If you're renting in Ontario, you may wonder whether your landlord can require a cleanliness inspection of your rental unit. Understanding your rights and responsibilities can help you feel confident should your landlord ask to inspect your home for cleanliness. This guide explains what Ontario law says, what notice is required, and how to respond if you receive an inspection request.

What Does Ontario Law Say About Landlord Inspections?

In Ontario, your rights as a tenant are protected under the Residential Tenancies Act, 2006^[1]. According to this law, landlords have the right to enter rental units under specific circumstances, including to inspect the unit for maintenance or repairs, but they must provide you with proper written notice, except in emergencies or if you agree to the entry at the time.

A landlord can legally enter to inspect for cleanliness only if cleanliness impacts the unit's maintenance, safety, or violates your responsibilities as a tenant. Routine, random, or excessively frequent "cleanliness inspections" are not allowed.

Notice Required for Inspections

• Landlords must give at least 24 hours written notice before entering, stating the reason, date, and time (between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m.).
• No notice is required only in emergencies (e.g., fire, flood), or if you've agreed to entry on the spot.

The inspection must be for a legitimate purpose – such as ensuring safety, performing repairs, or investigating breaches of health or maintenance standards.

Your Responsibility for Cleanliness as a Tenant

Ontario tenants are responsible for keeping their rental unit "reasonably clean." This means maintaining an ordinary standard of cleanliness, not perfection. However, your landlord cannot require you to maintain the unit above the standard set by law.

To better understand these obligations, read Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained for clear examples and practical tips.

When Can a Cleanliness Inspection Happen?

• If there are concerns about pests, mould, or health hazards
• If the unit's cleanliness affects maintenance or causes damage (e.g., garbage buildup)
• As part of a move-out process or Guide to the Initial Rental Property Inspection for Tenants

Summary: Cleanliness can be inspected only for clear legal or safety reasons, not for a landlord's personal preferences.

What Should You Do If Your Landlord Requests a Cleanliness Inspection?

If you receive notice of an inspection, here's how to respond:

• Check that you received proper written notice (at least 24 hours in advance, with date, time, and reason)
• Ask questions politely if the inspection reason is unclear. You can request clarification in writing.
• Ensure your unit meets "reasonable cleanliness" standards—no need for perfection, just safety and maintenance.
• Document your own cleaning or efforts (photos can help you if there's a dispute later).

If you feel your landlord is inspecting too often, harassing you, or not providing proper notice, you can contact the Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB) of Ontario for guidance or to file a complaint^[2].

Relevant Forms and How to Use Them

• Tenant Application About Maintenance (Form T6): Use this form if your landlord is not following their legal responsibilities, or is improperly entering or inspecting your unit. Example: If your landlord is repeatedly doing "cleanliness inspections" outside legal bounds, you can submit a T6 to the LTB.
  • T6 Form at Landlord and Tenant Board
• Notice of Entry (Landlord): If you want to see what official notice your landlord should use, review the LTB's guidance on entry: LTB Entry Rules (no official form, but written notice is required)

Summary: If you believe your rights were violated regarding inspections, your primary path is to file a T6 with the LTB and maintain your own written record of incidents.

What Happens If You and Your Landlord Disagree?

If there is a disagreement about the cleanliness of your unit or the frequency/reason for inspections, both parties are encouraged to resolve the matter through open and respectful conversation first. If agreement cannot be reached, the Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB) will resolve disputes according to the Residential Tenancies Act, 2006.

Learn more about "How to Handle Complaints in Your Rental: A Tenant’s Guide" if you're unsure how to communicate your concerns.

Quick Reference: Landlord Entry for Inspections

• 24 hours written notice is required
• Entry must be between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m.
• Legitimate legal reason required (not personal preference)
• Emergency situations do not require notice

Details about all applicable laws can be found at Tenant Rights in Ontario.

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1. Can my landlord do surprise cleanliness inspections?
   Your landlord is never allowed to enter your unit without advance written notice (at least 24 hours) unless it's an emergency or you agree at the time. Surprise checks for cleanliness are not permitted.
2. How clean does my rental have to be in Ontario?
   You must keep your rental "reasonably clean"—enough that there are no health hazards or damages. You are not responsible for perfection or deep cleaning unless there is a specific lease clause, which still cannot override your basic rights.
3. How often can a landlord ask for a cleanliness inspection?
   Inspections can only be as often as reasonably necessary and only for a valid purpose, such as maintenance or repairs—not repeatedly or for harassment. If you believe inspections are excessive, keep records and contact the LTB for help.
4. How do I challenge an unfair inspection?
   Keep written records, take photos, and if needed, file a Tenant Application About Maintenance (T6) with the Landlord and Tenant Board.
5. What if cleanliness is cited as a reason for eviction?
   A landlord must show your unit is unreasonably unclean to obtain an eviction order through the LTB. You’ll have the chance to present your side at a hearing.

Conclusion: Key Takeaways

• Your landlord can only inspect for cleanliness with proper written notice and a valid legal reason.
• You must keep your home "reasonably clean" as defined in Ontario law.
• Disputes can be resolved through written communication—and if necessary, by applying to the Landlord and Tenant Board using official forms.

Staying informed about your rights ensures your privacy and protects you from unreasonable demands.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB): Information, forms, and dispute application
• Ontario Government – Renting in Ontario: Your Rights
• Local legal clinics or tenant advocacy groups: Search online for "tenant legal aid" in your municipality
• Tenant Rights in Ontario: Overview of Ontario-specific rent, repairs, and entry rights

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1. [1] Residential Tenancies Act, 2006 (Ontario)
2. [2] Landlord and Tenant Board – Ontario

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