A Canadian Handyman Service Contract is a legally binding agreement between a property owner and a handyman or general repair contractor for the performance of home maintenance, repair, and minor improvement work. Unlike specialized trades, a handyman performs a broad range of non-licensed tasks — drywall repair, painting, caulking, door installation, shelving, tile work, flooring, fence repair, and general fixes.

The critical legal distinction in Canada is between work that any capable person may perform and work that falls within the scope of a compulsory trade. Under Ontario's Building Opportunities in the Skilled Trades Act, 2021 (and equivalent provincial legislation), 23 trades are designated as compulsory — meaning you must hold a Certificate of Qualification to perform that work. Plumbing, electrical work, HVAC, sheet metal work, and refrigeration are all compulsory trades. A handyman who performs plumbing or electrical work without certification is operating illegally and exposes both themselves and the client to serious liability.

The contractor-versus-employee distinction is equally important. The CRA uses a four-fold test examining control, ownership of tools, chance of profit and risk of loss, and integration. If the CRA reclassifies a handyman as an employee, the hiring party becomes liable for unremitted CPP contributions, EI premiums, and income tax withholdings. This contract clearly structures the relationship as independent contractor with explicit reference to the CRA test factors.

A Canadian Handyman Service Contract is needed whenever a homeowner, landlord, property manager, or business owner hires a handyman for repair, maintenance, or improvement work. Even for small jobs — patching drywall, replacing a door handle, installing shelves — a written contract protects both parties by clearly defining the work to be done, the price, and the timeline.

The contract becomes essential for larger handyman projects that approach the threshold of regulated work. If the scope includes any task that might require a building permit (structural changes, changes to plumbing or electrical systems), the contract should explicitly address permit requirements and the handyman's obligation to disclose when licensed tradespeople are needed.

Property management companies that engage handyman services for ongoing maintenance across multiple rental properties need contracts that clearly establish the independent contractor relationship, as the CRA may scrutinize arrangements where a single handyman works exclusively for one property management company. Landlords performing or arranging repairs for tenant-occupied units must comply with the applicable Residential Tenancies Act regarding notice of entry and the tenant's right to quiet enjoyment.

Consumer protection legislation adds another layer of requirement. In Ontario, if a handyman solicits business door-to-door or enters into an agreement at the consumer's home, the Consumer Protection Act, 2002 classifies this as a direct agreement with a 10-day cooling-off period. Manitoba has specific requirements for home improvement contracts that must be documented in writing.

A comprehensive Canadian Handyman Service Contract must identify both parties with legal names and addresses, describe the property where the work will be performed, and provide a detailed scope of work listing every task to be completed. The scope should be specific enough to avoid disputes — include measurements, locations within the property, materials to be used, and any tasks explicitly excluded.

The compulsory trades acknowledgement is a unique and critical element of Canadian handyman contracts. The contract should list the compulsory trades (electrical, plumbing, HVAC, sheet metal, refrigeration) and explicitly state that the handyman will not perform any work within the scope of a compulsory trade unless they hold the required certification. This protects the client from illegal work and protects the handyman from prosecution under the Skilled Trades Act.

Building permit requirements should be addressed for any work that involves structural modifications, changes to building systems, or new construction. The contract should specify who is responsible for determining permit requirements, who applies for permits, who bears the cost, and who arranges inspections.

Pricing should be stated in Canadian dollars — fixed price, hourly rate, or time and materials — with the GST/HST amount, deposit requirements, and payment terms. The independent contractor clause should explicitly reference the CRA four-fold test factors. A workmanship warranty (typically 60 to 90 days) protects the client. A change order clause prevents scope creep and unauthorized charges. The hazardous materials clause addresses the client's obligation to disclose asbestos, lead paint, and mould.