Can a Landlord Enter a Rental Unit in Ontario? Entry Rules Explained (2025)
Complete guide to Ontario landlord entry rules under the RTA, covering 24-hour notice requirements, emergency entry, permitted reasons, tenant rights, and common mistakes to avoid.
Questions about when a landlord may enter a rental unit are among the most common legal issues in Ontario. The Residential Tenancies Act (RTA) sets strict rules for entry, including notice requirements, permitted reasons, and the rights of tenants to privacy and quiet enjoyment.
This article explains the legal limits on landlord entry in 2025, when notice is required, when it is not, and what landlords and tenants should do if disputes arise. [Source: Residential Tenancies Act, 2006]
When a Landlord May Enter With 24 Hours' Written Notice
In most situations, landlords must give 24 hours' written notice before entering the rental unit. The notice must state:
- the reason for entry
- the date
- a 4-hour window of time (e.g., between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m.)
- that entry will occur using a key if the tenant is not home
Valid reasons for entry with notice
Landlords may enter for the following purposes:
- to make repairs or renovations
- to inspect the unit for maintenance issues
- to allow potential purchasers, mortgagees, or insurers to view the unit
- to check conditions that may affect safety
- any other reasonable purpose allowed by the RTA
Notice may be given by email only if the tenant has agreed in writing.
When a Landlord May Enter Without Notice
Certain situations allow entry without providing 24 hours' notice.
1. Emergency Situations
Examples include:
- fire
- flood
- gas leaks
- urgent risks to life or property
2. Tenant Consent
A tenant may voluntarily allow entry immediately or at a mutually agreed time.
3. Abandonment
If the landlord has reasonable grounds to believe the tenant has abandoned the unit, entry may be permitted.
4. With a Written Agreement
If a tenant signs a written agreement allowing entry on specific dates or at recurring times, notice is not required each time.
Showing the Unit to New Tenants
If a tenant has given N9 notice to move out, or has signed an N11 agreement to terminate, the landlord may show the unit to prospective new tenants.
Requirements
- reasonable notice must be given
- entry must occur between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m.
- the landlord must make reasonable efforts to notify the tenant in advance
Tenants cannot refuse entry for showings, but landlords must act reasonably and with proper communication.
What Landlords Cannot Do
Landlords may not:
- enter without lawful reason
- enter repeatedly to pressure or harass the tenant
- enter outside permitted hours
- enter using verbal notice alone
- allow others into the unit without a valid purpose
- take photos of the tenant's belongings without consent (except in limited situations for maintenance or safety)
Improper entry may lead to a tenant filing a T2 application at the LTB.
What Tenants Cannot Do
Tenants cannot:
- refuse lawful entry
- change the locks without giving the landlord a key
- block or delay repairs
- deny access for showings when proper notice has been given
Failure to allow lawful entry may result in an LTB application by the landlord.
Common Mistakes or Misconceptions
- "Landlords can enter any time they want." False—strict rules apply.
- "Tenants must be home for entry." They do not need to be.
- "Text messages count as legal notice." Only if the tenant has agreed in writing.
- "A landlord must give 24 hours' notice for emergencies." Emergencies allow entry without notice.
- "Photo-taking is always allowed." It's limited and usually requires consent unless necessary for repairs or safety.
When to Seek Professional Assistance
A licensed paralegal can assist when:
- a landlord needs help drafting or understanding notice requirements
- a tenant believes the landlord is entering illegally
- entry is being denied for repairs or safety issues
- disputes escalate toward LTB applications
- proper documentation and evidence are required for a hearing
Professional assistance helps prevent mistakes and ensures compliance with Ontario law.
Sources
- Residential Tenancies Act, 2006 — Government of Ontario
https://www.ontario.ca/laws/statute/06r17 - Landlord and Tenant Board — Entry Rules and Forms
https://tribunalsontario.ca/ltb/ - CLEO "Steps to Justice" — Landlord Entry Information
https://stepstojustice.ca/questions/housing-law/ - Tribunals Ontario — Practice Guidelines
https://tribunalsontario.ca/ltb/guidelines/
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.