Plain-language overview
In Ontario, a landlord generally may enter a rental unit only for reasons the law allows, and in most cases only after giving the tenant at least 24 hours' written notice. The notice generally must state the reason for entry and a time of entry between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. Lawful reasons generally include things like repairs, inspections in some circumstances, and showings under specific conditions.
There are recognized exceptions. A landlord may generally enter without notice in an emergency, or if the tenant consents at the time of entry. After a notice of termination has been given, or when the unit is being re-rented, showings to prospective tenants generally follow different rules, often requiring a reasonable effort to inform the tenant rather than full written notice. Details matter and a legal professional can confirm how the rules apply to your facts.
Entry rules are about more than convenience. Repeated improper entry, entry without notice, or surveillance of a tenant's home can amount to an interference with the tenant's reasonable enjoyment of the unit or harassment — issues a tenant can generally raise in an application to the Landlord and Tenant Board.
Tenants generally may not change the locks without the landlord's consent, and landlords generally may not change the locks without giving the tenant replacement keys. If you have been locked out, that is a different and more urgent situation — see the Lockouts topic.
The most useful habit is a dated log. Note every entry and attempted entry: when it happened, who came, what notice you received, and what was said. Patterns are often what makes these cases clear.
Common warning signs
None of these prove anything on their own — but they are worth noticing and writing down when they happen.
- The landlord shows up unannounced and expects to be let in, or lets themselves in while you are out.
- Notices of entry that are verbal only, give less than 24 hours, or state no reason.
- Entry outside the 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. window without your agreement.
- Very frequent "inspections" that feel like monitoring rather than maintenance.
- Cameras pointed at your door or into your unit, or reports from neighbours that someone enters when you are away.
- Belongings moved or missing after times you were not home.
- Entry notices used as pressure during a dispute (for example, daily showings after you complained about repairs).
Facts that matter
These are the details a legal clinic, representative, or the Landlord and Tenant Board will usually want to know. Pinning them down early makes every later step easier.
- Exact dates and times of each entry or attempted entry.
- What notice you received each time — written or verbal, how far in advance, and what reason was given.
- Whether the stated reason matched what actually happened during the entry.
- Who entered: the landlord, superintendent, agent, contractor, or prospective buyers or tenants.
- Whether you consented at the time, objected, or were not home.
- Whether a notice of termination or a sale process was underway (showings have different rules).
- Any pattern: frequency, timing, and connection to disputes or complaints.
Evidence to preserve
Preserve originals — never edit photos, messages, or documents. The Evidence Vault and Timeline tools are built for exactly this.
- Every written entry notice — photograph it where it was left, then keep the original.
- A dated log of all entries and attempted entries, written as close to the event as possible.
- Texts, emails, and voicemails about entry, showings, or inspections.
- Doorbell camera or smartphone video of entries, where lawfully recorded.
- Photos of anything disturbed, moved, or damaged after an entry.
- Witness details — roommates, neighbours, or visitors who saw entries.
- Records connecting entries to a dispute timeline (for example, entries spiking after a complaint).
Possible official processes
Depending on your facts, one or more of these processes may apply. Whether and how to use them is a decision worth making with a qualified legal professional — deadlines and exceptions may apply.
A tenant can generally apply to the LTB about illegal entry or interference with reasonable enjoyment (commonly through a tenant rights application). Remedies may include rent abatement or orders that the conduct stop. Time limits generally apply.
A written letter to the landlord setting out the entry rules and asking that proper notice be given is often a recognized first step and strengthens any later application.
Where entry issues are part of broader harassment, the same LTB application can generally address both — see the Harassment and Interference topic.
Urgent exceptions
Act quickly if this applies
Act quickly if this applies
Important exceptions
Almost every rule above has exceptions. These are the ones most likely to change the picture — a qualified legal professional should confirm how they apply to your situation.
- Landlords may generally enter without notice in an emergency, or with the tenant's consent at the time of entry.
- Showings to prospective tenants after a notice of termination generally follow different, lighter notice rules than ordinary entry.
- Care homes have some special entry rules, including provisions about checking on tenant wellbeing where agreed.
- Common areas like hallways and shared laundry are generally not covered by unit-entry rules.
Official sources
Related tools
Tools that help you document, track, and organize this kind of issue.
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.