How Can I Get Out Of My Reliance Contract?

Why would anyone want to get out of a reliance contract?

Reliance Home Comfort’s rental agreements lock you into monthly fees that often exceed the heater’s value. You’re paying for convenience you might not need — and those $200+ annual charges add up fast. If you’ve bought a new water heater or plan to move soon, those contracts become pure overhead.

What exactly is going on with these contracts?

Every Reliance rental deal requires written notice to end it. The company’s own rulebook says you must fill out a Notice of Termination form and include when your replacement agreement starts. Once they get that form, they’re supposed to close the account and haul the heater away. Miss this step and they’ll keep billing you. Starting in 2026, expect a $200 removal fee if the heater’s under a year old, or $40 if it’s older.

How do I actually cancel the contract?

Here’s the fastest way to cut the cord:

1. Log into your Reliance account.
2. Head to My Account → Documents → Notice of Termination.
3. Type the date of your new water-heater agreement (whether you’re buying or leasing) into the “Replacement Agreement Date” box.
4. Hit “Download PDF,” save the file, then sign it—digitally or on paper.
5. Email the completed form to termination@reliancehomecomfort.com, with “Termination Request” in the subject line.
6. Within a day you should get an auto-reply; if it lands in spam, check there first.

What if Reliance ignores my cancellation request?

Don’t panic—just move to Plan B:

• Call the escalation line: Dial 1-866-735-4262 and ask for the Customer Resolution team. Mention the email you sent (include the date and time) and insist on written proof that your account is closed.
• Send it by registered mail: Print the signed Notice of Termination, then mail it to Reliance Home Comfort, 2 Lansing Square, 12th Floor, Toronto, Ontario M2J 4P8. Use Canada Post XpressPost with signature confirmation so you can track it.
• File a complaint: If the heater’s still sitting in your basement 10 business days after you receive closure confirmation, head to the Consumer Protection Ontario online portal and file a complaint.

Are there any tricks to avoid signing one of these contracts in the first place?

Absolutely—start by doing the math. The Government of Canada Rent vs Buy Calculator shows that, over a typical 10-year span, buying usually saves you hundreds or even thousands compared with renting. Also check your province’s cooling-off window; in Ontario, the Consumer Protection Act gives you 10 days to cancel certain contracts, starting from the day you receive a signed copy. And if you own your home, call your insurer—many policies let you add a water-heater endorsement for a small annual fee, which can replace the rental coverage entirely.

Can I cancel within the first 10 days?

Yes, but only if you act fast. Ontario’s cooling-off rule lets you cancel within 10 days of receiving a signed agreement. Grab a copy of that signed contract, then send your own cancellation notice—email or letter—to Reliance. Make sure you keep proof you mailed it (registered mail is safest). They have to honor the cancellation and refund any fees you’ve already paid.

What happens if I just stop paying?

That’s a bad idea. Reliance can report missed payments to credit bureaus, which hurts your credit score. They can also send a technician to repossess the heater, and you’ll still owe any remaining balance plus removal fees. In most cases, you’ll end up paying more in penalties and interest than if you’d followed the proper cancellation steps.

Do I need to buy a new water heater before I cancel?

Not necessarily. The Notice of Termination form only asks for the date of your next water-heater agreement—whether that’s a purchase, lease, or even a plan to install one later. If you’re still researching options, you can list the expected purchase date as “TBD” and update it once you decide. Just remember to send the revised form before the heater is removed.

What if I’m moving out of province?

The contract stays with the property, not you. If you’re selling your home, ask the buyer to take over the rental agreement in writing. If the buyer won’t, you’ll still need to cancel the contract and arrange removal—otherwise you could be on the hook for fees even after you move. Call Reliance to confirm the transfer process; in some cases they’ll let you cancel without a fee if you provide proof of sale.

Can I transfer the contract to a new owner?

Sometimes. Reliance allows contract transfers, but the new owner has to qualify and sign a fresh agreement. Contact their customer service at 1-866-735-4262 to ask for a Transfer of Agreement form. Fill it out with the buyer’s details, then have both parties sign it. Once approved, Reliance will update the account and remove the old equipment from your name. Honestly, this is the best route if you’re selling—it keeps the contract alive without extra hassle.

What removal fees should I expect?

Starting in 2026, Reliance charges $200 to remove a water heater that’s younger than one year, or $40 if it’s older. These fees show up on your final bill, so budget for them when you plan your exit. If the heater is damaged or installed in a tricky spot, they may add extra labor charges—ask about those up front.

Is there a way to get the removal fee waived?

It’s rare, but worth a polite ask. If you’re moving out of province or selling the home, explain the situation to the Customer Resolution team. Mention that you’re willing to leave the heater in place (if it’s safe) or that you’ll arrange a third-party removal. In most cases they’ll wave the fee if you provide proof of sale or a new address. It never hurts to try.

What if the heater breaks during the cancellation process?

Call Reliance immediately—1-866-735-4262—and report the issue. They’re required to repair or replace it under the rental agreement. Once the repair is done, you can proceed with cancellation. If they drag their feet, document every call and email; you may need those records if you later file a complaint with Consumer Protection Ontario.

Can I negotiate a lower early-termination fee?

Reliance doesn’t publish early-termination fees, but you can still ask. Call the Customer Resolution team and frame it as a goodwill gesture: “I’ve been a loyal customer for X years—can you waive the removal fee if I arrange pickup within 30 days?” They sometimes agree, especially if you’re polite and persistent. Worst case, they say no; best case, you save $200.

What documents should I keep after cancellation?

Hold onto three things: the signed Notice of Termination, the auto-reply or written closure confirmation from Reliance, and any follow-up emails or letters. If they later claim you still owe fees, these prove you followed the process. Store them digitally and print a backup—just in case.

How long does the whole process usually take?

If everything goes smoothly, expect 7–10 business days from the moment you hit “send” on the email. The auto-reply arrives within 24 hours, the closure confirmation comes in 3–5 days, and the heater removal happens within another 5–7 days. Delays pop up when mail gets lost or technicians are booked, so build in a two-week buffer if you’re on a tight timeline.

Who do I call if Reliance won’t close my account?

Escalate to the top. Ask the first agent for the Customer Resolution team, then request their direct extension. If that stalls, call 1-866-735-4262 again and say, “I need to speak with a supervisor about an unresolved termination.” Keep notes of every call—date, time, agent name—and forward those to Reliance’s executive office if needed. Consumer Protection Ontario can also step in if you hit a wall.

What’s the worst that can happen if I ignore the contract?

Reliance can send collectors after you, report the debt to credit bureaus, and even sue for the remaining balance plus legal fees. They might also install a lock-out device that shuts off your hot water until you pay up. In short, ignoring it almost always costs more than following the proper cancellation steps—so don’t go radio silent and hope it disappears.