Can I leave a negative review for a contractor without getting sued?

Yes, you can generally leave honest negative reviews for contractors in Ontario without getting sued, as long as you stick to factual experiences and avoid defamatory statements.

In Canada, you have the right to share your genuine experience with a contractor's services. However, there's a difference between protected opinion and potentially defamatory statements that could get you in legal trouble.

What You CAN Safely Include in Ottawa Contractor Reviews

You can describe factual experiences like work quality issues, timeline problems, communication breakdowns, or billing disputes. Statements like "the contractor was three weeks late completing my kitchen renovation" or "they left my Kanata home's electrical work incomplete" are factual accounts of your experience.

You can also express opinions based on your experience: "I wouldn't recommend this contractor" or "the work quality didn't meet my expectations for the price paid." These are clearly opinion statements protected under Canadian law.

What Could Get You in Legal Trouble

Avoid making accusations about criminal activity, professional misconduct, or business practices unless you have solid evidence. Statements like "this contractor is a fraud" or "they're running a scam" without proof could be considered defamatory. Don't make claims about their licensing status unless you've verified it through ESA (esasafe.com) or other official sources.

Personal attacks on character unrelated to their work performance should also be avoided. Stick to the professional relationship and work quality.

Best Practices for Safe Review Writing in Ontario

Focus on specific, factual details about your project experience. Instead of "terrible contractor," write "arrived two hours late daily and left debris in my Orleans driveway each evening." Document everything during your project - photos, texts, emails, and receipts strengthen your position if questioned.

Use measured language that clearly indicates opinion versus fact. "In my experience" and "I felt that" help establish these as personal opinions rather than stated facts.

Ottawa-Specific Protections

Ontario's Consumer Protection Act provides additional protections for consumers sharing legitimate experiences. The City of Ottawa Building Code Services (613-580-2424) maintains records of permit issues that can support factual claims about permit-related problems.

If a contractor threatens legal action over your honest review, don't panic. Most legitimate negative reviews are protected speech. However, if you receive a formal legal notice, consider consulting with a lawyer who understands Ontario defamation law.

Where to Leave Protected Reviews

Platforms like Google Reviews, Better Business Bureau, and HomeStars have policies protecting honest customer feedback. These platforms also have procedures for handling disputes between contractors and customers.

The key is honesty, factual accuracy, and focusing on your actual experience with their work quality, professionalism, and adherence to agreements. Your fellow Ottawa homeowners benefit from honest contractor feedback - just keep it factual and professional.