Facing repeated unwanted contact, threats, or illegal entry from a landlord can be stressful. This article explains what landlord harassment looks like for tenants in Ontario, how harassment is defined under provincial rules, and the steps renters can take to protect their rights, document incidents, and seek remedies. You will learn how to file a complaint, the role of the Landlord and Tenant Board, the kinds of evidence that strengthen a case, practical timelines, and realistic outcomes including orders and penalties. The guide uses plain language for renters and includes links to official forms and resources to help you act confidently and within legal deadlines in Ontario.
What counts as landlord harassment in Ontario?
Landlord harassment is any behaviour by a landlord (or their agent) that interferes with a tenants reasonable enjoyment of the rental unit or attempts to force a tenant to move out. Common examples include illegal entry without notice, threats, repeated unwanted contact, turning off utilities, or persistent attempts to intimidate or coerce a tenant.
- Illegal entry or entering without proper notice.
- Threats, intimidation, or retaliatory behaviour after a tenant makes a complaint.
- Withholding essential services, utility shut-offs, or refusing necessary repairs.
- Excessive or intrusive communication intended to disturb or pressure a tenant.
Why harassment matters and who enforces the rules
Harassment can have serious effects on health, safety, and housing security. In Ontario, tenancy disputes and complaints about harassment are handled by the Landlord and Tenant Board [1], which can issue orders, require the landlord to stop the behaviour, and in some cases award damages. The governing law is the Residential Tenancies Act, 2006 [2], which sets tenants and landlords rights and responsibilities.
How to document harassment (evidence that helps)
Good documentation makes a strong case. Keep a consistent, dated record and copies of everything that shows the pattern or the severity of harassment.
- Photographs or video showing damage, entry, or tampering with locks.
- Text messages, emails, voicemails, or written notes from the landlord.
- A dated incident log describing what happened, when, and any witnesses.
- Receipts for repairs you paid for, or bills showing utility disruptions.
Immediate steps tenants can take
If you believe you are being harassed, take practical protective steps right away and follow official complaint procedures when appropriate.
- Tell the landlord in writing to stop the behaviour and keep a copy of that message.
- Start or continue an evidence log with dates, times, and witnesses.
- Preserve communications and request repairs or changes in writing when needed.
- Contact a local legal clinic or tenant advice service for immediate guidance.
Filing a complaint with the Landlord and Tenant Board
If the landlord does not stop after you try to resolve the issue, you can apply to the Landlord and Tenant Board for orders to stop the harassment, compensation, or other remedies. The Board provides information on how to apply and what evidence to bring Landlord and Tenant Board[1]. You should follow the Boards directions on forms, fees (if any), and timelines.
Official forms you may need and how tenants use them
There are a few common application types and forms used at the Board. See the official forms page for the most up-to-date list and PDF downloads LTB forms and guides[3].
- Application about Tenant Rights (use when requesting orders to stop harassment or seek compensation; complete as guided and attach your evidence).
- Other specific LTB application forms (used for different remedies — always pick the form that matches your request and follow the instructions on the forms page).
Possible outcomes and penalties
The Landlord and Tenant Board can order a landlord to stop harassing, to pay compensation, to carry out repairs, or in severe cases, impose fines or other remedies. Criminal or municipal enforcement may also apply for actions like illegal lock changes or unsafe utility shutoffs; in those situations you may contact police or local municipal bylaw offices.
When to get additional help
- Contact community legal clinics or tenant support organisations if you need help preparing an application or attending a hearing.
- Consider seeking advice from a lawyer for complex cases or where the landlords behaviour involves criminal threats or property crimes.
Practical relocation and housing search (if you need to move)
If harassment makes the unit unlivable and you decide to move, keep written records and receipts for moving costs and any forced expenses; these can be useful if you seek compensation. To search for new rentals and compare options across cities, you can use external listing services like Houseme - your rental solution in Canada (use one trusted site, verify listings, and view units in person when possible).
Learn more about tenant and landlord obligations to understand what your landlord must and must not do: Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained.
If youre dealing with ongoing problems that affect repairs, health, or safety, see practical resolution guidance here: Common Issues Tenants Face and How to Resolve Them.
FAQ
- How long do I have to file a complaint about harassment?
- There are time limits for different claims; file as soon as possible after the last incident and follow the Landlord and Tenant Boards guidance to avoid missing deadlines.
- Can the Board order my landlord to pay me compensation?
- Yes. If harassment caused loss or distress, the Board can award compensation and other remedies based on the evidence you present.
- Should I call the police for landlord harassment?
- If you face threats, violence, or a criminal act (for example, illegal lock changes or forced entry), call police immediately and preserve evidence of the incident.
How-To
- Document each incident with dated photos, messages, and a written log including times and witnesses.
- Send a clear written request to the landlord asking them to stop the behaviour and save a copy of the message.
- If there are safety or repair issues, request repairs in writing and keep receipts for any emergency expenses you pay.
- File the correct application with the Landlord and Tenant Board, attach your evidence, and pay any required filing fee as directed.
- Attend the hearing, bring copies of your evidence, and consider bringing a support person or legal clinic representative.
Key Takeaways
- Tenants in Ontario are protected from harassment and have recourse through the Landlord and Tenant Board.
- Keep dated records, messages, photos, and receipts to build a strong case.
- Follow official application steps and deadlines to seek orders or compensation.
Help and Support / Resources
- Contact the Landlord and Tenant Board (Tribunals Ontario)
- Ontario government: Renting and tenant information
- Residential Tenancies Act, 2006 (e-Laws)
