Threats, harassment or repeated unwanted contact in your rental can be stressful and frightening. If you are a tenant in Ontario, knowing clear, practical steps helps protect your safety and legal rights. This guide explains when to call police, when to use the Landlord and Tenant Board, which official forms and evidence are most useful, and how to communicate with your landlord without jeopardizing your tenancy. It also covers how to preserve proof, request repairs or no-contact orders, and what to expect at a hearing. Written for renters and tenants who are not legal experts, the advice focuses on immediate safety, documenting incidents, and filing complaints under the Residential Tenancies Act so you can make informed choices and access supports in Ontario.
Immediate steps to take if threatened or harassed
Prioritizing safety is the first step. If you or someone with you is in immediate danger, call emergency services. If the behaviour is non-violent but persistent, follow the steps below to protect yourself and preserve evidence.
- Call 911 or your local police if you are in immediate danger or if a crime has been committed.
- Document the incident with photos, screenshots, recordings and a written log of dates, times and witnesses.
- Serve a written notice or send an email to your landlord describing the harassment and keep a copy for your records; see How to Handle Complaints in Your Rental: A Tenant's Guide for wording tips.
- Take reasonable privacy and security steps such as changing locks (if permitted) and securing personal belongings.
- Move temporarily if you feel unsafe and need short-term housing; Find rental homes across Canada on Houseme to search alternatives quickly.
Reporting to the Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB)
The Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB) resolves many tenancy disputes in Ontario and enforces rights under the Residential Tenancies Act, 2006[1]. The LTB can consider applications about harassment, illegal entry, and other breaches of the Act; information about the Board and how to apply is available from Tribunals Ontario[2]. Before filing, gather your documentation, copies of landlord communications, witness names and any police reports.
- Application to the Landlord and Tenant Board — use the appropriate application form found on the LTB forms and guides page; form numbers vary by application and are listed on the official site[3]. Example: a tenant files an application asking for an order to stop harassment and for compensation after preserving messages and photos as evidence.
- Evidence package — assemble dated photos, screenshots, message logs, and witness statements to submit with your application.
- Contact legal clinics or community tenant groups for help filling forms if needed; many clinics assist low-income renters.
Police vs. LTB: when to use each
Police handle criminal acts such as threats of violence, assault, stalking, or break-ins. The LTB handles civil tenancy issues like harassment that interferes with reasonable enjoyment under the Residential Tenancies Act. You can use both routes: report crimes to police and also file an LTB application to seek tenancy remedies. Keep separate records of police reports and your LTB evidence.
FAQ
- When should I call the police instead of going to the LTB?
- Call police for immediate danger, threats of violence, assault, or property damage. Use the LTB for tenancy-based remedies like stop orders, compensation or eviction related to harassment.
- Can my landlord evict me for reporting harassment?
- Eviction in retaliation for reporting harassment is prohibited. If you believe your landlord is retaliating, document the incidents and consider applying to the LTB for protection and remedies.
- What kind of proof does the LTB want?
- The LTB prefers dated, objective evidence: photos, messages, emails, witness statements, and police reports where available. Consistent logs that record times and details are helpful.
How-To
- Ensure immediate safety: call 911 if someone is at risk and move to a safe location if possible.
- Record the incident: save messages, take photos, and write a date-and-time-stamped log of every event and contact.
- Notify your landlord in writing: clearly describe the behaviour, request that it stop, and keep a copy of your message and any replies.
- Prepare and file an LTB application if the issue continues: include your evidence and any police reports; follow the forms and filing instructions on the LTB site.
- Attend the hearing: bring originals or copies of all evidence, a concise timeline, and any witnesses who can testify.
Key Takeaways
- Safety first: call police for immediate danger and preserve evidence afterward.
- Document everything consistently and keep copies of communications and reports.
- The Landlord and Tenant Board handles tenancy remedies under the Residential Tenancies Act.
Help and Support / Resources
- Landlord and Tenant Board (Tribunals Ontario) - information, applications and hearings
- [Residential Tenancies Act, 2006] e-Laws Ontario
- Government of Ontario: Renting and tenant rights
