utility provider?
Only if your name is on the account and local rules allow switching.
What's the difference between "utilities" and "services"?
Utilities include water, heat, hydro, gas; services can also include things like parking or laundry.
What if a service like parking is withdrawn?
You may apply to the Board for a rent reduction using Form T3.
Form T3
My rental unit has no hot water—is this legal?
No. Your landlord must supply hot water as a vital service.
What if my unit has no working smoke alarm?
It's required by law. Notify your landlord to install or repair it immediately.
Who pays for internet or cable?
Tenants usually pay, unless the lease says otherwise.
Can my landlord force me to use a particular energy provider?
No. You can choose your provider if you pay directly for the utility.
Are shared laundry facilities considered a service?
Yes, if included in your lease or as a building amenity.
The building elevator is often broken; is that a service failure?
Yes. Consistent elevator issues can be a service failure; contact your landlord for repairs.
Who is responsible for light bulbs and fuses?
Tenants usually are, unless your lease or local bylaws say otherwise.
Can my landlord recover costs for emergency repairs to utilities?
Not unless you caused the damage through negligence or intent.
What do I do if my landlord enters without notice to check utilities?
Landlords must give 24 hours’ written notice unless it’s an emergency.
Both landlord and tenant want to change who pays for utilities. What’s needed?
You must agree in writing to amend the lease.
What if municipal by-laws set higher standards than provincial law?
The higher local standard applies.
Where can I find Ontario law on utilities and services?
See the Residential Tenancies Act, 2006.
What if there’s a dispute about utility responsibility?
Apply to the Board; they will review your lease and evidence.
Can the landlord bill extra if I use a lot of water or hydro?
Only if your lease permits separate metering and billing.
Can service interruptions be a ground for breaking my lease?
Repeated, unaddressed loss of vital services may justify ending your tenancy. Apply to the Board.

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Bob Jones
Bob Jones

Editor & Researcher, Tenant Rights Canada

Bob writes and reviews tenant law content for various regions. They’re passionate about housing justice and simplifying legal protections for renters everywhere.

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