How to Document and Prove Illegal Entry in Ontario

Illegal entry by a landlord or other person can be frightening and confusing for tenants in Ontario. This guide explains how renters can document incidents, preserve evidence, and report unwanted entries to protect privacy and rights under provincial law. You will learn practical steps for taking photos and videos, keeping detailed logs, collecting witness statements, and using official forms and the Landlord and Tenant Board when needed. The tone is practical and supportive, with clear instructions for non‑lawyers on deadlines, filing complaints, and preparing evidence for hearings. Read on to know what actions to take immediately after an entry, how to safely store records, and where to find official help and required forms.

What counts as illegal entry?

Illegal entry generally means someone entered your rental unit without proper notice, consent, or lawful reason. In Ontario, the Residential Tenancies Act, 2006 sets rules about when a landlord may enter a unit and when notice is required. ^[2] If you believe an entry violated those rules, you can raise the issue with the Landlord and Tenant Board. ^[1]

How to document an illegal entry

• Take dated photos and videos showing the person, time, and any damage or changes to the unit.
• Keep a written incident log with exact dates, times, actions taken, and any conversations you had.
• Collect witness names and short signed statements from neighbours or visitors who saw the entry.
• Save all messages, emails, and written notices from the landlord or property manager.
• Preserve physical evidence (damaged locks, torn screens) and note when you first discovered it.

Immediate safety and privacy steps

• If you feel unsafe, leave the unit and contact police right away; safety comes first.
• Change or secure locks if access was forced or if you fear repeated entries; document who changed them and when.
• Tell the landlord in writing that you are documenting the entry and request an explanation; keep a copy of your message.

How to prepare your evidence for a complaint or hearing

• Organize photos and videos in a dated folder or cloud storage and keep originals if possible.
• Maintain a clear timeline showing when entries happened and any follow-up actions you took.
• Have witness statements signed and dated, with contact information for each witness.
• Print and file copies of your lease, any notices, and written communications with the landlord.
• Keep a list of names and phone numbers for anyone you may call to support your claim or provide testimony.

Reporting, forms, and tribunal process

If an entry seems illegal, tenants can apply to the Landlord and Tenant Board for remedies or orders. ^[1] The Residential Tenancies Act, 2006 explains the rules and potential remedies. ^[2] Common LTB forms and guides explain how to file an application; see the official forms page for the current PDF forms and filing instructions. ^[3]

• Application about Tenant Rights (example name: "Application about Tenant Rights"): used when a tenant seeks orders for breach of their rights. Example: you file to ask the Board to confirm the entry was unlawful and to request compensation or an order to stop future entries.
• Request for an emergency hearing or expedited order (where available): used when immediate action is needed—for example, to prevent imminent re-entry or to address serious safety risks.
• Certificate of Service or proof of delivery forms: used to show the Board that you properly served documents on the landlord or other parties.

Review your lease and provincial rules before filing. For practical next steps about leases and tenant obligations, see What Tenants Need to Know After Signing the Rental Agreement. For a quick provincial summary, review Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Ontario. If you need to look for alternative housing while you address an entry issue, consider Houseme - your rental solution in Canada.

FAQ

Can my landlord enter without notice?

Generally no. Landlords must follow the notice and reason requirements set out in the Residential Tenancies Act, 2006; exceptions include emergencies. ^[2]

What evidence will the Board accept?

The Board accepts photos, videos, dated logs, witness statements, copies of notices, and any physical evidence you can produce to corroborate your account.

Should I contact police?

If you feel threatened, if entry involved forced access or theft, or the situation is urgent, contact the police first and then document the incident for tribunal or civil processes.

How-To

1. Immediately take dated photos or video that show the entry and any damage.
2. Write a clear, dated timeline describing exactly when the entry occurred and what happened.
3. Ask witnesses for short signed statements and contact details.
4. Save copies of communications and serve written requests for explanation or remedy to the landlord.
5. If needed, file an application with the Landlord and Tenant Board and attach your organized evidence. ^[1]

Key Takeaways

• Document every entry with photos, a dated log, and witness statements.
• Use official forms and file with the Landlord and Tenant Board when informal resolution fails. ^[3]
• Prioritize safety: call police if there is a threat or forced entry.

Help and Support / Resources

• Contact the Landlord and Tenant Board
• Read the Residential Tenancies Act, 2006
• Official LTB forms and filing instructions

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1. [1] Landlord and Tenant Board
2. [2] Residential Tenancies Act, 2006
3. [3] Landlord and Tenant Board forms