Handling Suspicious Visitors: Ontario Tenant Safety

Living in Ontario as a renter means knowing how to stay safe when unfamiliar or suspicious people come to your building or unit. This guide explains clear, practical steps tenants can take to protect themselves and their neighbours, preserve evidence, and involve landlords or authorities when needed. It covers immediate actions, documenting incidents, using official forms and where to get help from the Landlord and Tenant Board^[1] and provincial resources. Advice focuses on tenant rights and personal safety without assuming fault, so you can act calmly and decisively. Keep this as a reference for quick decisions and for preparing a record if a formal complaint or hearing becomes necessary.

Recognize and respond to suspicious visitors

Suspicious visitors can range from unannounced service people to strangers loitering near entrances. Prioritise your personal safety: check peepholes or intercoms, ask for identification through the door, and never admit someone if you feel uncertain. If the person claims to be a worker, call your property manager or landlord to confirm before letting them in.

• Call 911 if you or someone is in immediate danger.
• Warning: do not confront a visitor who appears aggressive or intoxicated.
• Lock doors and secure entry points; use peepholes and intercoms where available.
• Keep records: take photos or videos and write a detailed log of times, descriptions and actions.

Documenting incidents and preserving evidence

Good documentation helps your landlord, police, or the tribunal assess the situation. Record dates, times, witness names, photographs, video, and any messages or notes the visitor left. Store copies in a safe place and back up digital files.

• Document evidence: save photos, videos, messages and a written timeline with exact times.
• Save all notices or communications and record who you reported the incident to and when.

Notify your landlord and authorities

Tell your landlord, superintendent or building manager about the incident immediately and ask what steps they will take to secure the building. For emergencies, always call police first. If the landlord does not address safety concerns or the situation involves harassment, you may need to pursue remedies with the Landlord and Tenant Board^[1]. For guidance on repairs and emergency responses see Emergency Situations and Repairs: Tenant Rights and Responsibilities.

• Contact your landlord or property manager in writing and keep copies of messages and responses.
• Request that the landlord document and address building security issues in writing.
• If needed, lodge a formal application or complaint with the Landlord and Tenant Board^[1] using the appropriate form^[3].

When to use official forms and file with the Landlord and Tenant Board

Certain situations require formal filings under the Residential Tenancies Act, 2006^[2]. The Landlord and Tenant Board maintains official forms and instructions on its forms page^[3]. Examples below explain when a form is typically used and include practical tenant-focused examples.

• Notice N4 (notice to end a tenancy for unpaid rent): used by a landlord to begin eviction for rent arrears; a tenant should keep proof of payments as a defence if rent was paid.
• Application L1 (application to end a tenancy and evict a tenant): used when a landlord seeks an order; as a tenant, respond with your evidence and attend the hearing.
• How to file: the Board's forms page explains fees, delivery options and required attachments; follow those steps and keep copies of every document you submit.

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FAQ

What should I do if someone suspicious knocks at my door?

Do not open the door if you feel unsure; check ID through a peephole, call police if there is immediate danger, lock your unit, document the encounter, and notify your landlord.

Can my landlord refuse to change locks after a safety incident?

Landlords generally must maintain security and habitability; if a lock change is needed for safety they should arrange it. If they refuse, document the request and consider filing with the Landlord and Tenant Board.

When should I file a complaint with the Landlord and Tenant Board?

File when a landlord fails to address serious safety or security issues after you have reported them, or when you need a formal remedy such as an order to compel repairs or address harassment.

How-To

1. Ensure immediate safety: call 911 if you or someone is in danger and move to a safe location.
2. Secure your unit: lock doors and avoid opening to strangers; use peephole or intercom to verify identity.
3. Document the incident: take photos or video, save messages, and write a time-stamped log.
4. Notify your landlord and request action in writing; keep copies of all communications.
5. If the landlord does not act, gather your evidence and file the appropriate application with the Landlord and Tenant Board, following the Board's filing instructions.

Help and Support / Resources

• Contact the Landlord and Tenant Board - Tribunals Ontario
• Check the Residential Tenancies Act, 2006 for tenant protections
• Ontario: Renting and managing a tenancy - provincial guidance

1. [1] Landlord and Tenant Board - Tribunals Ontario
2. [2] Residential Tenancies Act, 2006 - Government of Ontario
3. [3] Landlord and Tenant Board forms - Tribunals Ontario