- For repairs, inspections or showing the unit to a purchaser, mortgagee or insurer, a landlord needs at least 24 hours' written notice.
- The notice must state the reason, the date and a time between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m..
- A landlord may enter without written notice in an emergency or when you consent at the time of entry.
- On a T2 application the LTB can order a rent abatement, stop the conduct, impose fines and order compensation.
A landlord who walks in unannounced, or who keeps "dropping by" to check on things, can make your home feel like it is not yours. Many tenants are unsure whether they have to let the landlord in, and what happens if they say no.
Ontario's rules set out when a landlord can enter, what notice is required, and what you can do if those rules are broken. This article walks through each, including the limits on your own right to refuse.
The 24-hour written notice rule
Under section 27 of the Residential Tenancies Act, entry for repairs, inspections, or showing the unit to a purchaser, mortgagee or insurer needs at least 24 hours' written notice.
The notice must state the reason for entry, the date, and a time between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m.. A text or a verbal "I'm coming tomorrow" may not meet the written requirement. Whether a particular message qualifies depends on the facts.
When can a landlord enter without notice?
There are a few situations where written notice is not required. A landlord may enter without it in an emergency, or when you consent at the time of entry. Other no-notice entries are for required cleaning and for showing the unit to a prospective tenant after notice of termination.
Those entries must still be between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m., and the landlord must make reasonable efforts to warn you beforehand.
| Reason for entry | Written notice needed? | Time limits |
|---|---|---|
| Repairs, inspections, showing to a purchaser, mortgagee or insurer | Yes, at least 24 hours | 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. |
| Emergency | No | Not limited to those hours in the sources reviewed |
| Tenant consents at the time of entry | No | Whatever you agree to at that moment |
| Required cleaning, or showing to a prospective tenant after notice of termination | No, but reasonable efforts to warn you | 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. |
Can you refuse entry?
You may refuse entry if the notice requirements are not met. You cannot refuse just because the timing is inconvenient.
Tenants have obligations too. Refusing entry after proper notice, or changing the locks without the landlord's consent, is an offence. Before you say no, check the notice against the requirements: written, reason, date, and a time between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m..
- Is the notice in writing?
- Does it state a reason that the Act allows?
- Is it for a specific date and a time between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m.?
- Was it given at least 24 hours ahead?
Remedies for illegal entry
Entering for a reason the Act does not allow, without required notice, or outside permitted times is a rental housing offence.
A tenant can apply to the LTB on Form T2. Illegal entry is a listed ground. The LTB can order a rent abatement, order the landlord to stop the conduct, and impose a fine of up to $50,000 or the Small Claims Court limit, whichever is greater. It can also order compensation, moving and storage costs and other out-of-pocket expenses, and can end the tenancy. The most the LTB can order on a claim is $50,000.
The time limit and fee for a T2 should be confirmed with the LTB or a lawyer before you file.
What to do next
- Keep a log: date, time, who entered, what was said, and any notice you received.
- Save every message and notice. Photograph anything moved or disturbed.
- Reply in writing, asking the landlord to follow the notice rules in section 27.
- Note any witnesses, and any costs you incurred because of the entry.
- If it keeps happening, get advice on a T2 application.
Stay calm in the moment. Keep your records factual and avoid actions like changing the locks, which can be an offence.
Frequently asked questions
How much notice does my landlord have to give?
For repairs, inspections or showing the unit to a purchaser, mortgagee or insurer, at least 24 hours' written notice. The notice must state the reason, the date and a time between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m..
Can my landlord come in during an emergency?
Yes. A landlord may enter without written notice in an emergency. Entry is also allowed without written notice if you consent at the time of entry.
Can I say no if the timing is inconvenient?
Not on that ground alone. A tenant may refuse entry if the notice requirements are not met, but not just because the timing is inconvenient. Refusing entry after proper notice can be an offence.
What can the LTB do if my landlord entered illegally?
On a T2 application it can order a rent abatement, order the landlord to stop, impose a fine, and order compensation and out-of-pocket expenses. It can also end the tenancy. The most it can order on a claim is $50,000.
Sources
- LTB – Interpretation Guideline 19 (Right of Entry) — tribunalsontario.ca
- LTB – Form T2 Instructions — tribunalsontario.ca
- Ontario.ca – Rental housing offences — ontario.ca
Links go to official government, court and regulator pages. The law changes — confirm you are reading the current version.
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