OHI | Can My Landlord? · Ontario rental question
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Last verified: September 12, 2026
Quick answer: Sometimes. Ontario law does not provide a simple blanket right to photograph everything in a tenant’s home, nor a blanket ban on inspection photos. The entry must be lawful and the photography should be reasonably connected to a proper purpose, such as documenting maintenance or the condition of the unit.
Start with the right of entry
A landlord usually needs at least 24 hours’ written notice for a reasonable inspection, repairs or a purchaser showing. The notice must state the reason, date and a time between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. Photography does not cure an entry that was unlawful in the first place.
When may inspection photos be reasonable?
Tribunals Ontario’s tenant-rights interpretation guidance discusses photographs taken during authorized entry for a proper inspection purpose. Examples may include documenting a leak, damaged flooring, a safety concern or the condition of an item that needs repair.
The closer the image is tied to the stated purpose, the stronger the justification. A focused image of a broken fixture is different from sweeping photographs of personal papers, family photos, medication or computer screens.
Can inspection photos be used to advertise the unit?
That is a different purpose. Photos intended for a listing or virtual tour may expose the tenant’s belongings and personal information. A landlord should not assume that notice to enter for an inspection automatically authorizes broad advertising photography. Consent, necessity and privacy should be addressed separately.
What should landlords do?
- Explain in the notice or advance communication if photos are expected.
- Photograph only what is reasonably necessary.
- Avoid personal documents, people and identifying details where possible.
- Store images securely and limit who receives them.
- Obtain clear consent before using interior images for marketing where privacy is affected.
What should tenants do?
- Ask what will be photographed and why.
- Put privacy concerns in writing before the entry.
- Move highly sensitive documents or items out of view where practical.
- Document photography that appears unrelated or excessive.
- Seek legal advice if images are misused or entry rules are repeatedly ignored.
Can the tenant stop every photo?
Not necessarily. A tenant cannot automatically block a landlord from reasonably documenting a legitimate repair or inspection during lawful entry. At the same time, the landlord’s actions can be challenged if they substantially interfere with reasonable enjoyment or privacy.
OHI guides and tools
- When Can a Landlord Enter a Rental Unit?
- Ontario Rental Inspection Checklist
- Tenant Won’t Allow Landlord Entry
- Ontario LTB Tenant Applications: T1 to T7
Frequently asked questions
Can a landlord photograph the tenant?
Photographing a person is more intrusive than documenting a repair. Landlords should avoid capturing tenants or visitors unless genuinely necessary and legally justified.
Can a tenant request copies?
A tenant can ask what was photographed, why, how it will be used and whether copies can be provided. Whether disclosure is legally required may depend on the circumstances and applicable privacy law.
Official Ontario sources
- Residential Tenancies Act, 2006 — see entry and reasonable-enjoyment provisions.
- LTB Interpretation Guideline 19: Right of Entry
- LTB Interpretation Guideline 6: Tenant Rights
General information only: This article concerns Ontario residential tenancies and is not legal advice. Some rentals are exempt from all or part of the RTA. Verify current rules and forms with Tribunals Ontario or obtain advice from a licensed Ontario legal professional.