OHI | Can My Landlord? · Ontario rental question #39
Last verified: September 15, 2026
Quick answer: Sometimes, but not arbitrarily. A landlord may enforce lawful parking terms and address an unauthorized, unsafe or abandoned vehicle. Whether towing is permitted depends on the tenancy agreement, posted rules, condominium requirements, municipal bylaws and the landlord’s authority over the property.
Parking can be part of the tenancy
Parking supplied with a tenancy may be an included service. Removing access, imposing a new fee or towing a vehicle can affect reasonable enjoyment and services included in rent.
When may removal be justified?
A vehicle blocking a fire route, accessibility space or another tenant’s assigned space may require action. An unlicensed or inoperable vehicle may also breach a clear lease, condo, insurance or property-standard rule. The landlord should identify the authority and follow applicable notice and towing requirements.
Can parking be removed permanently?
If parking is part of the tenancy, removing it may support an LTB remedy or rent reduction. A tow should never be used as punishment for an unrelated dispute.
Example
Towing a vehicle repeatedly parked in a marked fire route after warnings differs from towing a properly permitted vehicle from its assigned space over a rent disagreement.
What should a tenant do?
- Keep the lease, parking addendum, permits and payment records.
- Follow assigned-space, licensing and safety rules.
- Respond promptly to warnings and document conflicting instructions.
- Request towing records from the operator or municipality.
What should a landlord do?
- Confirm control of the area and applicable municipal rules.
- Use clear signs, permits and consistent warnings where appropriate.
- Document authorization or safety issues before towing.
- Consider RTA consequences before removing an included service.
Related OHI guides and tools
Official sources
General information only: This is Ontario educational information, not legal advice. Verify current requirements with Tribunals Ontario or a licensed Ontario legal professional.