Utilities Laws for Ontario Tenants: What You Need to Know

Understanding who is responsible for utilities and essential services in an Ontario rental can save both time and stress. As a tenant in Ontario, you’re protected under clear rules set out in the Residential Tenancies Act, 2006. Here's what you need to know to ensure you get the heat, water, electricity, and other vital services you rely on – and what to do if problems arise.

Who Pays for Utilities in Ontario Rentals?

Your lease (rental agreement) is the key document that sets out which utilities are included in the rent and which you pay separately. Common utility arrangements include:

• All-inclusive rent: Heat, water, and electricity are included in your monthly rent payment.
• Partial inclusion: Some services (like water and heat) are included, but you pay for others (like hydro or Internet) directly.
• Tenant pays all utilities: You are responsible for setting up and paying all utility accounts yourself.

Landlords cannot suddenly change who pays for services partway through your tenancy unless you both agree. If you’re unsure, check your lease or refer to Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained for details on utility responsibility.

Essential Services: What Must the Landlord Provide?

Under Ontario law, "essential services" include heat (maintaining at least 20°C from September 1 to June 15), hot and cold water, fuel, and electricity. Landlords must ensure these services are provided and not deliberately discontinued, even if you are behind on rent.^[1]

• Landlords cannot shut off essential utilities as a form of eviction or punishment.
• If a landlord allows services (like water or electricity) to be cut off due to unpaid bills (when it’s their responsibility), this may constitute an unlawful act under provincial law.

If you face an interruption in essential services, you can contact the rental tribunal for help or file a complaint to have the service restored quickly.

What About Non-Essential Services?

Non-essential services (like Internet, cable, or parking) are governed by your lease agreement. If included in your rent, landlords can't unilaterally remove or reduce these without lowering your rent or getting your agreement in writing.

Are Utility Charges Included in Rent Increases?

If the landlord starts charging separately for a utility that was previously included in your rent, this counts as a rent increase. Rules about legal rent increases still apply. Learn more about rent rules and increases at Understanding Rent Increases: What Tenants Need to Know.

Maintenance and Repairs for Utilities

Landlords are legally obligated to maintain the rental unit in a good state of repair, which includes making sure that all supplied utilities, such as heating equipment and plumbing, work safely and efficiently.^[2] If there's an issue with heating or hot water, inform your landlord as soon as possible. If it's not resolved, you may be able to file a complaint with the Landlord and Tenant Board of Ontario.

Health and Safety & Utility Failures

Lack of heat, water, or hydro can create serious safety and health issues, especially for vulnerable tenants. If your home is unsafe due to a loss of essential utilities, see Health and Safety Issues Every Tenant Should Know When Renting for more information.

Important Forms and How to Use Them

• Form T2 – Application About Tenant Rights: If your landlord withholds or cuts off an essential service, use this form to apply to the Landlord and Tenant Board. For example, if your heat is shut off in the winter without cause, file a Form T2 (PDF) quickly to request restoration and possible compensation. See official LTB tenant forms.
• Form L2 – Application to End a Tenancy and Evict a Tenant: Sometimes, landlords apply to evict tenants for severe misuse of utilities or intentional tampering. Tenants can defend against such an application before the Landlord and Tenant Board.

For further details on what to expect after signing a contract, see What Tenants Need to Know After Signing the Rental Agreement.

Your Rights and the Law

Your rights around utilities are clearly laid out by the Residential Tenancies Act, 2006. Any illegal discontinuation of services, improper charges, or neglect of utility-related repairs can be challenged before the Landlord and Tenant Board.
For a summary of broader legal protections, visit Tenant Rights in Ontario.

Frequently Asked Questions About Utilities and Services for Ontario Tenants

1. Can a landlord make a tenant pay for utilities after the lease has started?
   No, the landlord cannot change the terms about utilities mid-tenancy unless you both agree in writing.
2. What should I do if my landlord shuts off my heat or water?
   Contact your landlord immediately. If the problem isn’t fixed right away, file a T2 application with the Landlord and Tenant Board.
3. Are landlords responsible for repairing broken furnaces or hot water tanks?
   Yes, landlords must repair or replace essential utility equipment promptly.
4. Does missing a rent payment give my landlord the right to shut off utilities?
   No. Even if you owe rent, your landlord cannot legally cut off services like heat, water, or electricity.
5. Who pays for the hydro bill if it’s not specified in my lease?
   If your lease does not say who is responsible, the landlord is presumed responsible by default.

How To: Take Action If Your Utilities Are Cut Off

1. How do I restore essential services if my landlord shuts them off?
   
   1. Contact your landlord or superintendent first in writing and request immediate action.
   2. If service isn’t restored, complete the T2 – Application About Tenant Rights form.
   3. Submit the form to the Landlord and Tenant Board, online, by mail, or in person.
   4. Keep records of all your communications and expenses.
   5. You may request an expedited hearing if it’s an emergency.
2. How can I find affordable utility-inclusive rentals?
   Use Find rental homes across Canada on Houseme to search for apartments where utilities are included.
3. How do I make a complaint if my utilities aren’t maintained?
   File a complaint with your municipal property standards or public health office in addition to the Landlord and Tenant Board if needed.

Key Takeaways

• Tenant utility rules in Ontario are set out in your lease and the Residential Tenancies Act.
• Landlords cannot legally cut off, reduce, or fail to supply essential services.
• Forms like T2 help you press your rights and access quick remedies from the Landlord and Tenant Board.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Landlord and Tenant Board of Ontario: File complaints or get information about your rights.
• Ontario Government: Your Rights as a Renter
• Local legal clinics often offer free tenant advice.
• For a full summary of Ontario rental rules, see Tenant Rights in Ontario.

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1. Residential Tenancies Act, 2006 (S.O. 2006, c. 17), s. 21-22, 126
2. Landlord and Tenant Board of Ontario

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