- For most non-emergency entries, a landlord must give at least 24 hours' written notice stating the reason, date, and a time between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m.
- A landlord can enter without notice only in narrow situations — a genuine emergency, if you consent at the time, or (in some cases) to show the unit after a notice to end the tenancy has been given.
- A landlord cannot use entry rights to harass you, and cannot enter simply because they own the property.
- Repeated illegal entry can be the basis for a T2 application to the Landlord and Tenant Board for a breach of your right to reasonable enjoyment.
- Changing your locks generally requires the landlord's consent — but the landlord cannot change the locks to shut you out either.
The Short Answer
In Ontario, a landlord can enter a rental unit, but only under the rules in the Residential Tenancies Act. For most reasons, the landlord must give at least 24 hours' written notice that states the reason for entry, the date, and a time between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. A landlord can enter without notice only in narrow situations, such as a genuine emergency or where you consent at the time. Entering outside these rules is an illegal entry, and repeated violations can support a claim to the Landlord and Tenant Board. Persistent privacy problems are exactly the kind of dispute our landlord and tenant lawyers help tenants resolve.
The 24-Hour Written Notice Rule
The default rule is straightforward: before entering for a permitted reason, the landlord must deliver written notice at least 24 hours in advance. That notice must specify three things — the reason for entry, the date, and a time between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. A notice that says only “we will be entering this week” is not valid, because it does not give a specific date and time.
Once valid 24-hour notice is given, the landlord may enter at the stated time whether or not the tenant is home. The notice requirement protects your privacy; it does not require your presence.
Valid Reasons to Enter
With proper 24-hour notice, a landlord may enter to:
- Carry out repairs or maintenance
- Inspect the unit to determine whether repairs are needed (within reason)
- Allow a potential mortgagee, insurer, or professional (such as an engineer or appraiser) to view the unit
- Carry out another reasonable purpose allowed by the tenancy agreement
When a Landlord Can Enter Without Notice
Entry without notice is the exception, not the rule. It is permitted only where:
- There is a genuine emergency (for example, a fire, a flood, or a serious gas leak)
- The tenant consents to the entry at the time
- The tenancy agreement requires the landlord to clean the unit, and entry is at a reasonable time (or the time specified in the agreement)
- A care home is entering to check on a tenant's condition, where permitted
Ownership does not create a right to enter at will. A landlord who lets themselves in without notice or a valid exception has entered illegally, even if nothing is taken or damaged.
Entry for Showings
Landlords often need to show a unit to prospective tenants or buyers. This is generally allowed once a notice to end the tenancy has been given by either party, or where the unit is up for sale. Even then, the entry must be between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m., and the landlord is expected to give reasonable notice and enter at a reasonable time. A landlord cannot run open houses through your home at all hours.
Changing the Locks
Neither side can unilaterally change the locking system to control access. A tenant generally needs the landlord's consent to change the locks, and a landlord cannot change the locks without giving the tenant a replacement key. A landlord who changes the locks to shut a tenant out has committed an illegal lockout — one of the most serious violations under the Act.
What Tenants Can Do About Illegal Entry
- Document everything — dates, times, what was said, and any witnesses or camera footage
- Put it in writing — a calm written message asking the landlord to follow the notice rules creates a record
- File a T2 application with the Landlord and Tenant Board for substantial interference with your reasonable enjoyment if the conduct continues
- Seek remedies such as a rent abatement, an order prohibiting the conduct, or an administrative fine
A single technical breach may not be worth a hearing, but a documented pattern of unlawful entries is far more likely to succeed as a T2 claim. Consistent records make the difference.
What Landlords Should Get Right
- Always give written 24-hour notice with reason, date, and a time between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m.
- Do not rely on emergency or consent exceptions unless they genuinely apply
- Keep entries reasonable in frequency — repeated inspections can look like harassment
- Never change locks or enter to pressure a tenant to leave
Common Mistakes
A notice that omits a specific date and time between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. is not valid notice.
Using entry rights to intimidate a tenant into leaving is harassment and can lead to Board remedies and fines.
Changing the locks to control access — in either direction — is a serious violation of the Act.
Owning the property does not override a tenant's right to reasonable privacy in their home.
If your landlord keeps entering without notice, or you are a landlord who needs lawful access, call our Toronto landlord and tenant team at 416-274-2222 for a free consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions
For most non-emergency reasons, at least 24 hours written notice. The notice must state the reason for entry, the date, and a time of entry between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m.
Only in limited situations: a genuine emergency (such as a fire or a serious water leak), where you consent to the entry at the time, where a care home tenant needs assistance, or where the tenancy agreement requires the landlord to clean the unit and the entry is at a reasonable time. A landlord cannot enter without notice simply because it is convenient.
Not without proper notice or one of the limited exceptions. Entering while you are out, without valid 24-hour notice or your consent, is still an illegal entry even if the landlord causes no damage.
Yes, but generally only after a notice to end the tenancy has been given (by either party) or the unit is listed for sale, and the landlord must still enter between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. Reasonable notice — often understood as 24 hours — is expected, and entry must be at a reasonable time.
Document each entry (dates, times, what happened), communicate your concerns in writing, and if it continues you can file a T2 application with the Landlord and Tenant Board for substantial interference with your reasonable enjoyment of the unit. The Board can order remedies including rent abatements and fines.
Generally not without the landlord's consent — changing the locking system usually requires agreement. However, the landlord also cannot change the locks to lock you out without giving you a new key. Lockouts are a serious violation.
A landlord can enter to inspect for maintenance and repairs, but must give proper 24-hour written notice each time and enter at a reasonable time. There is no unlimited right to routine inspections at will.
The law requires written notice, and in practice a clear text or email that includes the reason, date, and time may be treated as written notice — but the safest approach for landlords is a clear written notice delivered properly, and tenants should keep a copy of whatever they receive.