London, Ontario
How to check a contractor in London
Want Jay to do these checks for you? A person reviews every check.
No tax added. Report by 8 p.m. Pacific the next day.
London licenses some contractors, not all. Plumbing, drainage and driveway contractors need a city licence. General renovators do not. The city has an online search for active licences. Here is how to use it. Below: what is different in London, then the Ontario steps, each with the official source.
What is different in London
1. Start with the exact name on the quote
Write down the business name exactly as the quote prints it, including Ltd., Inc. or a number. A trade name, a numbered company and a sole proprietorship can all be registered under other words, so if a search shows nothing, ask the contractor which name and number appear on their registration or licence before you read anything into it.
2. See if your job needs a London licence
The City of London licenses drainage, driveway, plumbing and sign contractors and pool installers. A driveway contractor lays asphalt, concrete or interlocking stone. General renovation is not on the list.
Official source: Business licences (City of London; checked 2026-11-08).
3. Search the city's Property Inquiry System
Search the exact name on the quote. Business licence files are marked BL. All London business licences expire on March 31, so check the date.
Official source: Property Inquiry System (public search) (City of London; checked 2026-11-08).
4. Not sure? Ask the city
Email licensing@london.ca or call 519-930-3515 with the exact name on the quote. Write down the date and the answer.
5. Search the Ontario Business Registry
Match the licensed name to the registered name and the quote. Note the number and the status.
Official source: Ontario Business Registry (Government of Ontario; checked 2026-10-20).
6. Plumbing work: check the person's certificate
The city licenses the plumbing business. Skilled Trades Ontario's public register shows the plumber's own certificate by name.
Official source: Public Register (Skilled Trades Ontario; checked 2026-07-15).
Then the Ontario steps
7. Electrical work: check the contractor with the Electrical Safety Authority
Official source: Find a Licensed Electrical Contractor (Electrical Safety Authority; checked 2026-07-15).
8. New homes: check the Ontario Builder Directory
Official source: Ontario Builder Directory (Home Construction Regulatory Authority; checked 2026-07-15).
9. Search public tribunal and court decisions for the business name
Official source: Search the Consumer Beware List (Government of Ontario; checked 2026-07-15).
10. Ask for the certificate of insurance from the broker
11. Read the quote for what it leaves out
12. Look at the deposit before you pay it
Official source: Your rights when starting home renovations or repairs (Government of Ontario; checked 2026-07-15).
Guides for London
Questions people ask
Does a contractor need a London licence?
The City of London licenses drainage, driveway, plumbing and sign contractors and pool installers. It does not license general renovation. Active licences can be found in the city's Property Inquiry System, and all London business licences expire on March 31.
Does a renovator need a licence in London, Ontario?
The city's list does not include general renovators. Plumbing, drainage and driveway contractors do need one. Check the Ontario records for any contractor.
What does a Jay check add?
Jay searches the public records for the exact name on your quote, with the source and the time checked for each one. Her report says plainly when a record is not found. The $25 Company Check looks at the company before you get a quote. The $39 Full Check also reads your quote and insurance papers, and $59 buys both on one contractor. A person reviews every Full Check before it goes out.
Or ask Jay
Jay does these steps for you and writes down what the records show, with the source and date for each one. No quote yet? We check the contractor's public records before you contact them. Have a quote? We check your quote, the contractor's insurance and public records. A person reviews every check.
Check first. Then pay the deposit.
Information, not a verdict. A record that is not found is not evidence of wrongdoing, and nothing here is legal, insurance or safety advice.