If the unpaid utilities are under the tenant’s name, then you should not legally be responsible for repaying their late payments or fees. However, if the utilities remain under your name for any reason, you’re likely on the hook to pay.
Are landlords responsible for unpaid utility bills in Ontario?
The Onatrio Municipal Act puts the responsibility of unpaid utilities on the property owner and attaches all unpaid accounts to the property tax bill.
Can a landlord be liable for tenants utility bills?
Your landlord could be responsible for paying a utility bill in the following situations: their name is on the bill. your rent includes utility bills. you are a lodger living in the same house as your landlord.
Can a landlord start charging for utilities Ontario?
Written notice must be given to the tenant at least 30 days before the landlord begins to charge the tenant a portion of the cost of the utility.
Is the landlord responsible if the tenant doesn’t pay utilities?
Utility bills are a common area of confusion, although in most cases if a tenant’s name is on the bill, landlords are not liable for unpaid utility bills on their rental property.
What is a landlord responsible for in Ontario?
A landlord is responsible for providing and maintaining a residential complex, including the rental units in it, in a good state of repair, fit for habitation, and for complying with health, safety, housing and maintenance standards.
What happens if tenant doesn’t pay utilities Ontario?
A landlord who wants an order requiring a tenant to pay money for something other than rent arrears, such as unpaid utilities, expenses related to substantial interference or damage to a rental unit or residential complex, may file an Application to End a Tenancy and Evict a Tenant or Collect Money (L2 Application).
What costs are tenants liable for?
Generally, tenants are responsible for paying their own utility bills, broadband, phone, TV licence and council tax, unless these are included in the rent and set out in the tenancy agreement.
What damage can a landlord charge for?
Examples of wear and tear
Small scuff marks on walls and furniture. Worn carpets and squash marks where furniture has been standing. Fading to curtains and upholstery caused by sunlight. Mouldy bathroom sealant which hasn’t been replaced for a while.
Who pays the bills in a rented property?
The tenant is responsible for the cost of the utility bills for the duration of the tenancy. If they move with money outstanding on the account, utility providers sometimes try to seek payment from the landlord.
What utilities do renters pay in Ontario?
Any or all of the following utility charges are presently included in rent: heat, electricity, water.
- without the consent of the tenant;
- with improper notice to the tenants, or.
- without proper rent reduction.
Do tenants pay for water heater rental Ontario?
The Residential Tenancies Act states that the landlord is responsible for “vital services” which are defined as hot or cold water, fuel, electricity, gas and heat unless the tenant expressly agrees to “obtain and maintain” the vital services.
Can a landlord charge what they want for electricity?
Your landlord can’t charge you more than they’ve paid for gas and electricity – this is called the ‘maximum resale price. This amount includes: the units of energy you’ve used (for example, the kilowatt hours you’ve used for electricity) your share of the standing charge (a flat fee charged on every energy contract)
Is landlord responsible for electric meter?
Whose responsibility are energy meter readings? In most cases, it is the tenant’s responsibility to pay utility bills unless it has been specifically included within the rental. The tenancy agreement should clearly state who must pay for the energy bills.
Can landlord keep deposit for unpaid bills?
Check if your landlord can take money from your deposit
Your landlord or letting agent can only take money from your deposit if there’s a good reason. For example, they can usually take money off if: you owe rent.
What happens if tenant doesn’t pay bills?
Your landlord can start the eviction process straight away if you miss a payment and any of the following have happened: you’ve been late with rent before. you’re already in arrears with your rent. the fixed term period of your tenancy has ended – if your tenancy is an assured shorthold tenancy.
What are landlords not allowed to do in Ontario?
Landlords cannot impose repayment agreements on tenants, and tenants cannot be evicted for refusing a rent repayment plan. It’s an offence under the Residential Tenancies Act, 2006 for a landlord to harass or threaten a tenant to get them to move out.
Is a landlord responsible for light bulbs Ontario?
The responsibility of light bulbs should be spelled out in the lease. If it is not the typical approach is that the renter is responsible for replacing light bulbs inside of the apartment and the landlord is responsible for light bulbs in common areas.
What can a landlord sue a tenant for in Ontario?
Usually you can sue for property damage, some landlord/tenant disputes, broken verbal or written contracts, bad cheques, unpaid artist fees, or the collection of personal debts.
Can a landlord make you pay the water bill in Ontario?
The Residential Tenancies Act states that the landlord is responsible for “vital services” which are defined as hot or cold water, fuel, electricity, gas and heat unless the tenant expressly agrees to “obtain and maintain” the vital services.
Does a tenant have to pay the water bill Ontario?
A tenant (or tenants) will have a separate account from the landlord. The tenant (or tenants) will use this separate account for as long as they live on the landlord’s premises. Property owners are ultimately responsible for overdue amounts at their properties, in accordance with the Municipal Act,2001, S.O. 2001,c.