As a renter in Ontario, feeling safe at home is essential. When violence happens between tenants in the same building or complex, tenants need clear steps and landlords have specific legal duties to follow. This article explains in plain language what obligations landlords have under provincial rules, what safety measures you can ask for, how to document incidents, and when to involve police or the Landlord and Tenant Board.[1] You will also find practical examples of filing official notices and applications, plus what to expect from a tribunal process. If you are worried about retaliation or unsure how to proceed, the guidance here will help you take informed, practical action to protect yourself and your household.
What landlords must do in Ontario
Under Ontario law landlords have a duty to take reasonable steps to keep rental properties safe and to address behaviour that threatens other tenants. The governing statute is the Residential Tenancies Act, 2006 which sets out landlord and tenant rights and remedies.[2] Where violence or threats occur landlords are expected to investigate, respond to safety concerns, and use formal processes if needed. They must balance tenant privacy and legal process with safety measures such as temporary lock changes or arranging alternative accommodation in extreme cases.
Typical landlord actions after an incident
- Assess immediate safety needs and, if necessary, secure common areas or change locks temporarily to prevent further harm.
- Document reports and gather any witness statements, photos, or incident logs to create a clear record of events.
- Serve written notices or warnings where appropriate and follow the formal notice rules under the RTA and Landlord and Tenant Board processes.
- Contact emergency services if there is an immediate threat and cooperate with police investigations while protecting tenant privacy.
When landlords must escalate, they often rely on official notices or an application to the Landlord and Tenant Board; specific forms and guidance are provided by the Board for situations involving serious problems or illegal acts.[3]
What tenants can do right away
If you experience or witness violence, prioritize safety. If you or others are at risk call 911 first. After immediate danger is addressed, follow up with clear, dated written notices to your landlord describing what happened, include evidence, and request specific safety measures.
- Call emergency services if anyone is in danger and get a police report to support future complaints or applications.
- Preserve evidence: screenshots, photos, damaged property records, and names of witnesses.
- Notify your landlord in writing and request concrete actions (security changes, mediation, or temporary relocation).
- If the landlord does not act, apply to the Landlord and Tenant Board for remedies such as orders to end a tenancy for serious problems.
How the Landlord and Tenant Board and forms work
The Landlord and Tenant Board hears applications about serious problems between tenants and can issue orders, including eviction, when appropriate. For many safety-related disputes the Board provides notice templates and application forms to start the process.[1]
Commonly referenced materials include Form N5, "Notice to End your Tenancy For Causing Serious Problems" which landlords or victims can use to warn or seek termination for behaviour that interferes with others, and Board application forms to ask for a hearing and orders. Always follow the instructions on the official forms and meet filing deadlines to avoid losing rights.[3]
Practical example
If a neighbour assaults another tenant, the victim calls 911, saves the police report number, writes to the landlord asking for a safety plan and lock change, and then—if the landlord does not act—files the appropriate LTB application or asks the landlord to file Form N5 as a first step. The Board may schedule a hearing where evidence and witness statements are considered.
For more on landlord responsibilities see Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained and for practical landlord steps see How Landlords Can Deal with Common Tenant Problems Legally and Effectively.
FAQ
- Can my landlord evict a tenant who assaulted another tenant?
- Landlords can apply to the Landlord and Tenant Board for an order to end a tenancy for serious problems, but proper notice and a hearing are usually required; police involvement can strengthen the case.
- What immediate protections can I ask my landlord for?
- Ask for lock changes, restricted access to common areas, CCTV in shared spaces (if legal in your building), or temporary relocation depending on severity and available units.
- How long will a tribunal process take?
- Hearing timelines vary; emergency or urgent applications may be faster, but ordinary hearings can take weeks to months depending on caseload and complexity.
How-To
- Call 911 if there is immediate danger and obtain a police report number.
- Document the incident with photos, messages, dates, times, and witness names.
- Write to your landlord with a clear, dated request for safety measures and keep a copy of the message.
- If the landlord does not act, file an application with the Landlord and Tenant Board asking for orders to stop the behaviour or to end the tenancy.
- Consider contacting legal aid, community legal clinics, or a tenant support organization for advice and representation.
Help and Support / Resources
- Landlord and Tenant Board - Tribunals Ontario
- Ontario: Renting and you - official tenant information
- Residential Tenancies Act, 2006 (Ontario)
If you need help finding alternate housing or listings, visit Houseme - your rental solution in Canada for search tools and listings.
