OHI | Can My Landlord? · Ontario rental question #38
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Last verified: September 15, 2026
Quick answer: Generally, a landlord cannot simply announce that a tenant must begin paying a utility that was included in the tenancy. The lease, advertising, established practice and lawful rent all help determine who is responsible. A voluntary change should be documented and may require an appropriate rent adjustment.
The RTA restricts unilateral changes to lawful rent and services. Withholding or deliberately interfering with vital services can also violate section 21 where the landlord is obligated to supply them.
Utility responsibility can be changed by a genuine agreement in some situations, but parties should understand metering, allocation, rent consequences and consumer-protection requirements before signing.
What if the written lease is silent?
Silence does not automatically answer the question. Advertisements, prior bills, payment history, representations and which party holds the account can help establish the tenancy terms.
Can the landlord split one bill among units?
Shared-meter allocation can raise accuracy and compliance issues. The method, required information and applicable regulations should be checked rather than improvised.
What if the tenant agrees?
Any agreement should clearly state the start date, accounts, meter, allocation and rent change. A pressured or unclear signature may not resolve a dispute.
What should a tenant do?
- Collect the lease, listing, bills and payment history.
- Ask for the legal basis and calculation before paying a new charge.
- Do not let a disputed utility replace payment of the undisputed lawful rent.
- Seek advice before signing a utility-transfer agreement.
What should a landlord do?
- Confirm the existing tenancy terms before changing billing.
- Do not shut off service or use a utility dispute as self-help enforcement.
- Use clear written agreements and any required rent adjustment.
- Provide accurate bills and allocation information.
Example
Hydro has been included in rent for three years. The landlord cannot normally start forwarding the entire bill next month without a lawful agreement and any required adjustment.
Related OHI guides and tools
Official sources
- Residential Tenancies Act, 2006
- Landlord and Tenant Board: Renting in Ontario
- Current LTB forms and instructions
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General information only: This article discusses Ontario residential tenancies and is not legal advice. Some rentals are exempt from all or part of the RTA. Outcomes depend on the facts and evidence. Rules and forms can change; verify current information with Tribunals Ontario or obtain advice from a licensed Ontario legal professional.