Protect Consumers from Unfair HVAC Rental Practices in Ontario

Thousands of Ontarians are trapped in unfair HVAC rental contracts with companies like Reliance and Enercare. Complaints continue to rise, exposing deceptive business practices that leave consumers financially burdened and without essential heating or cooling when they need it most. The issues include:
a. Inflated buyout prices that far exceed the actual value of the equipment.

b. Unreasonable contract terms that make cancellation difficult and costly.

c. Slow and inadequate service responses that leave families without heating in freezing winters or air conditioning during extreme summer heat.

d. Misleading technician recommendations—many customers report being advised to replace rather than repair functioning equipment, pressuring them into expensive new contracts.

e. Lack of accountability despite growing complaints and even CBC investigations into these practices.

Our Demands
We, the undersigned, call on the Ontario government and regulators to implement urgent policy changes to protect consumers from predatory HVAC rental practices. Specifically, we demand:
1. Fair Buyout Prices – Buyout costs must be based on the actual depreciated value of equipment, not arbitrary inflated fees.

2. Faster Service Response – HVAC companies must respond to no-heat and no-cooling emergencies within 24 to 48 hours to prevent life-threatening situations.

3. No Contracts Without Real Signatures – Companies must obtain physical or legally verified digital signatures, ensuring customers fully understand contract terms before signing.

4. Easy Rental Cancellation – Consumers must have the right to cancel without penalties or hidden fees if they experience:

Unresolved service failures.
Misleading sales tactics.
Unfair contract terms.

5. Emergency Cancellation Rights – If HVAC service is not restored within 48 hours, customers must have the right to cancel without penalty, including waiving all removal and delivery fees.

6. Protection Against Misleading Technician Advice – Companies must be held accountable for technicians who falsely claim repairs are impossible and instead push costly equipment replacements or new contracts.

Why This Cannot Wait:
Many Ontarians have been misled, financially exploited, or left without essential heating or cooling due to these unfair practices. Some were pressured into contracts through aggressive door-to-door sales tactics, while others were wrongly told that repairs were not an option. Even when customers try to cancel, they face outrageous fees and legal loopholes that trap them in unfair agreements.

Despite growing complaints and media investigations, these companies continue to operate without meaningful regulation. It’s time for the Ontario government to step in and protect consumers.

Sign This Petition:
By signing, you demand fair rental policies, consumer protections, and urgent service guarantees for all HVAC customers in Ontario. Your signature is a step toward holding these companies accountable and ensuring that no one is left vulnerable due to corporate greed.