If you’re a tenant in Ontario, your right to privacy is protected by law. Landlords generally must provide notice and follow set rules for entering your unit. But sometimes, landlords enter without proper notice—or for reasons that aren’t allowed. If you’re dealing with illegal entry by a landlord, here’s what Ontario tenants need to know, and, crucially, what you can do next.

Ontario Laws on Landlord Entry: Your Rights Explained

Under Ontario’s Residential Tenancies Act, 2006, landlords cannot enter your rental unit whenever they want. In most cases, they must give you at least 24 hours’ written notice that says why, when, and at what time (between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m.) they plan to come in.^[1]

• Valid entry reasons include repairs, inspections, showing to a new tenant or buyer, pest control, or agreed-upon showings.
• They do not need to give notice if there’s an emergency or you consent at the time of entry.

Entering without proper notice—or outside the allowed times or reasons—can violate your rights as a tenant.

What Counts as Illegal Entry?

Your landlord may be entering illegally if they:

• Don’t give 24 hours’ written notice
• Enter for reasons not permitted by the law
• Enter outside legal hours (except for emergencies)
• Come in too frequently without valid reasons

Repeated illegal entry can feel like harassment or intimidation and may affect your sense of safety at home. Learn more about your rights and responsibilities as a tenant by visiting Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained.

What Should You Do if Your Landlord Enters Illegally?

It’s important to respond calmly and document everything. Here are practical steps for Ontario tenants:

1. Document the Entry: Note the date, time, and circumstances. If possible, write down what happened as soon as you realize it. Keep related texts, emails, or notices.
2. Remind the Landlord of the Law: Consider sending a polite written reminder about the Residential Tenancies Act, 2006 rules, especially regarding when and how entry is allowed.
3. File a Complaint with the Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB): If the problem continues, you can make a formal complaint.

For common challenges tenants face (including privacy issues), see Common Issues Tenants Face and How to Resolve Them.

How to Apply to the Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB)

The Landlord and Tenant Board is the tribunal responsible for rental disputes in Ontario. If your landlord enters your unit illegally—even after being reminded—you can file a formal application.

• Official Tribunal Name: Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB)

Key Form: T2 – Application About Tenant Rights

• Form Name: T2 Application About Tenant Rights
• Download the T2 form from the LTB
• When to Use: If your landlord has entered your home illegally (e.g., without notice, too often, or in a way that feels harassing), you can use this form to ask the LTB to make orders—such as stopping unlawful entry or even awarding compensation.
• Example: If your landlord keeps coming in without warning, you can fill out the T2 form, describe what happened, and request that the LTB make the landlord comply with the law.

The process usually involves submitting the form, paying a filing fee (fee waivers are possible if you can’t afford it), and attending a hearing. Detailed, clear evidence increases your chances of a successful outcome. You can find step-by-step action steps at the end of this article.

Your Privacy and Safety Are Protected

Landlords who break these rules risk orders to stop the behaviour, compensation payments, and other penalties under the law. For comprehensive rules related to tenancies in your province, see Tenant Rights in Ontario.

How Illegal Entry Can Affect Your Tenancy

Repeated or aggressive violations can feel threatening, but it does not mean you have to move right away. The law protects you from retaliation by your landlord if you take steps to enforce your rights.

• You cannot be evicted solely for standing up for your privacy rights.
• Retaliatory actions (such as ending your lease after a complaint) are not legal in Ontario.
• Record all incidents in case further legal support is needed.

If health, safety, or security become concerns, learn more in Health and Safety Issues Every Tenant Should Know When Renting.

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FAQs: Tenant Questions About Landlord Entry

1. How much notice does a landlord in Ontario have to give before entering? Landlords must give at least 24 hours’ written notice, stating the time (between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m.) and the reason for entry, except in emergencies or if you consent at the time.
2. What should I do if my landlord keeps coming in without permission? Start by documenting each incident and gently reminding your landlord of the law. If the problem continues, you can file a T2 Application About Tenant Rights with the Landlord and Tenant Board.
3. Can I refuse my landlord entry, even with notice? If the notice is valid and for a legal reason, you generally can’t refuse. But if the entry is not legal, you can ask them to leave and consider further action if it continues.
4. Can a landlord enter if I’m not home? Yes—if they’ve given valid notice for a legal reason and enter between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. For emergencies, they may enter at any time.
5. Where can I get help if I feel unsafe or my landlord ignores the rules? Contact the Landlord and Tenant Board, the Rental Housing Enforcement Unit of Ontario, or a local legal clinic for help and advice.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB): Submit applications, get forms and more guidance
• Rental Housing Enforcement Unit (Ontario Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing): Investigates illegal landlord actions
• Community Legal Clinics: Use Legal Aid Ontario’s clinic finder for free advice and support
• Additional Reading: See Tenant Rights in Ontario

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1. Residential Tenancies Act, 2006 – Government of Ontario
2. Landlord and Tenant Board (Ontario)
3. Rental Housing Enforcement Unit
4. Form T2 Application About Tenant Rights – LTB

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