What should I do if a contractor threatens me?

If a contractor threatens you in Ottawa, immediately document the threat, contact Ottawa Police at 613-236-1222 (or 911 if immediate danger), and report them to Consumer Protection Ontario at 1-800-889-9768.

Contractor threats are serious and unfortunately not uncommon when disputes arise over payments, work quality, or contract terms. Here's exactly what you need to do to protect yourself:

Immediate Safety Steps

Document everything immediately - write down exactly what was said, when, where, and if there were witnesses. Take screenshots of any threatening texts, emails, or voicemails. If the threat was verbal, write it down word-for-word as soon as possible with the date and time.

Contact Ottawa Police right away. For immediate threats or if you feel unsafe, call 911. For non-emergency reporting of threats, call 613-236-1222. Threats related to money, property damage, or physical harm are criminal matters that police take seriously.

Protecting Your Rights and Property

Report the contractor to Consumer Protection Ontario at 1-800-889-9768 or ontario.ca/consumer. They handle complaints about home improvement contractors and can investigate unlicensed contractors or fraudulent practices.

If the contractor is licensed (ESA, TSSA, or other trade licensing), report the threatening behavior to the relevant licensing body. Check their license status at esasafe.com for electrical contractors or tssa.org for gas technicians. Licensed contractors can face disciplinary action for unprofessional conduct.

Contact your insurance company immediately if the contractor has threatened property damage. Your home insurance may provide coverage and they'll want to document the threat.

Legal and Financial Protection

Never make payments under duress or threats. If a contractor is demanding payment while threatening you, this is likely extortion. Document their demands and the threats together.

Consider consulting with a lawyer, especially if significant money is involved. The Law Society of Ontario's lawyer referral service (1-855-947-5255) can connect you with lawyers who handle construction disputes.

If you've already paid money and the contractor is threatening you over additional payments or change orders, review your written contract carefully. Under Ontario's Construction Act, you have specific rights regarding holdbacks and lien claims.

What to Watch For

Contractors who threaten customers often display other red flags you might have missed initially - working without proper permits, demanding large upfront payments, lacking proper insurance, or being unlicensed. These threats often emerge when their poor business practices catch up with them.

Be especially wary if the contractor threatens to place a lien on your property improperly. Ontario's Construction Act has specific rules about when and how liens can be filed. Threatening improper liens is a serious matter.

Official Resources and Next Steps

Contact the Better Business Bureau of Eastern Ontario at 613-237-4856 to file a complaint. While not a government agency, they track complaint patterns and can help with dispute resolution.

For ongoing harassment, you may need to seek a restraining order through the Ontario Court of Justice. The courthouse at 161 Elgin Street in Ottawa handles these applications.

Remember, legitimate contractors resolve disputes professionally through proper channels - contracts, mediation, or legal proceedings. Threats indicate you're likely dealing with someone operating outside normal business practices, and your safety comes first.