If you’re a renter in Ontario, protecting your privacy is important—especially when your landlord needs to enter your home. Many tenants wonder: is it legal to record your landlord during an entry? Understanding the rules can help you safeguard your rights while avoiding unintended legal issues. This article explores what Ontario law says about privacy, landlord entry, and when recording is (or isn’t) allowed.

Landlord’s Right to Enter: What Does Ontario Law Say?

Under Ontario’s Residential Tenancies Act, 2006, landlords can enter a rental unit only for specific reasons and usually must give tenants 24 hours’ written notice. Exceptions include emergency situations or when the tenant agrees to entry.

• To perform repairs or inspections
• To show the unit to prospective buyers or tenants
• For emergencies (like fire or flooding)

Entry without proper notice is not allowed, except for emergencies. For a full description of your rights and obligations, see Tenant Rights in Ontario.

Is It Legal to Record Your Landlord During Entry?

In Ontario, audio and video recording laws depend on consent and expectation of privacy. Here’s what tenants should know:

Audio (Sound) Recording

Canada is a “one-party consent” jurisdiction for audio. This means you may legally record a conversation if you are taking part in it—even if others don’t know you’re recording. If you’re present during your landlord’s entry, you may usually record the discussion.

Video Recording

Video in your own home is generally allowed since you have a right to record your own living space. However, covert recording devices (hidden cameras) may cross the line if they infringe on another person’s reasonable expectation of privacy—for example, in bedrooms or bathrooms, or if you are not present.

For both audio and video, using the recording to harass or intimidate may be a violation of privacy or criminal harassment laws.

Best Practices for Tenants: Recording and Privacy

• Be transparent when possible: If you choose to record, consider informing your landlord up front to avoid misunderstandings.
• Keep recordings secure and private: Only share them if truly necessary (e.g., with the Landlord and Tenant Board) and avoid posting them publicly.
• Use recordings strictly to document interactions—never for harassment.

For more information on what happens after you sign a lease (including entry rights and privacy), you may find What Tenants Need to Know After Signing the Rental Agreement helpful.

How to Respond If You Feel Your Privacy Is Breached

If you believe your landlord entered without permission or is improperly surveilling you, you have several options:

• Write to your landlord documenting the issue and politely request they respect your privacy.
• Gather supporting evidence (photos, recordings, copies of notices).
• If the issue continues, you may file an application with the Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB) of Ontario.

Relevant Official Form: L2 Application to End a Tenancy and Evict a Tenant

• Form: L2 Application to End a Tenancy and Evict a Tenant
• When to use: While primarily used by landlords, tenants may file a T2 form instead if their rights are violated (see below).

Relevant Official Form: T2 Application About Tenant Rights

• Form: T2 Application About Tenant Rights (Residential Tenancies Act, 2006)
• Example: If your landlord enters your unit without proper notice or violates your reasonable privacy, you can use this form to ask the LTB for an order to stop the behavior and possibly award compensation.
• How to use: Fill out and submit the T2 form to the LTB, including your supporting documentation (written records, notices, or—if relevant—recordings).

For a broad overview of all tenant and landlord duties, visit Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained.

Your Privacy & Technology: Key Legal Considerations

Ontario law aims to protect the privacy of both tenants and landlords. Tenants may use cameras, smart doorbells, or smartphones to record only as long as it does not infringe on others’ privacy. Recordings should never be used to threaten, intimidate, or embarrass your landlord. When in doubt, focus on transparency and use other methods first.

Looking for a new place after repeated privacy issues? Find rental homes across Canada on Houseme and make your next move easy and secure.

FAQ: Recording Landlord Entry in Ontario

1. Can I use my phone to record my landlord’s visit if I feel uncomfortable?
   Yes, as long as you are present and part of the conversation, you can record for your own documentation. Be mindful of sharing recordings with others.
2. Is it allowed to install a camera in my rental unit for security?
   You may install visible security cameras or video doorbells within your unit for your own safety but must respect your landlord’s and visitors’ privacy rights—no recording private areas without consent.
3. Can a landlord record inside my unit during entry?
   Generally, landlords should not record inside a tenant’s home without consent or a legal reason, as tenants have a strong right to privacy in their residence.
4. If I catch my landlord entering without notice, what can I do?
   Document the incident, gather evidence, and consider filing a T2 form with the Landlord and Tenant Board if your rights are repeatedly violated.

Conclusion: Key Takeaways for Ontario Tenants

• Ontario tenants can generally record landlord entry into their homes if they are present, but should be transparent and respect privacy.
• Improper landlord entry is a serious issue—if it happens, keep careful records and consider using official forms to protect your rights.
• Understand your rights and responsibilities by reviewing Tenant Rights in Ontario.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Landlord and Tenant Board of Ontario – File applications and get information on tenant privacy and entry law.
• Community Legal Education Ontario (CLEO) – Free legal info for tenants.
• For comprehensive rights, see Tenant Rights in Ontario.
• Contact your local community legal clinic for confidential support.

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1. See the Residential Tenancies Act, 2006 (Ontario)
2. Landlord and Tenant Board (Ontario) official website: https://tribunalsontario.ca/ltb/
3. Audio recording law: Criminal Code of Canada, Section 184
4. Official LTB forms: https://tribunalsontario.ca/ltb/forms/

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