Is It Legal to Record Your Landlord’s Entry in Ontario?

Feeling concerned about your landlord entering your home? Many tenants across Ontario wonder whether it’s legal to record their landlord’s entry during inspections, repairs, or showings. Understanding your privacy rights can help you stay protected while following the law.

Understanding Privacy and Landlord Entry in Ontario

Your rental unit is your home. In Ontario, tenants have a legal right to privacy, but landlords also have certain rights to enter a rental unit. The Residential Tenancies Act, 2006 sets out rules for when, how, and why landlords can enter your home¹.

• Landlords must generally give at least 24 hours’ written notice before entry.
• Entry is only allowed for valid reasons (e.g., repairs, inspections, showings to new tenants).
• Entry must take place between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m.

If you’d like a full overview of your rights and responsibilities in Ontario, see Tenant Rights in Ontario.

Can Tenants Legally Record Their Landlord’s Entry?

Ontario tenants are not prohibited by law from audio or video recording their landlord’s entry into their unit—as long as they do not violate other laws in doing so. Audio recording private conversations without consent (e.g., using hidden microphones) might breach Canada’s Criminal Code, but video recording without sound, or openly letting your landlord know you’re recording, is not illegal.

Make sure your recording is for your own protection (such as documenting the condition of your unit or the conduct of those entering), and don’t share the recording unless required (for example, when submitting evidence to the Landlord and Tenant Board).

Recording Tips for Tenants

• Use your cellphone to take video (without audio) during entry, especially for inspections or repairs.
• Ask your landlord for consent if you wish to record audio.
• Never record other tenants, guests, or children without their knowledge and consent.
• Only use recordings in case of a dispute (for example, at a tribunal hearing).

Recording your landlord’s actions can be helpful if you face common issues tenants face, such as unauthorized entry or disputes about damages.

Relevant Board and How to Make a Complaint

In Ontario, the Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB) handles all disputes related to residential tenancies, including unauthorized landlord entry and breaches of privacy².

If You Believe Your Privacy Has Been Breached

• Document everything (dates, times, what happened).
• Keep copies of all communications with your landlord.
• Consider using your recording as evidence if you file with the LTB.

If your landlord enters without proper notice or a valid reason, you can file a complaint with the Board using the proper form.

Official Form: Application About Tenant Rights (Form T2)

• Form Name: Application About Tenant Rights
• Form Number: LTB Form T2
• When to Use: If your landlord enters without proper notice or violates your right to privacy, use this form to start a complaint at the LTB.
• Download and instructions: Application About Tenant Rights (Form T2)

When you complete Form T2, explain what happened and why you feel your rights were violated. You can submit it online, by mail, or in person at the Board.

What the Law Says About Privacy and Recording

The Residential Tenancies Act, 2006 protects your reasonable right to privacy. The law does not specifically ban tenants from recording in their own homes, provided it’s not done secretly against other privacy laws¹. Covert audio recording of conversations without at least one participant’s consent may breach Canada’s Criminal Code Section 184 (re: interception of private communications), but video alone is generally allowed for documenting events.

Ontario’s privacy and landlord entry laws are designed to balance tenant protection and landlord rights. For more about the rights and obligations of both parties, see Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained.

What If My Landlord Records Their Entry?

Landlords may record their own entry (such as using a cell phone for an inspection) but must respect your privacy. They should always notify you and avoid recording personal or sensitive information without your consent.

Your Rights at Move-In, During Tenancy, and Beyond

It’s a good idea to document the condition of your unit—especially at move-in, after repairs, or before moving out. To protect yourself:

• Take photos or videos of your unit’s initial condition (this can help with security deposit disputes).
• Review our Guide to the Initial Rental Property Inspection for Tenants.

For a smooth experience, you can also Find rental homes across Canada on Houseme with up-to-date listings and helpful tools.

FAQ: Recording and Landlord Entry

1. Can I legally video record my landlord entering my apartment in Ontario?
   Yes, as long as you do not secretly record audio of conversations and use the video for legitimate, personal reasons related to your tenancy.
2. Are there limits to recording my landlord?
   You should not install hidden cameras or record in private spaces (like bathrooms) and avoid sharing recordings on social media.
3. What should I do if my landlord enters without notice?
   Document the incident, save any recordings, and consider filing a complaint with the Landlord and Tenant Board using Form T2.
4. Can my landlord stop me from recording their entry?
   They can ask you not to record, but if you are open and not intrusive, you are generally allowed to record your own private space.

Conclusion: Key Takeaways

• Tenants in Ontario have the right to privacy and may record landlord entry (with some restrictions).
• Notice and valid reason are always required before landlord entry—document issues to protect yourself.
• If your rights are violated, the Landlord and Tenant Board is there to help—use the correct forms and keep good records.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB): Dispute resolution, forms, and guides for Ontario tenants
• LTB Tenant Maintenance and Privacy Guide
• Local legal clinics and tenant advocacy centres (find your nearest via Ontario’s Legal Aid Ontario)
• More guidance: Tenant Rights in Ontario

1. Residential Tenancies Act, 2006, S.O. 2006, c. 17. Read the full Act
2. Landlord and Tenant Board – Ontario. Official LTB Site