You paid a deposit and the contractor never showed up. Or the work started, stalled and was done badly. Ontario's Consumer Protection Act gives you specific ways out of a renovation contract, but which one applies depends on where you signed and what went wrong. Pick the right one before you send notice.
Step by Step
1Signed at home? You may have 10 days. A renovation contract of $50 or more signed in your home can be cancelled within 10 days for any reason, with no cancellation fee. Send the cancellation in writing and keep proof it was sent.
2Work never started? Check the 30-day rule. If the contractor doesn't start within 30 days of the start date in your agreement, you can cancel. If no date was set, you can cancel any time after 30 days from signing. Letting them start late means you lose this right. The business then has 15 days to refund you.
3No written contract? If you never got a written copy with the required details, you can cancel within one year of the agreement.
4Put the problem in writing. Tell the contractor what went wrong and what you want: a refund, the work finished or a fix. Give a deadline and keep every message, photo and receipt. Our complaint form can start this letter for you.
5File with Consumer Protection Ontario. File online or call 1-800-889-9768. The ministry says it will contact you within 15 business days. For money owed up to $50,000, you can also sue in Small Claims Court.
Which Right Fits Your Situation
| What happened | Your option |
|---|---|
| Signed at home, changed your mind | Cancel within 10 days |
| Work didn't start within 30 days of the agreed date | Cancel, refund in 15 days |
| Never got a written copy of the contract | Cancel within 1 year |
| Work done badly or left unfinished | Written demand, then complaint or Small Claims |
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Draft It With Asya →Frequently Asked
Can I cancel a renovation contract in Ontario?
If you signed it at your home and it's for $50 or more, you can cancel within 10 days for any reason, without a cancellation fee, under the Consumer Protection Act, 2002. Send the cancellation in writing and keep proof.
The contractor took my deposit and never started. What can I do?
If the work doesn't start within 30 days of the start date in your agreement, you can cancel. If no date was set, you can cancel any time after 30 days from signing. The business then has 15 days to refund you. You lose this right if you let the work start late.
Where do I file a complaint about a contractor in Ontario?
File with Consumer Protection Ontario online or by phone at 1-800-889-9768. The ministry says it will contact you within 15 business days. Try to resolve it with the contractor in writing first.
Can I sue a contractor in Small Claims Court?
Yes. Ontario's Small Claims Court handles claims up to $50,000. Bring your contract, receipts, photos and messages as evidence.
Sources & Verification
Figures, rules and phone numbers in this article come from official sources:
- Ontario — Filing a consumer complaint
- Ontario — A guide for home renovation and roofing businesses
- Consumer Protection Act, 2002 (Ontario)
- Ontario — Suing someone in Small Claims Court
- Ontario — Consumer Beware List
This article is general information, not legal advice. Learn more about how ComplaintCA verifies information on our About page.