Who Pays for Building Laundry Services in Ontario?

Many Ontario tenants wonder whether they should pay for building laundry services and how those costs are set. In most rental situations, whether a tenant pays extra for coin-operated machines, a shared laundry room, or included laundry depends on the lease, building practice, and rules under the province's tenancy laws. This article explains how laundry services are commonly billed, what to check in your rental agreement, when fees may be considered part of rent, and practical steps tenants can take if they believe a charge is unfair. Where relevant, you will find the official board to contact, the legislation that applies, and sample actions to protect your rights as a renter in Ontario.

Who normally pays for building laundry?

There are three common arrangements: laundry costs included in the monthly rent, coin-operated or card-pay machines where tenants pay per use, and buildings where the landlord pays the utility or service fee and does not charge tenants directly. If laundry is included in rent, tenants do not pay an extra fee beyond rent. If machines require payment per load, individual tenants usually pay when they use the machines. Check your lease and any published building rules to confirm which arrangement applies to your unit.

When can landlords charge extra for laundry?

Landlords may charge additional fees for laundry if the lease clearly describes that service or if the building operates coin or card machines that users pay for directly. A landlord cannot retroactively add a new recurring fee not in the lease without the tenant's agreement or a lawful rent increase process under the Residential Tenancies Act, 2006.^[2]

Common examples

• Tenants pay per load on coin- or card-operated machines located in a shared laundry room.
• Landlord lists "laundry included" in the lease and the monthly rent is higher to reflect that service.
• A landlord adds a new mandatory service fee that was not in the original lease (this can be disputed).

How are laundry costs calculated and allocated?

Costs vary: coin machines charge per load; card systems or third-party vendors may bill the landlord who passes costs to tenants through rent or a declared fee. If utilities are bundled into rent, landlords may factor shared service costs into overall rent but must follow rules for increases under provincial law. If repairs or upkeep of machines are needed, responsibility often falls to the party who owns the machines—commonly the landlord or the vending company—so ask who owns and maintains the equipment.

What to do if you believe a laundry fee is unfair

Start by reviewing your written lease and any building rules. If the charge is unclear or seems added without notice, talk to your landlord in writing and ask for documentation showing the fee is allowed under your agreement. If the landlord does not resolve the matter, tenants can contact the Landlord and Tenant Board or review the Residential Tenancies Act, 2006 for guidance on dispute options and remedies.^[1][2]

Practical steps

1. Collect evidence: copy your lease, photos of machine pricing, and receipts for any payments you made.
2. Ask the landlord in writing for a clear explanation and documentation of the charge and ownership of machines.
3. If unresolved, consider filing an application or information request with the Landlord and Tenant Board for direction.

Relevant tenant rights and landlord obligations

Landlords must not charge tenants in ways that contradict the lease or the Residential Tenancies Act, 2006. For issues about machine maintenance or habitability affecting laundry (for example, broken machines or water leaks), the landlord is usually responsible for repairs and timely fixes. These repair responsibilities are covered more generally in resources about repairs and obligations—see the landlord and tenant responsibilities guide for practical details.

For repair details related to shared equipment, see Routine Repairs in Rental Units: Tenant and Landlord Responsibilities and Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained.

FAQ

Can my landlord start charging a laundry fee after I signed the lease?

Your landlord generally cannot add a new mandatory recurring fee that changes the terms of your lease without your agreement or a lawful rent increase process under the Residential Tenancies Act, 2006.

Who fixes broken machines in a shared laundry room?

Typically the landlord or the company that owns the machines is responsible for repairs; if a machine creates a habitability or safety issue the landlord must address it promptly.

How do I ask the Landlord and Tenant Board for help?

You can submit an application to the Landlord and Tenant Board if discussions with your landlord do not resolve the dispute; the board provides information on required forms and processes.^[3]

How-To

1. Gather documentation: lease, photos of posted prices, payment receipts, and any written communications about fees.
2. Contact your landlord in writing asking for an explanation and a copy of any policy that permits the fee.
3. If you cannot resolve it, visit the Landlord and Tenant Board website to find the appropriate application form and instructions.
4. Submit the application and attend any scheduled mediation or hearing with your documentation ready.

Key Takeaways

• Check your lease first because it controls whether laundry is included or charged separately.
• Document payments and communications to strengthen your position in a dispute.
• Use the Landlord and Tenant Board and provincial resources if informal steps fail.

Help and Support / Resources

• Landlord and Tenant Board (Tribunals Ontario)
• Residential Tenancies Act, 2006
• Ontario government: Renter rights and responsibilities

1. [1] Tribunals Ontario - Landlord and Tenant Board
2. [2] Residential Tenancies Act, 2006 - Ontario.ca
3. [3] Landlord and Tenant Board forms and guides