What to Do If Your Landlord Cuts Services After a Dispute in Ontario

If you've had a disagreement with your landlord and now your heat, water, or electricity has suddenly been cut off, it's important to know that Ontario law protects your right to these essential services. This article explains what Ontario tenants can do if services are intentionally stopped by a landlord after a dispute, what steps to take, and where to get official help.

What Are Essential Services in Ontario Rentals?

Essential services are those that are necessary for safe and livable homes—including heat, hot and cold water, electricity, fuel (such as gas or oil), and sometimes air conditioning, if provided in the lease. By law, Ontario landlords cannot withhold or deliberately interfere with these services for any reason, even during conflicts or non-payment issues.^[1] The provincial legislation governing this is the Residential Tenancies Act, 2006.

Is It Legal for a Landlord to Cut Off Services?

No. Under Ontario law, landlords must provide and maintain these vital services. Turning them off—whether as retaliation after a disagreement, an argument about repairs, or any other dispute—is illegal. You cannot be locked out or have services withdrawn as punishment or to force you to move out.

Your Rights and Immediate Steps

Interruptions to heat, water, or electricity can put your health and safety at risk. In Ontario, you have the right to:

• Request immediate restoration of service
• Remain in your unit while the dispute is resolved
• File a complaint and request compensation

If you are without an essential service, there are clear steps you can take to protect yourself and have utilities restored.

How to Make a Formal Complaint and Restore Services

Contact Your Landlord in Writing

Begin by informing your landlord in writing that you’ve lost an essential service and that this is illegal under Ontario's Residential Tenancies Act. Keep copies of all correspondence for your records.

Call Local Authorities

Your city or municipal property standards or bylaw office can intervene, especially if your health or safety is threatened. Some municipalities offer 24-hour hotlines for emergencies.

Apply to the Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB)

Ontario's Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB) hears these cases and can order the landlord to reconnect services, pay compensation, or both.

• Form T2: Application About Tenant Rights – Use this form if your landlord has interfered with or withheld an essential service. Available here.

Filling out Form T2 - Example: If your landlord turned off your water after an argument, fill out Form T2 describing what happened and asking for an order to restore water and/or compensation.

Once submitted, the Board will schedule a hearing and will notify your landlord. For urgent cases, request an expedited hearing—especially if your health is affected.

What Outcomes Can You Expect?

If the Board decides in your favour, they may:

• Order the landlord to restore essential service right away
• Grant compensation for any losses or damages (e.g., hotel costs, food spoilage)
• Instruct the landlord to pay a fine to the Board

Restoration of services is usually a high priority.

Related Tenant Rights

Utilities and essential services tie closely to safe and healthy housing. For a comprehensive look at Health and Safety Issues Every Tenant Should Know When Renting, see our dedicated guide. You can also get a full overview of Common Issues Tenants Face and How to Resolve Them.

For more information about the full range of your rights, visit Tenant Rights in Ontario.

Looking for a new place where you can feel secure? Explore rental homes in your area today.

FAQ: Tenant Rights When Services Are Shut Off

1. If my landlord turns off my heat, what should I do first?
   Notify your landlord in writing, then contact your local municipal property standards office and apply to the Landlord and Tenant Board using Form T2 if not resolved immediately.
2. Can my landlord stop services for not paying rent?
   No, your landlord still cannot withhold essential services, even if rent is late or unpaid.
3. How soon can the LTB order services restored?
   In urgent cases, the LTB can hold an expedited hearing and order restoration as quickly as possible—often within days.
4. Do I have to move out if utilities are cut?
   No, you do not have to move out and the landlord cannot force you out by cutting services. Instead, seek immediate intervention.
5. Can I ask for compensation if I had to stay in a hotel?
   Yes, you may request the LTB order compensation for reasonable expenses due to loss of services.

Conclusion and Key Takeaways

• Ontario tenants have the legal right to continuous essential services, regardless of disputes with landlords.
• If services are cut, document everything and act fast: notify your landlord, contact local authorities, and apply to the LTB using Form T2.
• Do not move out—seek restoration and possible compensation through official channels.

Staying informed and acting quickly helps protect your health, safety, and legal rights as a tenant in Ontario.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB): For forms and urgent applications: LTB official site
• Rental Housing Enforcement Unit (Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing): Report illegal service shutoffs: Enforcement Unit or call 1-888-772-9277
• Municipal Property Standards: Contact your local city office for after-hours issues
• Legal Aid Ontario: For free tenant legal advice: Legal Aid Ontario

---

1. Ontario Residential Tenancies Act, 2006, S.O. 2006, c. 17 – full text here
2. Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB) – official portal
3. Rental Housing Enforcement Unit – Ontario enforcement site

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