Tenants in Ontario have the right to privacy and peaceful enjoyment of their rental unit. While landlords own the property, they cannot enter whenever they want—they must follow strict legal requirements outlined in the Residential Tenancies Act (RTA). If your landlord is entering without permission or giving improper notice, you have legal options.

This guide explains when and how landlords can enter your unit, what notice they must provide, and what to do if your privacy rights are violated.

1. When Can a Landlord Enter a Rental Unit?

📌 Under Ontario law, landlords can only enter for specific reasons:

✅ With Proper Notice (24 Hours in Advance):

• To make repairs or do maintenance.
• To show the unit to prospective tenants or buyers.
• To conduct an annual inspection (e.g., checking smoke detectors).
• For pest control treatments.

✅ Without Notice (Only in Limited Situations):

• In an emergency (fire, flood, gas leak, etc.).
• If the tenant agrees to entry at that moment.
• If the tenant abandons the unit.

🚨 Landlords CANNOT enter just because they want to 'check on things'—they must have a valid reason.

For more details, check Ontario’s Residential Tenancies Act.

2. What Are the Legal Notice Requirements?

📌 If a landlord needs to enter, they MUST:✅ Give at least 24 hours' written notice.✅ State the reason for entry.✅ Provide the date and time (between 8 AM and 8 PM).

🚨 What makes a notice invalid?

• A landlord showing up unannounced (unless it’s an emergency).
• A notice that doesn’t specify a reason.
• A landlord entering at inconvenient hours (before 8 AM or after 8 PM).

For more details, check Your Rights as a Tenant in Ontario.

3. Can a Landlord Enter Without the Tenant Present?

Yes, as long as the landlord gave proper notice, they do not need the tenant to be home when entering.

📌 What landlords CANNOT do:🚫 Enter without notice unless it’s an emergency.
🚫 Demand a tenant be present for entry.
🚫 Use a key or force entry without legal grounds.

For more on handling landlord-tenant disputes, check How to Communicate with Your Landlord.

4. What If a Landlord Violates Privacy Rights?

If a landlord enters illegally or harasses you, you have legal options.

✅ Step 1: Keep Records

• Document dates, times, and reasons for each unauthorized entry.
• Take photos/videos if possible.
• Save text messages or emails proving illegal entry.

✅ Step 2: Send a Formal Warning

• Write an email or letter reminding your landlord of your legal rights.
• Politely demand that they stop unauthorized entries.

✅ Step 3: File a Complaint with the Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB)

• Submit Form T2 – Application About Tenant Rights – Available here.
• The LTB can issue fines or penalties against the landlord.

✅ Step 4: Contact Local Authorities (For Serious Violations)

• If the landlord enters aggressively or harasses you, report it to local bylaw enforcement or police.

For more details, check How to File a Tenant Complaint in Ontario.

5. Can a Tenant Refuse Entry to a Landlord?

🚨 In most cases, NO. If a landlord follows the law and gives proper notice, you cannot refuse entry.

✅ You CAN refuse entry if:

• The landlord didn’t provide 24 hours’ notice.
• The notice is vague or missing details.
• The landlord tries to enter outside legal hours.

📌 How to respond if your landlord insists on entering illegally:

1. Calmly state your rights and ask for proper notice.
2. Document the situation (e.g., record the conversation or take notes).
3. File a complaint with the LTB if they persist.

For more, check Your Legal Rights as a Tenant.

6. What If a Landlord Needs to Show the Unit to New Tenants?

If a landlord wants to show the unit to prospective tenants or buyers, they must:

✅ Provide 24 hours’ notice in writing.✅ Show the unit only between 8 AM and 8 PM.✅ Make reasonable efforts to limit disruptions.

🚨 A landlord CANNOT:

• Schedule excessive showings to pressure the tenant into leaving.
• Show the unit without giving proper notice.
• Bring people in at unreasonable hours.

For more, check Landlord Rights When Selling a Rental Property.

Final Thoughts: Protecting Your Privacy as a Tenant

📌 Key Takeaways:

• Landlords must give 24 hours’ written notice before entering (except in emergencies).
• Tenants have a right to privacy—landlords cannot enter at random.
• Unauthorized entry is illegal and can be reported to the Landlord and Tenant Board.
• Tenants cannot refuse entry if landlords follow legal notice rules.

🚀 Need legal help with a landlord dispute? Contact Carson Frankum for expert tenant rights advice.