Is my landlord responsible for electrical repairs in Ontario?

Yes, in Ontario landlords are legally responsible for most electrical repairs and maintenance in rental properties. Under the Residential Tenancies Act (RTA), landlords must keep rental units in good repair and ensure all electrical systems meet safety standards.

Landlord Electrical Responsibilities

Your landlord must maintain all electrical systems including the main panel, wiring, outlets, switches, and lighting fixtures that were present when you moved in. This includes ensuring the electrical system meets Ontario Electrical Safety Code (OESC) requirements and addressing any safety hazards. If your smoke detectors are hardwired (most are required to be), maintaining these is also the landlord's responsibility.

The landlord must respond promptly to electrical issues, especially safety concerns like sparking outlets, burning smells, or power outages affecting your unit. They cannot ignore these problems or expect you to pay for repairs to the building's electrical infrastructure.

When You Might Be Responsible

You're typically responsible for electrical issues you directly caused through misuse or negligence. For example, if you overloaded a circuit and damaged an outlet, or if you installed something improperly that caused damage. You're also responsible for replacing light bulbs and smoke detector batteries in most cases.

ESA and Safety Requirements

In Ontario, electrical work must be performed by ESA-licensed electricians and requires permits for most repairs. Your landlord cannot legally do electrical work themselves unless they're licensed, and they cannot ask you to hire an electrician - this is their responsibility. If there are serious electrical safety issues like old Federal Pacific panels or exposed knob and tube wiring, the landlord must address these.

What to Do About Electrical Problems

Document electrical issues in writing to your landlord immediately, especially safety concerns. For emergencies like burning smells or sparking, ensure your safety first - you may need to shut off power and call emergency services. If your landlord refuses to make necessary electrical repairs, you can contact the Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB) or ESA directly at 1-877-ESA-SAFE (372-7233) for safety violations.

For urgent electrical repairs that pose safety risks, landlords should arrange for immediate service from licensed electricians. Electrical Ottawa provides emergency electrical services for rental properties when landlords need prompt, professional repairs to keep tenants safe.

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Find a Licensed Electrician

Electrical Ottawa connects you with vetted, ESA-licensed electricians from the Ottawa Construction Network:Ottawa Electrical Contractors:

• LB Electric
• Marcel Electric
• Home Town Electrical Services