Landlord harassment is unfortunately a reality for some Ontario tenants. Understanding how courts and the Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB) address this can empower you to recognize your rights and know the steps if you experience such conduct. This guide summarizes top Ontario tribunal and court decisions about landlord harassment, offers examples of common situations, and provides actionable information under Ontario tenancy law.

Understanding Landlord Harassment: Legal Definition

In Ontario, 'harassment' means engaging in a course of vexatious conduct or making repeated actions or communications that are known or ought reasonably to be known as unwelcome to the tenant. Some courts have described it as behaviour that unduly pressures, intimidates, or interferes with a tenant’s reasonable enjoyment of their rental home.^[1]

Harassment can include:

• Entering a rental unit without proper notice
• Making frequent, unnecessary visits or calls
• Threats, intimidation, or using offensive language
• Refusing repairs or services to force a tenant out
• Shutting off essential services (e.g., heat, water)

Important Legal Precedents and Case Summaries

Several decisions from Ontario’s Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB) and provincial courts have shaped how harassment is handled. Here are some key rulings:

1. Landlord and Tenant Board: Harassment Decisions

• Case: File No. TSL-75744-16 (2016)
  Tenant complained of repeated, unannounced visits by the landlord. The LTB ruled this pattern constituted harassment and ordered a monetary award plus a stop to further intrusions.
• Remedy: Monetary compensation for damages (Section 29 and Section 30 of Residential Tenancies Act, 2006), plus a written order for behaviour to cease.

LTB panels will also consider if the landlord’s actions interfere with the tenant’s "reasonable enjoyment of the premises"—a right protected by Ontario law.

2. Ontario Divisional Court: Upholding LTB Orders

• Case: Ball v. Metro Capital Property (2002)
  The court reaffirmed that persistent entry without notice or threats could be considered harassment. It emphasized that landlords must not act in a way that pressures tenants to leave.

3. Types of Harassment Recognized by Ontario Law

Through various rulings, the following types of landlord actions have been found to constitute harassment:

• Repeatedly demanding rent in a threatening way
• Entering without proper notice
• Deliberately withholding a vital service
• Retaliating against a tenant for making complaints ("reprisal")

If you face any of the above, you may have grounds for a formal complaint or even monetary compensation. Always document incidents and communications with your landlord.

What Ontario Law Says: Your Rights and Protections

Under the Residential Tenancies Act, 2006 (RTA), tenants are protected from landlord harassment. Specifically:

• Section 22: Protects your right to reasonable enjoyment of your home.
• Section 23: Prohibits harassment, coercion, obstruction, threats, or interference by the landlord.
• Section 82: Allows tenants to make a claim about harassment during an eviction hearing.

You can learn more about your Rights in Ontario here: Tenant Rights in Ontario.

How to Take Action: Filing a Complaint with the LTB

If you’re experiencing harassment, you can bring an application to the Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB). This administrative tribunal resolves rental disputes and can issue legally binding orders.

Key Form: Application About Tenant Rights—Form T2

• Official Name: Application About Tenant Rights (Form T2)
• Use: File this form if your landlord has harassed you, entered your unit improperly, or interfered with your enjoyment.
• Practical Example: If your landlord repeatedly shows up without notice and threatens you for making repair requests, you may complete and submit Form T2 to the LTB.
• Where to find it: Form T2—Application About Tenant Rights (LTB official site)

Your Options for Remedies

• Order for the landlord to stop their behaviour
• Monetary compensation for damages or distress
• Permission to end your tenancy early

Best Practices: Protecting Yourself from Harassment

• Communicate in writing where possible
• Know your right to privacy and peaceful enjoyment of your home (Sections 22–23, RTA)
• Consider mediation or negotiation with help from tenant services
• Apply to the LTB promptly if issues persist

Understanding both landlord and tenant rights is crucial. You can learn more by reading Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained.

To explore available rentals near you—with privacy-focused search and helpful guides—Find rental homes across Canada on Houseme.

FAQ: Landlord Harassment in Ontario

1. What behaviour qualifies as landlord harassment in Ontario?
   Harassment means repeated or unreasonable conduct that interferes with your reasonable enjoyment or creates fear, intimidation, or pressure—such as unannounced visits, threats, or cutting off services.
2. How do I formally complain about my landlord's harassment?
   You can apply to the Landlord and Tenant Board using Form T2. Describe the incidents, attach evidence, and request remedies like compensation or an order to stop the harassment.
3. Can I end my lease early if I am harassed?
   Yes, if the harassment is serious enough, you may request the LTB to permit early termination of your tenancy. Document the issues thoroughly and explain your reasons on the Form T2 application.
4. What can the Board order if my claim is proven?
   The LTB can order your landlord to stop harassment, award money for damages, and, in some cases, allow you to end your lease early.
5. Should I keep records of harassment incidents?
   Yes, keeping a log of events, and saving texts or emails is highly recommended—this evidence strengthens your case.

Key Takeaways

• Ontario law strictly prohibits landlord harassment; the LTB and courts have issued meaningful remedies.
• Use Form T2 to make a formal complaint with the LTB if harassed.
• Document all incidents, know your rights, and seek help if needed.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB) – File applications, access tenant forms, and find dispute resolution info
• Ontario Government Tenant Rights Portal – Learn about laws, repairs, and protections
• Community Legal Education Ontario (CLEO) – Guides and help for tenants
• Province-wide legal clinics – Free advice for eligible tenants (search your local legal clinic online)

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1. Section 22–23, Residential Tenancies Act, 2006 (Government of Ontario).
2. Landlord and Tenant Board decisions: TSL-75744-16 and others (LTB official site).
3. Ontario Divisional Court: Ball v. Metro Capital Property, 2002 CanLII 41621 (ON SCDC).

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