Feeling safe and respected in your Ontario home is your right, whether you rent, live with roommates, or share housing. Tenant protections against harassment apply in all types of rentals, including rooming houses and shared accommodations. This guide outlines what harassment means in Ontario’s rental law, your legal options, and how to get help if you or your roommates face harassment from landlords, co-tenants, or others.

What Is Harassment in Ontario Tenancy Law?

Harassment in a rental context can include unwanted conduct, threats, intimidation, or actions that interfere with your ability to enjoy your rental home. Under Ontario's Residential Tenancies Act, 2006, tenants are legally protected from harassment by landlords or others acting on their behalf.^[1]

• Repeated, unwelcome contact (in person, by phone, or electronically)
• Threats of eviction or physical harm
• Intimidation over rent payments or noise complaints
• Entering your room or unit without proper notice
• Discrimination or bullying based on your identity

Harassment is not limited to landlords — roommates and subletters can also be responsible. If you are in shared housing, your protections under Ontario law still apply. For more information about tenants' responsibilities and what is expected of both parties, see Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained.

How the Law Protects Tenants from Harassment

Section 22 of the Residential Tenancies Act, 2006 makes it illegal for landlords or their agents to harass, obstruct, coerce, threaten, or interfere with tenants. The Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB) is the tribunal that hears harassment complaints and can order remedies.

• Landlords must also respect your right to reasonable privacy and peaceful enjoyment of the home
• Rooming house tenants, students in shared accommodations, and renters with roommates are all protected
• Repeated illegal entry, shutting off utilities, or making threats can result in landlord penalties

Forms and Legal Remedies

If harassment continues after you have raised it with your landlord or roommate, the next step is to apply to the Landlord and Tenant Board. The main form is:

• Form T2: Application about Tenant Rights (Download from LTB)
  Use this form to report harassment, illegal entry, or any interference with your rights. For example: If your landlord repeatedly enters your space without notice and uses intimidation, file this form with details and any supporting evidence (texts, emails, witness statements).

The LTB will consider your complaint and may order your landlord (or other responsible party) to stop the harassment, make repairs, or compensate you for harm suffered.

Harassment by Roommates or Co-Tenants

Roommates are not above the law. If a co-tenant’s behaviour crosses the line into harassment—threats, stalking, or bullying—you have options. While the LTB only hears applications against landlords or their agents, harassment by roommates may also breach your lease, or in extreme cases, become a matter for police or civil court.

• Speak with your landlord if a roommate’s behaviour affects your ability to safely live at the property
• Request mediation, or contact local tenant support agencies for assistance

If the issue impacts your rental agreement or you’re experiencing other rental issues, Common Issues Tenants Face and How to Resolve Them offers practical advice.

What To Do if You’re Experiencing Harassment

Here are step-by-step actions you can take:

• Document every incident (dates, times, what happened)
• Inform your landlord in writing of the harassment and request it stop
• Contact the Landlord and Tenant Board or tenant support services for advice
• If the issue continues, submit Form T2 to the LTB
• If you feel physically threatened, contact the police

Protecting your safety and right to peaceful enjoyment is a top priority. If you want additional background on broader tenant rights and protections, read about Tenant Rights in Ontario.

Legal Protections in Shared Housing and Rooming Houses

Even in shared housing, you have full legal protections. Landlords and property managers must not allow harassment or threats against tenants. The Landlord and Tenant Board, under the Residential Tenancies Act, 2006, provides a clear complaint process. Local by-laws or provincial health and safety standards may offer further protection—learn more about your rights in rental situations involving repairs, maintenance, or unsafe living conditions through Health and Safety Issues Every Tenant Should Know When Renting.

If you need information about available apartments, alternatives to your current housing, or want to explore safe renting options, Browse apartments for rent in Canada easily and safely.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What counts as harassment by a landlord or roommate in Ontario?
   Harassment can include threats, repeated unwanted messages, illegal entries, intimidation, discrimination, or intrusion on your right to privacy. Both landlords and co-tenants can be responsible for harassment under Ontario law.
2. What form do I use to report harassment to the Landlord and Tenant Board?
   Use Form T2: Application about Tenant Rights to report landlord or agent harassment. Submit it to the LTB with evidence of harassment such as emails, witnesses, or messages.
3. What should I do if I feel unsafe due to harassment?
   Immediately document everything, contact your landlord in writing, reach out to the Landlord and Tenant Board or a tenant support service, and if needed, contact local police for urgent safety concerns.
4. Am I protected if I rent just a room or share a home?
   Yes—rooming house tenants and anyone renting a room or sharing a unit in Ontario have the same protections against harassment as other renters.
5. Can I get compensation if I prove harassment?
   The Landlord and Tenant Board can order a landlord to compensate you for losses or difficulties caused by harassment, and may direct them to stop the offending behaviour.

Key Takeaways for Tenants

• Ontario’s Residential Tenancies Act, 2006 protects all tenants from harassment, including those in shared housing.
• Document every incident of harassment and use official channels (LTB and Form T2) to seek remedies if it continues.
• Support services and advice are available if you ever feel unsafe or unsure how to act.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB) – Tenant applications, forms, and dispute resolution
• Government of Ontario – Renting in Ontario – Overview of your rights and responsibilities
• Community Legal Education Ontario (CLEO) – Legal information and resources for tenants
• Learn more about Tenant Rights in Ontario

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1. Residential Tenancies Act, 2006 – Full Text (Government of Ontario)
2. Landlord and Tenant Board – Official Ontario Tribunal
3. LTB Forms – Tenant Applications
4. Government of Ontario – Renting in Ontario Guide

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