Who Can Be Present During Landlord Entry in Ontario?

Tenants in Ontario have specific rights when a landlord or their representatives want to enter a rental unit. This guide explains who may lawfully be present during permitted entries, how and when landlords must give notice, and what steps renters can take to protect privacy and safety. Whether a landlord is showing the unit, carrying out repairs, or responding to emergencies, understanding who can accompany them helps you set boundaries and document concerns. The explanations use plain language and include practical examples, links to the Landlord and Tenant Board and the Residential Tenancies Act, and clear steps to follow if someone unexpected attends an entry.

Who is usually allowed to be present during an entry?

Under Ontario rules, a landlord or their agent may enter a rental unit for permitted reasons: repairs, inspections, showing the unit to prospective tenants or buyers, or in an emergency. People commonly present include the landlord, a property manager, repair workers, and prospective tenants or buyers. Tenants can expect the landlord to name the reason for entry and the scheduled time in a written notice. If the listed reason is being carried out, having others with the landlord is usually lawful, but tenants have the right to privacy and to ask for identification.

Common examples

• Landlord or property manager attending the unit for inspection or showing.
• Tradespeople or contractors doing repairs or maintenance with prior notice.
• Prospective tenants or buyers brought for a viewing when the landlord gave proper notice.
• Support people, interpreters, or caretakers accompanying a tenant by agreement.

If a landlord brings extra people not listed in the notice or the reason for entry changes on arrival, you can ask for clarification and refuse entry if the visit is not for a permitted reason or the notice was not valid.

Notice, timing and what the law requires

In most non-emergency situations a landlord must give at least 24 hours written notice that states the reason for entry, the date, and a time window between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. for the visit. Emergency entries (for example, active flooding or a fire risk) allow immediate access without notice. If you believe a landlord did not follow the rules you can raise the issue with the Landlord and Tenant Board and look up required forms and guidance on acceptable notice practices ^[1] and the Residential Tenancies Act, 2006 ^[2].

Practical rights about timing and notice

• Landlords should give written notice at least 24 hours before the planned entry.
• Typical permitted hours are between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m.; work outside those hours should be agreed to by the tenant.
• The notice should state the reason for entry and a specific time or time window.

What to do if someone unexpected is present

If you find people in your unit who were not named in the notice, respond calmly and follow steps to protect yourself and your tenancy. Start by asking the landlord or agent to explain who the person is and the reason they are there. If you feel unsafe call emergency services. If the visit seems improper, document what happened and keep any evidence such as photos, a dated log, and copies of notices. You may later raise the matter with the Landlord and Tenant Board ^[3].

1. Ask the person to state their name, who they represent, and why they are in the unit.
2. Check the written notice and confirm the date and time given by the landlord.
3. Document the visit with photos, notes and the names of witnesses if present.
4. If the entry appears unlawful, you can file an application with the Landlord and Tenant Board or seek legal advice.

When police or emergency responders are present

Emergency responders or police may enter without a landlords notice when responding to an urgent safety issue. If police or other authorities are present because of suspected criminal activity, tenants can still ask for identification and a reason for being in the unit. For non-emergency law enforcement requests, officers ordinarily need lawful authority such as a warrant.

Related tenant topics and practical links

For broader guidance on rights and obligations, see resources about tenancy responsibilities and initial inspections. If you are preparing for move-in inspections or want to understand landlord and tenant duties, these pages are helpful: Guide to the Initial Rental Property Inspection for Tenants and Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained. For help finding a new place, try Find rental homes across Canada on Houseme.

FAQ

Can a landlord bring someone else into my unit?

Yes, if the person is there for the stated, permitted reason in the written notice (for example, tradespeople for repairs or prospective tenants for viewings).

Do landlords always need 24 hours notice?

Except in emergencies, landlords must normally give at least 24 hours written notice stating the reason, date and time window for entry.

What if I feel someone present violated my privacy?

You should document the situation, keep copies of notices, and consider filing an application with the Landlord and Tenant Board or get legal advice.

How-To

1. Ask for names, identification and the reason for the entry in plain language.
2. Verify the written notice, date and time window against the reasons given on arrival.
3. Document the visit with photos, a short written log and witness names where possible.
4. If the entry seems improper, file an application with the Landlord and Tenant Board or seek tenant legal services.

Help and Support / Resources

• Contact the Landlord and Tenant Board
• Read the Residential Tenancies Act, 2006
• Official tenant guidance from Ontario

1. [1] Landlord and Tenant Board forms
2. [2] Residential Tenancies Act, 2006 (Ontario)
3. [3] Landlord and Tenant Board - main page