Plain-language answer
In most cases, yes. Under Ontario's Residential Tenancies Act, a landlord who wants to enter a rental unit generally must give the tenant written notice at least 24 hours in advance. The notice generally needs to state the reason for entry, the day, and a time of entry between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. Entry itself generally must also happen between those hours.
There are exceptions. A landlord may generally enter without written notice in an emergency, or if the tenant agrees to the entry at the time it happens. There are also special rules in some situations — for example, showing the unit to prospective tenants after a notice or agreement to end the tenancy, where different requirements may apply.
Your landlord entering lawfully is part of the system working; repeated entries without notice, or entries for no stated reason, may be a different matter. If entries feel excessive or intimidating, documentation and legal advice are the right next steps.
Why it matters
Your home is your private space even though someone else owns it. Knowing the general rules helps you tell the difference between lawful entry and conduct that may interfere with your reasonable enjoyment of the unit.
Entry disputes are also very evidence-dependent. A tenant with a dated log of entries and copies of notices (or their absence) is in a far stronger position than one relying on memory.
Facts that affect the answer
Based on the information available, these are the kinds of facts that commonly change how a situation like this is assessed:
- Whether written notice was given, what it said, and when you received it.
- The stated reason for entry — the Act sets out permitted reasons, and a legal professional can review whether a reason fits.
- Whether the entry happened between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m.
- Whether the situation was an emergency, or whether you consented at the time of entry.
- How often entries are happening and whether a pattern suggests something more than routine access.
Evidence to preserve
Preserve these now, in their original form
- Every entry notice you receive — photograph notes left on or under your door before removing them.
- A dated log of each entry or attempted entry: date, time, who entered, stated reason, and whether notice was given.
- Messages with the landlord about entry, showings, or inspections.
- Photos or video of anything disturbed, moved, or damaged after an entry.
- Names and contact information of anyone who witnessed an entry.
Common mistakes
- Keeping no record because each individual entry seemed minor — patterns matter.
- Changing the locks without authorization — in Ontario, tenants generally may not alter locks without the landlord's consent, and doing so can create problems for the tenant.
- Physically confronting someone entering the unit — document and get advice instead.
- Refusing all entry, including properly noticed lawful entry, which can weaken your own position.
- Assuming verbal notice is always enough — the general rule is written notice.
Possible official process
If you believe your landlord has entered illegally or repeatedly interfered with your privacy, the usual route is a tenant application to the LTB — commonly a T2 application about tenant rights. Remedies depend on the evidence and the Board's findings.
Before filing, many tenants send a written request asking the landlord to follow the notice rules, which both asks for change and builds the record.
A community legal clinic can help assess whether the entries you experienced likely fall within the exceptions or not.
Tools that help with this
Jurisdiction: Ontario · Last reviewed 2026-07-15 · currently under review. Rules, forms, and deadlines can change — always confirm against the official sources above.
This is legal information, not legal advice. RTO Pro is not a law firm. Deadlines and exceptions may apply to your situation — a qualified legal professional should confirm anything important before you rely on it.