As a tenant in Ontario, your right to privacy and quiet enjoyment of your home is protected under provincial law. But what if your landlord enters your rental without proper notice or without your consent? Understanding your rights and the possible penalties for illegal entry can help you take confident, informed action to protect yourself.

When Can a Landlord Enter Your Unit?

Your landlord cannot enter your rental unit whenever they choose. The Residential Tenancies Act, 2006 (RTA) sets strict conditions that govern when and how a landlord may legally enter your home¹:

• With 24 hours’ written notice: For reasons such as repairs, inspections, showing the unit to future tenants or buyers, or other reasonable reasons allowed by law.
• In emergencies: Such as fire, flooding, gas leak, or situations where there may be a risk to health or property. No notice is required in these cases.
• If you consent: If you verbally agree to let the landlord in, written notice is not needed.

The written notice must specify:

• The reason for entry
• The date of entry
• A time window (between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m.)

What Counts as Illegal Entry?

If your landlord enters your unit without providing proper notice, outside authorized times, or for reasons not covered by the RTA, it is considered illegal entry. Persistent or harassing conduct can be especially serious and may warrant additional penalties.

Your Rights and Protections as a Tenant

In Ontario, tenants have the right to quiet enjoyment and reasonable privacy in their rental homes. If your landlord violates these rights by entering without authorization, you are protected by law. For a deeper dive into related tenant protections, see Tenant Rights in Ontario.

Some tenants may face additional issues connected to property access, repairs, or landlord-tenant duties. You can read more about both sides’ responsibilities in Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained.

What to Do If Your Landlord Enters Illegally

If you believe your landlord entered your unit illegally:

• Document the date, time, and circumstances of the entry.
• Gather any evidence, such as messages or photos.
• Communicate your concerns in writing, and keep a copy for your records.
• If the problem persists, consider taking further action.

Illegal entry can be distressing, but there are clear steps and official forms to help tenants seek resolution and protection.

How to File a Complaint: Tenant Action Steps

The Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB) is the official tribunal in Ontario handling these matters. If you wish to formally address illegal entry, you usually use the following steps and documents:

1. Application about Tenant Rights (Form T2)

• Form name: Application about Tenant Rights (T2)
• When to use: If you believe your landlord illegally entered your unit or has harassed you.
• Where to find: Download Form T2 from the Landlord and Tenant Board
• Practical example: If your landlord enters without notice or continues to enter against your wishes, you can complete and submit this form to request that the LTB order compensation, stop the behaviour, or both.

Process Summary

You file Form T2 with the LTB, pay the applicable filing fee (fee waivers may be available), and provide supporting evidence. The LTB will schedule a hearing, give both parties a chance to present their case, and can award remedies, such as an order for the landlord to stop entry, pay compensation, or abate your rent.

What Penalties Can Landlords Face?

Under Ontario law, the LTB has authority to order:

• Financial compensation (often up to the amount of one month’s rent or actual damages caused)
• Rent abatement (a partial refund of rent for affected period)
• Orders prohibiting further unauthorized entry or harassment
• Potential further orders for repeated or serious violations

Landlords found in violation of the Residential Tenancies Act, 2006 may also face fines or other legal consequences, especially if the behaviour is persistent or retaliatory¹.

Related Tenant Issues

If illegal entry is accompanied by other problems—like unresolved maintenance or emergency repairs—learn more about your options in Emergency Situations and Repairs: Tenant Rights and Responsibilities.

For those searching for a new rental home where tenant rights are respected, Canada's best rental listings platform offers many choices with privacy and security in mind.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can my landlord enter my apartment without any notice?
   Only in emergencies, such as fire or urgent repairs. Otherwise, written 24-hour notice is required.
2. What do I do if my landlord keeps entering without notice?
   Document each incident and communicate your concerns in writing. If it continues, you may file Form T2 with the Landlord and Tenant Board.
3. What penalties can a landlord face for illegal entry in Ontario?
   The LTB can order compensation, rent abatements, or require the landlord to stop entering unlawfully—plus possible fines or further legal consequences if violations continue.
4. Can I change my locks if my landlord enters illegally?
   No, not without your landlord’s permission. Changing locks on your own may break your lease or the RTA. Address entry issues through official complaints instead.
5. Is it harassment if my landlord keeps coming in without reason?
   Repeated unauthorized entries may be considered harassment. You have the right to seek remedies through the LTB.

Key Takeaways for Ontario Tenants

• Landlords can only enter your unit with proper notice, your consent, or during emergencies.
• Tenants are protected by law and can seek remedies for unlawful or repeated landlord entry.
• Keep records and use official forms and channels like the LTB to resolve disputes.

Your right to privacy matters—the law is designed to support fair, respectful rental housing in Ontario.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB) – File complaints, download forms, and access guides.
• Ontario Government: Renting in Ontario – Overview of rights, responsibilities, and official resources.
• Local community legal clinics – Offer free tenant advice and help with applications (find clinics via Legal Aid Ontario).
• Tenant Rights in Ontario – Clear summary of key laws, protections, and links for Ontario renters.

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1. Residential Tenancies Act, 2006, S.O. 2006, c. 17. Read the law at Ontario's official legislation website.
2. Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB) – Forms and applications: LTB Forms Page.
3. LTB information and guides: LTB Official Website.

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