What is a no-contact order and when it applies
No-contact orders or restraining orders are legal tools issued by police or courts to stop someone from contacting you; they can be used alongside tenancy remedies when harassment or threats affect your rental. The Residential Tenancies Act, 2006 sets tenant protections and what the Landlord and Tenant Board can consider when harassment affects reasonable enjoyment of a unit.[2]
Working with police, courts and the Landlord and Tenant Board
If you are threatened or assaulted, contact police first and ask for a copy of the report. The Landlord and Tenant Board handles tenancy disputes and can hold hearings about harassment, eviction for illegal acts, or other urgent remedies.[1] Some cases also use specific application forms such as the Application to End a Tenancy and Evict a Tenant (Form L1) if a landlord applies for eviction related to serious incidents.[3]
- Call 911 if you are in immediate danger.
- File a police report and get a copy for your records.
- Apply to the Landlord and Tenant Board for emergency remedies or hearings.
Creating a tenant safety plan
A tenant safety plan is a simple, written list of actions you can take to reduce risk inside and outside your rental. Include who to call, where to go, what documents to take, and how to secure the unit. For general unit health and safety best practices see Health and Safety Issues Every Tenant Should Know When Renting. If you need to move because you no longer feel safe, Find rental homes across Canada on Houseme.
- Change or rekey locks where allowed and document permission requests.
- Document incidents with dates, times, photos, and witness names.
- Share your plan with trusted contacts and local support services.
- Plan safe exit routes and practice them with household members.
When to involve your landlord and your rights
You should tell your landlord about safety concerns in writing and ask for reasonable steps, such as improved lighting or security measures. If the landlord does not respond, you can file a complaint or request a hearing. For practical advice on communicating problems and following up, see How to Handle Complaints in Your Rental: A Tenant's Guide.
- Put your concern in writing and keep a dated copy.
- Request repairs or security measures that affect safety.
- Seek a hearing at the Landlord and Tenant Board if your landlord does not act.
FAQ
- Can a tenant get a no-contact order against a neighbour?
- Yes. A tenant can ask police or a court for a no-contact or restraining order; the Landlord and Tenant Board can also address harassment affecting a tenancy.
- Will a no-contact order affect my lease?
- A no-contact order does not automatically end a lease, but it can lead to applications at the Landlord and Tenant Board if the harassment affects the rental unit.
- What evidence helps when applying for orders or hearings?
- Clear dated logs, photos, screenshots, witness names, and police reports are the strongest support you can provide.
How-To
- Document the incident with dates, times, photos, and witness details.
- Contact police to file a report if you feel threatened or unsafe.
- Gather official forms and consider applying to the Landlord and Tenant Board.
- Create or update your written safety plan and share it with trusted contacts.
