What should I do if a contractor threatens me?

If a contractor threatens you in Ottawa, immediately document the threat, contact police if you feel unsafe, and report them to regulatory authorities - this is serious misconduct that can result in license suspension.

Immediate Safety Steps

If you feel physically threatened, call 911 or Ottawa Police at 613-236-1222. Your safety comes first, and threatening behavior from contractors is never acceptable and often indicates other serious problems with their business practices.

Document everything immediately - write down exactly what was said, when, and any witnesses present. Take screenshots of threatening texts or emails. This documentation will be crucial for police reports and regulatory complaints.

Report to Licensing Authorities

Contact the appropriate licensing body depending on the contractor's trade. For electrical contractors, report to ESA (Electrical Safety Authority) at 1-877-372-7233 or through esasafe.com. For gas/HVAC contractors, contact TSSA at 1-877-682-8772. These authorities take threatening behavior very seriously and can suspend or revoke licenses.

If they're a general contractor, report to the Better Business Bureau and leave detailed reviews on Google and other platforms to warn other Ottawa homeowners. While Ontario doesn't require general contractor licensing, public accountability matters.

Legal and Financial Protection

Contact Consumer Protection Ontario at 1-800-889-9768 to understand your rights and options. If money is involved, consider placing a lien on your own property to protect against potential construction liens the contractor might file in retaliation.

Document any work deficiencies or contract violations alongside the threatening behavior. Often contractors become threatening when they know they're in the wrong about work quality or contract terms.

Ottawa-Specific Resources

Contact Ottawa Police non-emergency line at 613-236-1222 to file a report even if you don't feel in immediate danger. Having an official record helps if the situation escalates and provides documentation for regulatory complaints.

Reach out to Legal Aid Ontario at 1-800-668-8258 for free legal advice about your options, especially if the contractor is demanding payment for incomplete or defective work while making threats.

What This Behavior Indicates

Threatening behavior often signals deeper problems - contractors who threaten clients frequently have issues with work quality, proper licensing, insurance coverage, or financial stability. This is a major red flag that you're dealing with an unprofessional operation.

Review your contract carefully and consider whether you want to continue the relationship. A contractor who threatens clients will likely cause more problems as the project continues.

Protecting Other Ottawa Homeowners

Report the incident to ottawa.ca through their contractor complaint process and consider posting warnings on local Ottawa Facebook groups like "Ottawa Home Renovation" or neighborhood-specific groups. Other homeowners deserve to know about threatening behavior.

Remember - legitimate, professional contractors in Ottawa never threaten clients. They resolve disputes through proper channels, mediation, or legal means. Threatening behavior is a clear sign you're not dealing with a reputable professional.