How to cancel Enercare hot water tank rental Agreement in Ontario and Save Money

Are you a homeowner in Ontario feeling trapped by your Reliance water heater rental agreement? You're not alone. Many Ontario residents are burdened by the long-term costs of these rentals, facing ever-increasing fees that diminish the value of their homes. This comprehensive guide, brought to you by Ingenium Intuito Group, will walk you through the process of terminating your Reliance water heater rental, exploring your options, and potentially saving you significant money. Learn about Reliance water heater cancellation, rental agreement termination**, and exit charges to make informed decisions.

Understanding Your Reliance Water Heater Rental Contract: Key to Cancellation

The ease of canceling your Reliance agreement heavily depends on when your water heater was installed and where you live in Ontario. Knowing this is the first step to cancel reliance water heater. Here’s a breakdown:

Water Heaters Installed After November 5, 2014 (and in areas without Enbridge natural gas distribution): These agreements fall under the Competition Tribunal Consent Agreement (valid until November 4, 2024) and operate on a month-to-month basis. This makes cancellation relatively straightforward. Look for the Competition Tribunal Consent Agreement in your paperwork.

Water Heaters Installed Before November 5, 2014 (or from companies acquired by Reliance, like National Rental):** While these originally had a minimum 84-month term, they've likely transitioned to month-to-month agreements. You can terminate at any time.

Water Heaters Installed in Areas with Enbridge Natural Gas Distribution (often found in builder contracts): These are the trickiest. These agreements typically lock you into fixed-term contracts (7, 10, or 15 years), making early termination difficult and potentially very expensive due to **early termination fees**.

Your Options for Terminating Your Reliance Water Heater Rental

You essentially have two paths to take: return the water heater to Reliance or purchase the existing unit.

Option 1: Canceling and Returning the Water Heater

This involves formally ending your rental agreement and returning the physical water heater to Reliance.

1. Submit a Notice of Termination Online: Bypass phone support by going directly to the Reliance website and finding the "Notice of Termination" form. Complete and submit it. This creates a documented record and directly involves the Returns Department. A "Pending Return Number" (PRN) must be provided by Reliance.

2. Review the Exit Charges: Reliance will send you an email detailing the exit charges associated with returning the water heater. Expect a follow-up call to try to retain you as a customer. These charges typically include:

* Pro-rated rental fees up to the date Reliance receives the tank.

* Removal or drop-off fees, which vary based on the tank's age and how it's returned (see table below).

3. Choose Your Return Method & Minimize Fees:

* **Deliver to Reliance (DIY Drop-off):** The cheapest option. You drain, disconnect, and transport the water heater to a Reliance drop-off facility. However, ensure you know how to safely disconnect the water heater to avoid damage or injury.

* Reliance Pick-Up Only (You Disconnect): You drain and disconnect the water heater, and Reliance schedules a pick-up.

* Reliance Removes (Full Service): Reliance handles everything – draining, disconnecting, removing, and hauling away the tank. This is the most expensive option.

4. Document Everything (Crucial!): Before Reliance picks up the water heater *or* you drop it off, take detailed photos and videos of the entire unit. This is your protection against false damage claims from Reliance.

5. Get a Receipt: When dropping off the tank, demand a receipt.

Reliance Water Heater Return Charges

Exit charges can vary; consult your contract and the Consent Agreement for exact figures. This is a general guideline.*

| Tank Age | Customer Action | Gas Water Heater | Electric Water Heater |

| :--------------- | :-------------------------- | :--------------- | :------------------ |

| Less than 1 year | Deliver to Reliance | \$200 | \$200 |

| Less than 1 year | Reliance Pick-up Only | \$265 | \$325 |

| Less than 1 year | Reliance Removes | \$325 | \$325 |

| 1-7 years | Deliver to Reliance | \$40 | \$40 |

| 1-7 years | Reliance Pick-up Only | \$105 | \$165 |

| 1-7 years | Reliance Removes | \$165 | \$165 |

| 7-10 years | Deliver to Reliance | \$40 | \$40 |

| 7-10 years | Reliance Pick-up Only | \$105 | \$165 |

| 7-10 years | Reliance Removes | \$165 | \$165 |

| Over 10 years | Deliver to Reliance | \$0 | \$0 |

| Over 10 years | Reliance Pick-up Only | \$65 | \$125 |

| Over 10 years | Reliance Removes | \$125 | \$125 |

*Important Notes:*

Damage Claims: Reliance cannot charge for any damage to tanks 7 years or older. For younger tanks, the burden of proof for any damage rests with Reliance.

Deliver to Reliant: Record/Keep photographic evidence/proof of the condition of the tank at drop off, and demand a receipt recording the date and tank serial number.

Option 2: Purchasing Your Reliance Water Heater

This involves negotiating a "buyout" price with Reliance to own the existing water heater outright, eliminating future rental fees.

1. Call Reliance and Inquire About a Purchase Price: Specifically ask for the "purchase price" to own the existing water heater. Be clear that you are *not* asking about a "buyout fee to terminate the contract" (this is a common point of confusion).

2. Negotiate the Price (Be Prepared to Haggle): The initial purchase price quoted by Reliance is often inflated. Negotiate with the Returns specialist. They typically have the authority to lower the price to secure the deal.

3. Evaluate the Offer Carefully: Consider the age of the tank, its expected remaining lifespan, and the total cost of continued rental payments versus the negotiated purchase price. A general guideline:

Tanks 10-14 years old: Purchase prices are often still in the hundreds of dollars.

Tanks 15+ years old: Purchase prices can drop to \$40-\$100.

Key Considerations and Potential Pitfalls

Builder Contracts (Avoid Assumptions):If you're buying a new home, *carefully* review the Agreement of Purchase and Sale (APS) regarding rental items. Don't blindly assume a rental contract. Have your lawyer add a "no rentals" condition or demand to see the contract and recent bills *before* signing.

Notice of Security Interest: Sellers (and buyers) should check for any Notice of Security Interest on the property title, which could allow Reliance to register a lien for outstanding rental fees. Title insurance is highly recommended.

Unfair Contract Terms: If you encounter unreasonable early termination fees or believe Reliance is engaging in anti-competitive practices, file a complaint with the Competition Bureau Canada.

Negotiation is Key: Be polite but firm when dealing with Reliance representatives. Document all communication.

Termination via Cancellation Cancellation has been streamlined to be relatively-easy and simply requires Notification of Termination by the Customer, at any time. To bypass the unhelpful telephone representatives and get direct access to the Returns department, use the Notice of Termination online form, and a confirming Pending Return Number (PRN) must be provided by Reliant (the CA 5. b. ii.). You will receive a reply similar to this one. Reliance must arrange a prompt mutually acceptable time for pickup, and the Agreement is terminated when Reliance receives the tank.

Ingenium Intuito Group: Your Partner in Informed Decision-Making

Navigating the complexities of Reliance water heater rental agreements can be daunting. By understanding your contract, knowing your options, and following these actionable steps, you can take control of your homeownership costs and potentially save thousands of dollars. If you need further assistance or have questions about your specific situation, contact Ingenium Intuito Group today for expert guidance.