As technology evolves, many Ontario tenants wonder if their landlord can monitor who enters or leaves their home remotely using smart locks, key fobs, or security systems. Understanding the rules around privacy and landlord surveillance protects your rights and ensures your home remains your private sanctuary.

Understanding Landlord Surveillance and Entry Monitoring

Ontario law gives you, as a tenant, strong rights to privacy in your home. Landlords may want to monitor entry for security or building management, but the Residential Tenancies Act, 2006 (RTA) places clear limits on what information they can collect and how they may use it.^[1]

What Does "Remote Monitoring" Mean?

Remote monitoring includes any system allowing your landlord to track, record, or receive notifications about your movements—whether by tracking entry key fobs, viewing live video from common areas, or unlocking doors electronically from afar. These technologies are most common in apartment or condo buildings with electronic access or surveillance cameras in public spaces like lobbies and hallways.

Your Privacy Rights as a Tenant in Ontario

Ontario tenants are protected by:

• The Residential Tenancies Act, 2006 (RTA)
• The Ontario Human Rights Code (where applicable)
• Federal privacy laws such as PIPEDA for certain types of information

Landlords cannot install surveillance devices or monitor inside your private unit. Entry logs—such as electronic key fob records—can be collected, but should be limited to reasonable purposes, such as ensuring building security or investigating serious issues. Continuous surveillance of your comings and goings without cause may violate your privacy rights.

When Can Landlords Use Entry Logs or Monitoring?

Your landlord may use systems to:

• Track access to common areas for building security
• Respond to emergencies or building safety concerns
• Maintain or repair electronic access systems

However, landlords must not use entry data for harassment or to monitor your private activities. Personal data collected must be used only for legitimate purposes and handled confidentially.

Landlord Entry and Notice Requirements

Under the Residential Tenancies Act, 2006, landlords generally must provide at least 24 hours written notice before entering your rental unit, stating the reason, date, and time (between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m.). There are specific exceptions for emergencies or agreed-upon repairs.

It's also important to understand the Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained, which details entry, maintenance, and privacy expectations for both parties.

Security Cameras in Common Areas

Landlords may install security cameras in shared spaces (like entrances, parking garages, hallways) to ensure safety, but not in a way that intrudes into your actual living area or directly faces your apartment door. Surveillance must be reasonable and not excessive.

If You Believe Your Privacy Is Violated

If you feel your landlord is improperly tracking your entry, or has installed unauthorized surveillance inside your private area, you have options to address it. Document your concerns, keeping records of incidents or correspondence.

How to File a Complaint or Application

Disputes about privacy, improper surveillance, or landlord entry are handled by the Landlord and Tenant Board of Ontario (LTB). The main form tenants use in privacy disputes is:

• Form T2: Application about Tenant Rights
  • Download the T2 Form at the LTB website
  • When to Use: If your landlord is interfering with your reasonable enjoyment, including breaches of privacy or unauthorized entry.
  • Example: You discover your landlord is using entry data to confront you about visitors, or has installed a security device in your home without your consent. You can complete and submit a T2 with supporting documents (like emails or photos).

Tips for Protecting Your Privacy

• Ask building management about what information is collected and for what purpose
• Review any written notice about new security systems or monitoring
• Check your lease for clauses regarding surveillance or entry systems
• Contact the LTB if you need advice or wish to file a formal complaint

Other Related Tenant Issues

Concerns about entry monitoring often tie into broader obligations, repair requests, or issues with building safety. For more about your responsibilities and what to expect from your landlord, see Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained. If privacy violations occur during initial or routine inspections, the Guide to the Initial Rental Property Inspection for Tenants can help you document any concerns.

For a full overview of your legal rights and protections as an Ontario tenant, refer to Tenant Rights in Ontario.

To explore secure and professionally managed rentals, Canada's best rental listings platform lets you filter by features and landlord policies across the country.

FAQ: Ontario Tenants' Rights and Landlord Monitoring

1. Can my landlord track when I enter and leave my unit?
   Landlords may maintain key fob or building entry records for safety, but cannot monitor this information unnecessarily or use it to invade your privacy. Monitoring inside your unit, or using the data inappropriately, is not allowed under Ontario law.
2. Are security cameras legal in apartment buildings?
   Security cameras are legal only in common areas for safety purposes. They cannot be placed inside your private unit or aimed to monitor your doorway directly.
3. What can I do if my landlord is spying on me?
   If you suspect illegal surveillance or privacy violations, gather evidence, speak to your landlord first, and escalate to the Landlord and Tenant Board with a Form T2 if needed.
4. How much notice does my landlord need to give before entering for repairs?
   Generally, at least 24 hours written notice is required, with the exception of emergencies or urgent repairs.
5. Is my landlord allowed to collect personal data about my visitors?
   Your landlord cannot collect or share personal data about your guests without a lawful reason and your consent, except in specific security or legal situations.

Key Takeaways for Ontario Tenants

• Landlords may use entry logs and security systems in common areas, but cannot surveil your private home or misuse your data.
• Always receive proper notice for landlord entry, and know your privacy rights under provincial law.
• The Landlord and Tenant Board protects your rights—use Form T2 for complaints about privacy or unlawful entry.

Remember, maintaining open communication and knowing your rights are your best protection against improper landlord surveillance.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Landlord and Tenant Board of Ontario (LTB) – file complaints or seek help with forms and disputes
• Ontario Government Guide: Renting in Ontario – Your Rights
• Canada's best rental listings platform – to find secure, professionally managed rentals
• Tenant Rights in Ontario

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1. Residential Tenancies Act, 2006, S.O. 2006, c. 17. Read the Residential Tenancies Act, 2006 online
2. Landlord and Tenant Board of Ontario. Official LTB Website
3. Ontario Government: Renting in Ontario – Your Rights. Access the official government guide

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