Can a Landlord Do Electrical Work in My Apartment in Ontario?
This is a question I’m asked more often than you might expect. Recently a tenant who used to live in Kingston contacted me about a landlord planning to fix electrical issues himself. While I completed some training at the Canadian Forces School of Military Engineering (CFSME) in Gagetown, I limit my legal advice to Ontario regulations.
Short answer: No — landlords cannot do electrical work in rental units
In Ontario, landlords are not legally allowed to perform electrical work in rental units. Even seemingly minor tasks — replacing a receptacle or swapping a light fixture — must be performed by a Licensed Electrical Contractor (LEC) who files a Notification of Work with the Electrical Safety Authority (ESA).
What the ESA requires
The ESA states that individuals may only perform electrical work in a home they own and live in. That means owner-occupied dwellings are permitted for DIY work, but rental properties are not.
Need an inspection?
Wieser Electric performs ESA-compliant inspections and files Notifications of Works
Why these rules exist: safety first
Incorrect electrical work can cause:
- Fires
- Electric shock
- Equipment damage
- Insurance claim denials
- Serious injury or death
These rules are designed to protect tenants. The Ontario Electrical Safety Code exists to save lives — it’s not optional.
The “house flipper” problem
Newly renovated homes sometimes contain dangerous electrical defects because the owner performed work without understanding the code. I recently inspected a house that had incorrectly installed GFCIs, loose receptacles, and arcing — a clear fire risk.
Final answer — a quick checklist
If you live in Ontario, your landlord cannot legally perform electrical work inside your rental unit. That includes:
- Changing outlets
- Installing light fixtures
- Replacing switches
- Running new wiring
- Repairing circuits or fixing tripped breakers
What to do if you suspect unsafe or unauthorized work
- Ask the contractor for their ECRA/ESA licence number.
- Request proof of a Notification of Work filed with ESA.
- Call a Licensed Electrical Contractor (LEC) to inspect the work.
- Report unsafe electrical installations to the ESA.
If you’re in Kingston or the surrounding area, Wieser Electric can inspect, correct, and certify the work to ensure your home is safe and compliant.
