Who Handles Entry by Landlord in Ontario?

Privacy & Entry by Landlord Ontario 3 min read · published March 09, 2026 Flag of Ontario

In Ontario, tenant privacy is a crucial aspect of the rental agreement, governed by the Residential Tenancies Act, 2006. Understanding who handles landlord entry and the respective tenant rights is essential for a peaceful rental experience.

When Can a Landlord Enter Your Rental Unit?

Landlords have limited rights to enter a tenant's rental unit in Ontario. They must follow specific rules set out by the Residential Tenancies Act to ensure tenant privacy is respected:

Key takeaway: Landlords must provide at least 24 hours written notice and can enter only for legitimate purposes within specific hours. Have your tenancy agreement, any written notice, and a record of any entries ready if you need to challenge a visit.
  • Notice Requirement: The landlord must give at least 24 hours written notice stating the date, time, and purpose of entry.
  • Entry Hours: Entry is allowed only between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m.
  • Purpose of Entry: Landlords can enter to carry out repairs, perform inspections, show the unit to potential buyers or tenants, and in emergency situations.

Exceptions to the Notice Requirements

There are situations where the landlord does not have to provide 24-hour notice:

Note: Emergencies can exempt notice, but repeated unnotified entries may violate privacy rules. If an exception seems to apply but you feel entries are intrusive, document each incident and consult the LTB or a legal clinic.
  • In case of an emergency, such as a fire or flood.
  • If the tenant consents to the entry.
  • If the tenancy agreement explicitly allows for entry conditions like cleaning services.

How to Address Unauthorized Entry

If a tenant believes their landlord has entered the unit without proper notice, they should:

Document each incident with date and circumstances, then communicate your concerns to the landlord in writing. If entries continue, consider filing a complaint with the Landlord and Tenant Board and keep copies of all communications.
  • Document the incident, noting the date and circumstances.
  • Communicate with the landlord, expressing their concerns and confirming the rules outlined in the lease.
  • Consider filing a complaint with the Landlord and Tenant Board, the official tribunal handling residential tenancy disputes in Ontario.

For more information on how to communicate effectively in such scenarios, see How to Handle Complaints in Your Rental: A Tenant’s Guide.

Filing a Complaint with the Landlord and Tenant Board

The Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB) is responsible for managing disputes regarding landlord entry issues. Tenants can apply to the LTB if they feel their privacy has been violated.

Before filing a complaint, tenants can visit the Landlord and Tenant Board website for more details on processes and to access necessary forms.

Have your tenancy agreement, any written notices, and a timeline of events ready when filing with the LTB; the online forms will guide you, and you may be asked to provide copies or photos.

For an overview of tenant rights and obligations, refer to Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained.

Remember, you can always explore Canada's best rental listings platform for a home that meets your privacy needs.
  1. What steps should I take if my landlord enters without notice? Document the incident, communicate your concerns to your landlord, and if necessary, file a complaint with the Landlord and Tenant Board.
  2. Are there exceptions to the 24-hour notice rule? Yes, in emergencies or if the tenant consents to entry.
  3. What is the Landlord and Tenant Board? It is an official tribunal that handles disputes related to residential tenancies in Ontario.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

If you need additional assistance, consider reaching out to these resources:

If you’re unsure where to start, contact a local tenant clinic or legal aid for guidance on forms and deadlines. Bring your tenancy agreement, notices, and a timeline of events when you seek help.
If you’re unsure where to start, contact a local tenant clinic or legal aid for guidance on forms and deadlines. Bring your tenancy agreement, notices, and a timeline of events when you seek help.

[1] Residential Tenancies Act, 2006

Get connected with a tenant rights attorney

Tell us about your situation and a local attorney may reach out. Free, no obligation.

Please enter a valid email address.
Select a valid location from the list.

We are not a law firm and do not provide legal advice. We connect tenants with independent attorneys.

Categories

Tenant Rights & Responsibilities Rent & Deposits Leases & Agreements Moving In / Out Maintenance & Repairs Evictions Roommates & Shared Housing Discrimination & Accessibility Utilities & Services Affordable Housing & Subsidies Dispute Resolution & LTB Safety & Security Privacy & Entry by Landlord Special Tenancy Situations Tenant Insurance & Liability Post-Eviction Resources Landlord Compliance & Penalties Legal Precedents & Case Summaries Mental Health & Tenancy

Was this article helpful?

Thank you for your feedback!
David Chen
David Chen

Tenant Law Analyst, Tenant Rights Canada

David specializes in Ontario residential tenancy law and Northern territories housing regulations. He has followed developments at the Landlord and Tenant Board closely for over eight years and writes extensively on LTB procedures, rent increases, and maintenance obligations.

Related Articles

You might also need