In Ontario, there are strict rules about landlords entering a tenant’s unit. This topic is often misunderstood and can cause unnecessary tension in the landlord-tenant relationship. There are three main reasons a landlord would need to enter a tenant’s unit: an emergency, carrying out repairs or inspections, or showing the unit to prospective renters. Each scenario has its own rules under Ontario’s Residential Tenancies Act.
Emergency
In the case of an emergency, the rules are simple — the landlord has no obligation to inform the tenant in advance. That said, we always try to call or text the tenant to let them know we are going in, or that we have been in, to deal with the emergency.
Planned Maintenance and Repairs
For planned maintenance and repairs, the landlord must give written notice of at least 24 hours in advance, for a reasonable window of time, and entry must be between 8am and 8pm. No advance written notice is required if the tenant consents to the entry.
Showing Prospective Tenants
When the landlord and tenant have agreed to end the tenancy, the landlord does not have to provide 24 hours notice to show the unit to prospective tenants — but the Act states they must make a reasonable attempt to inform the tenant a showing will take place. Many landlords and tenants don’t know this rule, and are surprised to learn that 24 hours notice isn’t always required. We always try to educate our tenants as soon as they give notice to vacate.
If you think your landlord has entered your unit illegally, address the issue directly with them first. If they continue to break the rules, you can file a complaint with the Landlord and Tenant Board of Ontario.