Handling Illegal Entry and Harassment Claims at the LTB in Ontario

If a landlord or their agent enters your rental unit without legal notice, or you face repeated harassment, you can protect your rights as a tenant in Ontario. This guide explains what counts as illegal entry and harassment, how to document incidents, when to contact police versus the Landlord and Tenant Board, and the practical steps to file a claim. It uses clear tenant-focused language and points to the official Landlord and Tenant Board and the Residential Tenancies Act, 2006 so you can find the correct forms and deadlines. Keep records, act quickly on urgent safety issues, and learn how hearings typically work so you feel prepared to pursue a remedy or stop harmful behaviour.

Understanding illegal entry and harassment under Ontario law

Illegal entry usually means a landlord or their representative enters a rental unit without required notice, without consent, or at a prohibited time. Harassment can include threats, intimidation, repeated unwelcome contact, or actions intended to make you leave. Both can be grounds for an application to the Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB) where remedies can include orders to stop, compensation, or rent abatements. Use simple documentation and official forms when you decide to raise the issue with the LTB.

What counts as illegal entry or harassment?

• Entering your unit without proper written notice or at an unreasonable hour, such as late at night.
• Forcing entry or changing locks without your agreement or a proper eviction order.
• Threatening behaviour, verbal abuse, or actions intended to intimidate you into leaving.
• Repeated unwanted visits or communications that interfere with your reasonable enjoyment of the unit.

Immediate actions tenants should take

Take safe and sensible steps right away so you preserve evidence and protect yourself. If you feel unsafe, call emergency services. For non-emergencies, document and notify the landlord in writing, keeping copies of everything. If the behaviour continues, you can prepare an LTB application.

• Document each incident with dates, times, descriptions, and the names of witnesses where possible.
• Keep photos, videos, text messages, emails, and written notes that describe what happened.
• Contact the landlord in writing to request that the behaviour stop and keep a copy of that message.
• If you fear for your safety, call the police and record the officer’s file number.

How to file a claim at the Landlord and Tenant Board

When informal steps don’t stop the illegal entry or harassment, file an application with the Landlord and Tenant Board. The LTB handles residential tenancy disputes in Ontario and provides forms and instructions for tenants to apply for remedies, orders and hearings.^[1] The governing law is the Residential Tenancies Act, 2006, which explains tenant and landlord obligations.^[2]

Relevant forms and when to use them

• Application about Tenant Rights (use this LTB application if you seek an order to stop harassment, compensation, or other enforcement actions) — complete the tenant application following the LTB instructions and provide evidence examples like dated logs and messages.
• LTB forms and filing instructions (use the official forms page to find the current application, any fee information, and online filing options).^[3]

Practical example of filing

Example: If a landlord entered without notice on March 1 and then sent threatening messages on March 3, create a timeline, save copies of messages and photos, ask for witnesses to provide brief statements, then complete the LTB tenant application seeking an order to stop and compensation. Attach your evidence and be prepared to explain timelines at the hearing.

FAQ

Can I call the police for illegal entry?

Yes. If you believe a criminal offence occurred, such as forced entry or threats, call police. Police involvement does not replace an LTB application, but it can provide important records and immediate protection.

How long before I must file an LTB application?

There are time limits for some claims; act promptly. Document incidents immediately and file as soon as reasonable to preserve evidence and your rights at the LTB.

Will I need to go to a hearing?

Most LTB applications lead to a hearing. You may be offered mediation or an early resolution, but be prepared to attend and present your evidence either in person or by phone/virtual hearing.

How-To

1. Gather evidence: collect photos, messages, witness names and a dated incident log.
2. Check timelines: note when incidents happened and act quickly to avoid losing evidence or rights.
3. Complete the LTB application: use the official tenant application for rights enforcement and attach your evidence.
4. Serve the application: follow LTB rules to submit and serve documents so the process is valid.
5. Prepare for the hearing: organize a concise timeline and copies of your evidence for the adjudicator.
6. Attend and follow orders: present calmly at the hearing and keep copies of any LTB orders you receive.

Key Takeaways

• Document every incident immediately with dates, times and supporting evidence.
• Use the official LTB forms and follow the filing and serving rules closely.
• If you feel unsafe, contact police first and then pursue LTB remedies for long-term protection.

Help and Support / Resources

• Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB) - Tribunals Ontario
• Residential Tenancies Act, 2006 (Ontario)
• Ontario Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing

1. [1] Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB) - Tribunals Ontario
2. [2] Residential Tenancies Act, 2006 - Ontario e-Laws
3. [3] LTB Forms and Fees - Tribunals Ontario