If your Ontario landlord installs surveillance cameras or other monitoring tech, it’s natural to worry about privacy. Knowing your legal rights and how to respond is critical—Ontario law balances safety with tenant privacy. This guide explains what’s permitted, when surveillance crosses the line, and how to take action if you feel your privacy is at risk.

Landlord Surveillance: What’s Allowed, What’s Not

In Ontario, landlords are permitted to use surveillance technology (like security cameras) in common areas of rental properties, such as lobbies, hallways, laundry rooms, and parking lots. The goal is typically to ensure building security and protect property. However, surveillance must never be installed in a way that monitors the inside of a tenant’s private rental unit, or directly at their entry door, as this is a serious invasion of privacy under the Residential Tenancies Act, 2006^[1].

• Cameras may not be hidden—they must be visible, and signage should be used if possible to notify tenants.
• Audio recording is rarely justified and is viewed even more strictly than video by privacy laws.
• If new cameras are being installed after you moved in, your landlord should inform all tenants.

The Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB) is the official tribunal that handles privacy and entry issues in Ontario.

Where Surveillance Crosses the Line

For Ontario tenants, the law protects your right to reasonable privacy:

• No surveillance in your rental unit—including living rooms, bedrooms, or bathrooms. Placing cameras inside a unit is almost always illegal.
• No constant surveillance of entrances—a camera pointed directly and only at a single tenant’s door may violate privacy.
• Audio recording greatly increases seriousness—Ontario’s privacy laws and the Residential Tenancies Act, 2006 restrict landlords from listening in on tenants.

Surveillance is a common concern in tenant-landlord relationships. For a deeper understanding of your rights and obligations, see Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained.

Your Rights as a Tenant

You have the right to quiet enjoyment of your home. This means freedom from unreasonable surveillance, disturbances, or interference. If you believe surveillance technology infringes on your privacy, you can take the following actions:

• Document where and how surveillance is being used (location, visibility, any posted signs)
• Request clarification from your landlord in writing about the camera’s purpose and view
• If you feel your privacy rights are being violated, file a complaint with the LTB

To learn more about related rights when renting, check Tenant Rights in Ontario.

Steps to Address Privacy Violations

If you believe surveillance in your Ontario rental infringes on your privacy, here’s what you can do:

• Communicate in writing with your landlord, raising your specific concerns about the cameras or other tech
• If your landlord refuses to address the issue, you may apply to the Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB) for a remedy

For many privacy-related disputes, tenants in Ontario use:

• LTB Form T2 – Application about Tenant Rights:
  Apply if you believe your privacy, peace, or security has been breached.
  Official form and instructions here: LTB T2 Form (PDF)^[2].
  
  For example, if a camera points into your living room window, you could use Form T2 to ask the LTB to order its removal or seek compensation.

Tips to Protect Your Privacy

• Request written notification for any new tech or device placed in or near your unit
• Take photos/videos if you think surveillance is excessive or improperly placed
• Know your building’s policy—ask for relevant documentation

For more on handling issues like privacy, noise, or repairs, see Common Issues Tenants Face and How to Resolve Them.

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1. Can my landlord put cameras in the hallway right outside my apartment?
   Landlords may install cameras in common areas like hallways, but the cameras should not be aimed directly at your door or window in a way that targets your unit specifically or invades your privacy.
2. What do I do if my landlord refuses to remove an intrusive camera?
   Start by raising your concern in writing. If the situation isn’t resolved, you can apply to the Landlord and Tenant Board using Form T2 to have the issue reviewed and addressed.
3. Is my landlord allowed to record audio in common areas?
   Audio surveillance is generally not allowed and can be a serious violation of privacy laws. If you suspect audio recording is happening, address it directly and report to the LTB if needed.
4. Who enforces privacy rights for tenants in Ontario?
   The Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB) manages disputes involving tenant privacy, including surveillance tech concerns, under the Residential Tenancies Act, 2006.
5. Can my landlord use a doorbell camera on my unit?
   No. Installing a camera on or in the doorway of your private unit is not allowed, as it invades your right to privacy and enjoyment of your home.

Key Takeaways

• Landlords cannot install surveillance cameras inside your rental unit or in a way that directly invades your privacy.
• Surveillance is limited to common areas and must balance security with tenant rights under Ontario law.
• If you believe your privacy is violated, communicate in writing with your landlord and use LTB’s Form T2 if the issue isn’t resolved.

In summary, Ontario’s rental laws protect tenant privacy while allowing for reasonable security measures. Stay proactive and know your rights if issues arise.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB) – Guidance, complaints, forms, and dispute resolution
• Ontario Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing – Official tenancy guide and laws
• Community Legal Clinics in Ontario – Free advice for eligible tenants: Find your local clinic
• Learn more about your rights: Tenant Rights in Ontario

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1. Residential Tenancies Act, 2006 (Ontario’s key legal protection for tenants)
2. Landlord and Tenant Board Forms and Applications (Official LTB resource)

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