Is Tenant Harassment Legal in Ontario?

Tenant Rights & Responsibilities Ontario 3 min read · published March 09, 2026 Flag of Ontario

As a tenant in Ontario, understanding your rights is crucial, especially when it comes to dealing with harassment. Ontario’s Residential Tenancies Act, 2006, a key piece of legislation, outlines the legal framework that protects tenants from harassment by landlords. If you believe you're experiencing harassment, knowing the legal recourse available to you can make a significant difference.

What is Tenant Harassment?

Tenant harassment can take many forms, including intimidation, invasion of privacy, or persistent unwelcome actions from a landlord. It’s crucial to recognize these actions to protect yourself effectively.

Types of Harassment

  • Invasion of Privacy: Entering your rental unit without proper notice or consent.
  • Persistent Communication: Repeated and unwelcome calls, emails, or visits.
  • Intimidation: Threats of eviction or unwarranted legal action.
If you're experiencing any of these issues, document each instance meticulously. This documentation is vital if you need to escalate the issue legally.
To prepare your T2 filing, gather your lease or rental agreement, your contact details, a log of dates and incidents, copies of any notices, and any relevant emails or messages; submit the completed Form T2 to the LTB and keep copies for your records.

Filing a Complaint

If you're experiencing harassment, you can file an application with the Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB). Use Form T2 - "Application About Tenant Rights" to detail your situation. For instance, Karen, a tenant from Toronto, used this form when her landlord repeatedly entered her apartment without notice.

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Preventative Measures and Legal Actions

  • Keep a record of all incidents of harassment.
  • Send a written request to your landlord asking them to stop the troubling behavior.
  • If harassment continues, fill out Form T2 and submit it to the LTB.

For more information about your Tenant Rights in Ontario, visit our dedicated page.

Key Takeaways

  • Tenant harassment is illegal under Ontario’s Residential Tenancies Act, 2006.
  • Document all instances of harassment for future reference.
  • You can file a complaint with the Landlord and Tenant Board if harassment continues.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

If you need assistance or more information, consider reaching out to these resources:

  • Landlord and Tenant Board
  • Legal Aid Ontario: Offers legal services to low-income Ontarians
  • Tenant Advocacy Groups: Provide guidance and support for tenant rights
  1. What is considered tenant harassment in Ontario? Harassment includes any intentional threat, entry without notice, or action that creates pressure or intimidation on a tenant.
  2. Can a landlord change the locks to prevent tenant access? Landlords cannot change locks to restrict tenant access unless agreed upon and the tenant has been provided with another method to enter.
  3. What should I do if my landlord is harassing me? Immediately document all instances, communicate in writing to your landlord to stop, and file a complaint with the LTB if necessary.
Keep a dated copy of any written requests you send to your landlord and note responses, even if they’re brief; this strengthens your evidence if you escalate the issue.
Remember that harassment can include ongoing behavior that creates a hostile living environment, even if a specific action doesn't seem severe on its own. Keep comprehensive records to show patterns over time.
If you’re unsure about next steps, a quick consult with Legal Aid Ontario or a local tenant advocacy group can help you review your documents, such as your lease, incident logs, and letters to your landlord.

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David Chen
David Chen

Tenant Law Analyst, Tenant Rights Canada

David specializes in Ontario residential tenancy law and Northern territories housing regulations. He has followed developments at the Landlord and Tenant Board closely for over eight years and writes extensively on LTB procedures, rent increases, and maintenance obligations.

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