Dealing with repeated entry notices or feeling harassed by your landlord can make your home feel uncomfortable. In Ontario, tenants have strong legal protections about privacy and fair treatment. This article explains what your rights are, what landlords can and cannot do when it comes to entering your rental, and practical steps you can take if you feel your rights are being violated.

When Can Your Landlord Enter Your Unit?

In Ontario, your landlord must follow strict rules under the Residential Tenancies Act, 2006 regarding entry into your apartment or rental home. Common lawful reasons for entry include:

• Carrying out repairs or inspecting the unit (with 24 hours’ written notice)
• Showing the unit to prospective tenants or buyers (with notice, and typically only near the end of your tenancy)
• Emergencies (no notice required)

Your landlord must provide written notice at least 24 hours in advance, stating the reason for entry, the date, and a four-hour window for when they will arrive.^[1]

Limits on Frequency and Reasonableness of Entry

While landlords have some rights to enter, these do not give them unlimited access. Excessive, repeated, or vague notices (for example, frequent inspections with no real need) can cross the line into harassment.

What is Harassment and How is it Defined?

Under Ontario law, harassment includes ongoing behaviour that disturbs your reasonable enjoyment of your home. This might look like:

• Frequent or repeated entry notices without a valid reason
• Showing up unannounced or outside of permitted hours
• Pressuring or threatening tenants to leave
• Any behaviour intended to make you uncomfortable in your home

If you believe your landlord is harassing you, document each incident with dates, times, and details. Keep copies of all communications.

Documenting issues and keeping detailed records can be crucial if you need to escalate your concerns or seek legal remedies.

Steps to Take if You’re Facing Harassment or Repeated Entry Notices

Here are some practical steps Ontario tenants should follow if they feel their privacy is being violated:

• Politely remind your landlord in writing about your rights and request they follow proper entry rules.
• Maintain records: Save all entry notices, emails, and texts.
• Ask your landlord to clarify the reasons for entry if notices are unclear or frequent.
• If the problem continues, consider giving formal notice of the issue in writing.

If your landlord ignores your concerns or the behaviour continues, you may need to ask for help from Ontario’s Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB).

Filing a Complaint with the Landlord and Tenant Board

The Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB) handles disputes about privacy, entry, and harassment in rental units in Ontario. If you need to take the matter further, you can:

• Apply to the LTB using Form T2: Application About Tenant Rights
• Explain how your landlord’s repeated entries or harassment have affected you
• Request remedies such as an order for the landlord to stop the behaviour, or even compensation in some cases

Your Legal Protections & What the Law Says

Your right to quiet enjoyment and protection against harassment stems from the Residential Tenancies Act, 2006, which clearly outlines both landlord obligations and tenant rights. For more on your general rights and responsibilities, see the Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained.

If common issues occur (like repeated entry, slow repairs, or rent challenges), you may also find it helpful to consult Common Issues Tenants Face and How to Resolve Them.

For full details about rights in your province, visit Tenant Rights in Ontario.

Other Supportive Steps

• Speak to tenant advocacy organizations for advice
• Stay calm and polite in all communication
• Discuss your case with a legal aid service, if possible

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1. What counts as harassment from a landlord in Ontario?
   Landlord harassment can include frequent, unnecessary entry notices, threats, intimidation, or any ongoing behaviour that disturbs your use and enjoyment of your home.
2. How much notice does my landlord need to give before entering?
   Your landlord must give at least 24 hours’ written notice stating the reason, the date, and a four-hour time window for entering your unit (unless it is an emergency).
3. What can I do if my landlord keeps giving repeated entry notices?
   Start by keeping records and communicating your concerns in writing. If the issue continues, you can apply to the Landlord and Tenant Board using Form T2 for an official remedy.
4. Who do I contact for help if I believe I'm being harassed?
   Contact the Landlord and Tenant Board, tenant legal clinics, or local tenant advocacy organizations for guidance and support.
5. Where can I learn more about tenant rights in Ontario?
   Visit Tenant Rights in Ontario for detailed information on provincial laws and protections.

Conclusion: Key Takeaways for Tenants

• Your landlord must follow strict rules for entering your rental unit in Ontario.
• Repeated, unjustified entries or behaviour may count as harassment under the law.
• Always keep records and seek help from the Landlord and Tenant Board if harassment continues.
• Knowing your rights helps you take action and protect your home life.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB): For official forms, guides, and dispute resolution.
• Ontario Government: Renting in Ontario - Your Rights: Up-to-date information for tenants.
• Legal Aid Ontario – Tenant Rights: Legal support and information if you qualify.
• Local tenant advocacy centres: Reach out for personalized advice.
• See Tenant Rights in Ontario for more resources.

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1. Residential Tenancies Act, 2006 (Ontario): See full legislation
2. Landlord and Tenant Board (Ontario): Official LTB website
3. LTB Forms & Guides: Application About Tenant Rights (Form T2)
4. Ontario Government: Your Rights as a Tenant

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