Does a renovation contract have to be in writing in Ontario?

Answers (1)

1. LE

   LokalMatch EditorialLokalMatch editorial

   Answered September 22, 2026

   Yes, once the job is worth more than 50 dollars — which in practice means every renovation you are ever likely to pay for. Ontario law requires a home renovation contract above that amount to be in writing.

   Ontario also sets out what belongs in it: the contractor’s name, address and contact details; a description of the work and the materials detailed enough that you would notice a substitution; the total cost and the payment terms; the deposit; a schedule with start and completion dates; who does the cleanup; and which sub-trades are involved and who is responsible for paying them. Warranties go in writing too — and it is worth separating what the manufacturer warrants from what the contractor warrants, because they are rarely the same length.

   A text message is not a contract in any useful sense. When a defect shows up two years later, the paper is the only thing you have.

Answers come from pros and are reviewed by LokalMatch before they’re published. They’re general information — for regulated or safety-critical work, have a licensed professional assess your situation.

Sources

Where the facts on this page come from.

1. 1

   Your rights when starting home renovations or repairs — Government of Ontario (accessed September 21, 2026)