Ontario proposes new rules to ban door-to-door sales of certain items

The provincial government has proposed new rules that would ban unsolicited, door-to-door sales of certain household appliances, including water heaters, furnaces, air conditioners and water filters.

Door-to-door sales have continuously been among the top complaints made by consumers. The government will seek public input to narrow down the types of household products that would be restricted from door-to-door sales.

Minister of Government and Consumer Services Marie-France Lalonde made the announcement Thursday that also included potential changes to payday loans and the home inspection industry.

In a statement, the Ministry of Government and Consumer Services said if passed, the proposed changes would:

• Regulate the home inspection industry through required licensing and proper qualifications for home inspectors, as well as minimum standards for contracts, home inspection reports, disclosures and the performance of home inspections.

• Strengthen consumer financial protections with new rules for alternative financial services such as payday loans, including extended repayment periods and more time between loans, as well expanded rules against unfair debt collection practices.

• Protecting Ontario’s consumers is part of our plan to create jobs, grow our economy and help people in their everyday lives.