Knowing when a landlord can legally enter your rental unit is key to protecting your privacy as a tenant in Ontario. The Residential Tenancies Act, 2006 guarantees tenants the right to reasonable privacy—but it also gives landlords certain rights to access the unit, provided legal steps are followed. This guide will help you understand the rules, requirements for notice, exceptions, and your next steps if something goes wrong.

Landlord Entry Rules in Ontario: Your Privacy Rights

As a tenant, you have the right to peaceful enjoyment of your home. Landlords do not have unlimited access to your unit. Under Ontario law, landlords may only enter for specific reasons, usually after giving written notice.

When Can a Landlord Enter Your Unit?

• Emergencies: No notice required. Examples: fire, flood, or immediate threat to safety.
• Agreed Times: If you and your landlord both agree in advance, no notice is needed.
• With 24-Hour Written Notice: In most other cases, landlords must provide written notice at least 24 hours before entering. Permitted reasons include:
• To carry out repairs or perform maintenance
• To show the unit to potential buyers, renters, or contractors
• To check on the unit’s condition (must be reasonable and not excessive)
• If the tenant has given notice to end the tenancy and the landlord is showing the unit to new tenants

Written notice must state the reason, the date, and a time window (between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m.).

Limitations and Tenant Protections

• Landlords cannot enter your home for "inspections" without valid reasons defined in the law.
• Notice must be delivered to you in person, under your door, or by mail (electronic notices only if you and your landlord agree in writing).
• Frequent or harassing entries are not allowed; you can file a complaint if your landlord abuses this right.

Special Circumstances: Emergencies, Repairs, and More

While most entry requires 24-hour notice, emergencies are the main exception. Still, it’s important to know what counts as an emergency or urgent repair.

• Emergencies: Immediate danger to safety or the property (fire, gas leak, serious water leak).
• Emergency repairs: For issues like broken heating in winter, landlords may need to enter quickly.

If you want to learn more about what qualifies as an emergency, see Emergency Situations and Repairs: Tenant Rights and Responsibilities.

What About Routine Maintenance?

Routine repairs and inspections still require 24-hour written notice. For more on maintenance, see Routine Repairs in Rental Units: Tenant and Landlord Responsibilities.

Required Forms: Notice of Entry

Landlords must give you written notice to enter your unit. There is no mandatory government form, but the notice must include:

• The reason for entry
• The date of entry
• The time window (between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m.)

If you believe your landlord is entering without following these rules or is harassing you, tenants may submit a complaint to the Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB) of Ontario.

How to Report Illegal Entry

If your landlord violates your privacy, you can apply to the LTB (Landlord and Tenant Board). The relevant form is:

• Form T2 – Application about Tenant Rights: Use this if your landlord is entering illegally, harassing you, or failing to respect your privacy. Download Form T2 from the LTB.
  Example: If your landlord repeatedly enters without notice, fill out and submit Form T2 to seek compensation or an order for the landlord to stop.

Summary

Your privacy is protected by law. However, landlords are allowed to enter your unit for specific reasons if legal notice is provided or in emergencies.

To learn more about your rights and responsibilities throughout your tenancy, visit Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained.

For an overview of tenant and landlord rights in your area, see Tenant Rights in Ontario.

Looking for a new place to rent, or want to compare listings? Find rental homes across Canada on Houseme for an easy, map-based search experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can my landlord enter without any notice?
   Only in emergencies or if you agree in advance. Otherwise, written 24-hour notice is required.
2. What qualifies as an "emergency"?
   Situations that pose immediate threat—such as fire, flooding, a broken pipe, or another safety issue—are considered emergencies.
3. Can my landlord show the unit while I still live there?
   Yes, if you have given notice to move out, your landlord can show the unit with 24-hour written notice and only between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m.
4. How do I file a complaint about harassment or illegal entry?
   Complete and submit Form T2 (Application about Tenant Rights) to the Landlord and Tenant Board of Ontario. Detailed steps are included in the resources below.
5. Does the landlord need to use a special form for entry notices?
   No, but the written notice must include the date, time (within legal hours), and reason for entry.

Conclusion: Key Takeaways

• Landlords can enter your unit only for specific legal reasons—usually with 24-hour written notice.
• Immediate, notice-free entry is only allowed in emergencies or with your consent.
• If your privacy rights are violated, you can apply to the LTB for help and possible compensation.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB) of Ontario: Forms, guides, and how-to information for tenants
• Renting in Ontario – Your Rights (Ontario Government): Provincial overview and contacts
• Office of the Ontario Tenant Advocate: Advocacy and support for tenants

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1. Residential Tenancies Act, 2006 (Ontario)
2. Landlord and Tenant Board of Ontario

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