Free Ontario As Is Bill of Sale Template

Ontario As Is Bill of Sale is one of the most common documents used in private sales—but many people don’t fully understand what it actually protects (and what it doesn’t).

Buying or selling something “as is” in Ontario can become risky if the terms are not clear. This is especially true for used items like cars, bikes, electronics, or furniture.

This article gives you a free Ontario As Is Bill of Sale template, along with simple legal explanations and practical steps to protect yourself. You’ll also learn what “as is” really means under Ontario law.

For official consumer protection and sales laws in Ontario, you can refer to Government of Ontario resources.

Copy, download, or adapt this template:

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What Does “As Is” Mean in Ontario Sales?

In simple terms, “as is” means the buyer accepts the item in its current condition.

Under Ontario law:

The seller is not promising quality
The seller is not guaranteeing future performance
The buyer takes full responsibility after purchase

This is very common in private sales, especially for used goods.

However, here’s the important part many people miss:

“As is” does NOT allow a seller to lie or hide problems

Even if the document says “as is”:

A seller cannot misrepresent the item
A seller cannot hide known defects

If they do, the buyer may still take legal action.

An as-is bill of sale is used when the buyer accepts the item without warranties. To understand how this differs from standard formats, review the complete bill of sale guide and examples like the car sale agreement.

When Should You Use an As Is Bill of Sale?

You should use this document in most private, informal sales.

Common situations include:

Selling items on Kijiji or Facebook Marketplace
Selling second-hand goods (furniture, appliances)
Selling used vehicles without warranty
Quick transactions between individuals

Real-life examples:

Selling a used bike with worn brakes → “as is” protects the seller from complaints later
Buying a second-hand sofa → buyer accepts stains or wear upfront

If you’re dealing with vehicles, you may also want to check our Ontario Vehicle Bill of Sale template for more detailed requirements.

Is an As Is Bill of Sale Legally Valid in Ontario?

Yes—in most private sale situations, it is legally valid.

Under Ontario contract principles (and similar rules found in the Sale of Goods Act):

A valid bill of sale must include:

Agreement between buyer and seller
Clear terms (including “as is”)
Signatures

If these elements are present, the document is generally enforceable.

Important legal point:

Misrepresentation overrides “as is”

If a seller lies about:

Condition
History
Major defects

Then courts may ignore the “as is” clause.

Key Elements That Make Your Document Strong

Clear Identification of Buyer and Seller

Always include:

Full legal names
Complete addresses

This helps avoid identity disputes later.

Detailed Description of the Item

Avoid vague wording like:

“Used item”
“Old product”

Instead, include:

Make and model
Condition
Known issues

The more detail you add, the stronger your protection.

Strong “As Is” Clause

Your clause must clearly say:

No warranties
No guarantees

Avoid confusing or incomplete wording.

Sale Price and Payment Details

Include:

Exact amount paid
Payment method (cash, e-transfer, etc.)

This helps prevent disputes about money later.

Signatures and Date

Without signatures:

The document may not be enforceable

Always include:

Both signatures
Date of sale

How to Fill Out the Template (Step-by-Step)

Step 1 – Enter Personal Details

Write full legal names and addresses for both parties.

Step 2 – Describe the Item Honestly

Be clear and honest about:

Condition
Defects
Usage

This step protects both sides.

Step 3 – Add the Sale Price

Include:

Final agreed amount
Payment type

Step 4 – Confirm the “As Is” Agreement

Make sure both parties understand:

No warranty
No future claims (except fraud cases)

Step 5 – Sign and Keep Copies

Both parties should:

Sign the document
Keep a copy (digital + printed)

Tip: Always store a photo or PDF version.

This type of agreement is often used in private sales and should align with Ontario legal requirements. You can also compare it with ownership concepts in the bill of sale vs ownership explanation.

Legal Risks of “As Is” Sales (Very Important)

“As is” reduces risk—but it does NOT remove it completely.

Hidden Defects Can Still Cause Problems

If a seller knew about a defect and did not disclose it:

They can still face legal action

Fraud Overrides “As Is” Protection

If a seller lies:

The clause becomes weak or useless

Buyer Has Limited Protection

Buyers should understand:

No refunds in most cases
No warranty coverage

Real scenario:

A seller hides a serious engine issue in a car.
Even with “as is,” the buyer may still sue for misrepresentation.

As Is vs Regular Bill of Sale

Feature	As Is Sale	Regular Sale
Warranty	None	May exist
Risk Level	Higher for buyer	More balanced
Disclosure	Still required	Required
Legal Protection	Limited	Stronger

If you want stronger buyer protection, consider using a standard Ontario Bill of Sale template instead.

Special Case: Vehicles Sold “As Is” in Ontario

This is very common in used vehicle sales.

You’ll often see terms like:

“Not certified”
“Not roadworthy”

Important Rules

Buyers may need an inspection before registration
Sellers must not mislead about condition

Required Documents (Vehicle Sales)

For vehicle transactions, you typically need:

Bill of Sale
Used Vehicle Information Package (UVIP)
Ownership transfer

If you’re selling a bike or trailer, check:

Ontario Motorcycle Bill of Sale
Ontario Trailer Bill of Sale

These include more specific legal details.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Many disputes happen because of simple mistakes:

Not clearly writing “as is”
Making verbal promises (these can override the document)
Missing signatures
Poor item description
Not keeping a copy

Always treat even small sales seriously.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I sell anything “as is” in Ontario?

Yes, you can sell items “as is” in Ontario as long as the item itself is legal. The buyer accepts the item in its current condition without guarantees.

Can a buyer return an “as is” item?

Usually, a buyer cannot return an “as is” item. However, they may have rights if there was fraud, hidden defects, or false information provided.

Is a handwritten bill of sale valid?

Yes, a handwritten bill of sale is valid if it clearly includes all key details like names, item description, price, and signatures.

Do I need a witness?

No, a witness is not legally required. Still, having one can be helpful if there is a dispute later.

Does “as is” protect me completely?

No, selling “as is” does not give full protection. It does not cover cases of dishonesty, fraud, or intentional misrepresentation.