Understanding your privacy rights as a tenant in Ontario is essential, especially regarding when your landlord is allowed to enter your rental unit. While the law typically requires landlords to give a written 24-hour notice before entry, several important exceptions exist. Knowing these rules can help you protect your privacy and respond appropriately when entry is requested.

Ontario’s Standard Entry Notice Requirement

Under Ontario’s Residential Tenancies Act, 2006, landlords are generally required to provide tenants with at least 24 hours’ written notice before entering a rental unit. The notice must specify:

• The reason for entry
• The date of entry
• A reasonable time, between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m.

This rule helps maintain your sense of privacy and home security. But, certain situations allow landlords to enter without this advanced notice.

When Can Landlords Enter Without 24-Hour Notice?

There are specific exceptions under Ontario law which allow a landlord to enter your home without the 24-hour written notice. These are designed to protect the property and ensure your safety and well-being.

Key Exceptions to the Entry Notice Rule

• Emergencies: If there is an emergency—such as fire, flooding, gas leaks, or another urgent safety risk—your landlord can enter immediately without notice.
• With Tenant’s Permission: If you agree to entry, notice is not required. This can be verbal or written permission to enter at a specific time.
• If the Unit is Abandoned: If your landlord reasonably believes you have permanently moved out (abandoned the unit), entry may occur without notice.
• For Routine Services: If your tenancy agreement allows for regular cleaning or maintenance at agreed times, landlords may enter without additional notice.

For all other reasons, the 24-hour written notice is required. You do not have to be present during entry, but you should always receive proper notice unless one of these exceptions applies.

Emergency Entry: What Tenants Should Know

An emergency is the most common situation for entry without notice. Emergencies include situations that threaten life, health, or the integrity of the property. For example:

• Fire in the building
• Major water leak or burst pipe
• Gas smell or other hazardous condition
• Immediate risk of injury to a person or major damage to the unit

Landlords are not permitted to use "emergency" as a pretext for routine inspections or non-urgent repairs. If this occurs and your privacy is being ignored, you can file a complaint with the Landlord and Tenant Board of Ontario.

Who Handles Complaints in Ontario?

The Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB) resolves disputes about entry and privacy rights. If you feel your landlord has broken the law regarding notices or entered your home without a legal reason, you can submit an application to the LTB for resolution.

Tip: Keep a log of all landlord entries, including dates and reasons. This can help if you need to show a pattern of improper or illegal entries when making a complaint.

Forms Tenants Should Know

• T2: Application About Tenant Rights (Download here)
  • Use: File this with the LTB if your landlord entered your home improperly, didn't give proper notice, or repeatedly violated your privacy.
  • Example: You can use this form if your landlord enters without consent or legal grounds.
  • Official Info: Full instructions and filing details are on the LTB forms page.

Your Rights and Responsibilities

Protecting your privacy is important, but you also have some responsibilities:

• Cooperate with legal entry: If your landlord follows the law and gives proper notice, it’s best to cooperate.
• Document unauthorized entry: If your landlord enters without proper reason or notice, document it and consider filing a complaint.

For a broader understanding of your duties and your landlord’s, see Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained.

For health or safety entry, see Health and Safety Issues Every Tenant Should Know When Renting.

Related Tenant Topics

• Tenant Rights in Ontario
• Affordable homes for rent in Canada

FAQs: Entry Notice Exceptions in Ontario Rentals

1. Can my landlord come in without any notice at all?
   Yes, but only in emergency situations, with your permission, or if the unit appears to be abandoned.
2. What counts as an emergency that allows my landlord in?
   Emergencies are situations that pose immediate risk to safety or property, like fire, major leaks, or dangerous conditions.
3. Do I have to let my landlord in for regular maintenance?
   Only if you’ve agreed in your lease to routine services at certain times. Otherwise, 24-hour notice is still required.
4. What should I do if my landlord enters illegally?
   Start by documenting the entry. Then, you can file a T2 Application with the Landlord and Tenant Board.
5. Can I refuse entry if I get a 24-hour notice?
   No. If your landlord follows all requirements for notice, you generally must allow entry during the stated time, even if you can't be present.

Summary: What Ontario Tenants Should Remember

• Landlords usually need to give 24-hour written notice before entering your home.
• Exceptions apply only for emergencies, your consent, routine services agreed by lease, or abandonment.
• The Landlord and Tenant Board can help if your privacy rights are being violated repeatedly.

Remember, understanding both your rights and responsibilities is the best way to enjoy safe, private, and secure rental housing.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB) – Official forms, guides, and dispute resolution.
• Ontario’s Rental Housing Rights and Responsibilities – Government facts and common questions.
• Community Legal Clinics – Free legal help for tenants. Search by region: Legal Aid Ontario.
• Tenant Rights in Ontario – Key facts for Ontario tenants and landlords.

---

1. Residential Tenancies Act, 2006: View the legislation
2. Landlord and Tenant Board of Ontario: Official Website
3. LTB Forms (T2, others): Tenant Forms Page
4. Ontario Rental Rights: Renting in Ontario – Government Guide

Categories

Tenant Rights & Responsibilities Rent & Deposits Leases & Agreements Moving In / Out Maintenance & Repairs Evictions Roommates & Shared Housing Discrimination & Accessibility Utilities & Services Affordable Housing & Subsidies Dispute Resolution & LTB Safety & Security Privacy & Entry by Landlord Special Tenancy Situations Tenant Insurance & Liability Post-Eviction Resources Landlord Compliance & Penalties Legal Precedents & Case Summaries Mental Health & Tenancy