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Ontario tenant guides covering leases, rent, deposits, repairs, landlord entry, notices, ending a tenancy and Landlord and Tenant Board processes.

  • Can a Landlord Enter for an Inspection in Ontario? Rules, Notice & Frequency

    Can a Landlord Enter for an Inspection in Ontario? Rules, Notice & Frequency

    Yes. Ontario’s Residential Tenancies Act permits a landlord to enter a rental unit for a reasonable inspection in certain circumstances, but the landlord must follow the statutory entry rules.

    When is an inspection permitted?

    A landlord may enter to inspect whether the rental unit is in a good state of repair, fit for habitation and compliant with applicable health, safety, housing and maintenance standards, provided the inspection is reasonable.

    How much notice is required?

    For this type of inspection, the landlord generally must give at least 24 hours’ written notice. The notice should identify the reason for entry, the day and a time between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m.

    How often can a landlord inspect?

    The RTA does not create a simple universal rule such as “once every six months.” The key issue is reasonableness. Routine inspections can be legitimate, but excessively frequent or unnecessary entries may interfere with a tenant’s reasonable enjoyment or privacy.

    What can a landlord look at?

    A reasonable condition inspection may include items such as plumbing leaks, smoke or carbon-monoxide alarms, visible damage, maintenance concerns, appliances supplied by the landlord and other conditions relevant to repair, safety or housing standards. The inspection should remain connected to its stated purpose.

    Can the tenant refuse?

    A tenant may raise concerns about a notice or request another time, but a properly noticed lawful inspection does not generally require the tenant’s permission at the moment of entry. Disputes should be handled through documentation and the appropriate legal process rather than confrontation.

    Good practice for landlords

    • Use a specific written notice
    • Schedule at reasonable intervals
    • Keep the inspection focused on the stated purpose
    • Document maintenance issues objectively
    • Give the tenant a reasonable opportunity to raise repair concerns
    • Avoid unnecessary photographs of personal possessions

    Good practice for tenants

    Keep the notice, identify any repair issues you want documented, secure private or sensitive items, and communicate scheduling concerns promptly.

    Bottom line

    Ontario landlords can conduct reasonable inspections, but ownership does not create unlimited access. Proper notice, a legitimate purpose, reasonable frequency and respect for the tenant’s privacy are central to a compliant inspection.

    Related: Use the Ontario Landlord Inspection Log and explore the Rental Move-In Inspection Checklist.

    General educational information only; not legal advice.

  • Tenant Won’t Leave After the Lease Ends in Ontario: What Happens Next?

    Tenant Won’t Leave After the Lease Ends in Ontario: What Happens Next?

    A common Ontario rental misconception is that a tenant must automatically move out when a fixed-term lease reaches its end date. In most RTA-covered tenancies, that is not how the system works.

    A fixed-term lease usually continues

    When the fixed term ends, an Ontario tenancy will commonly continue on a month-to-month basis under the existing terms, subject to lawful changes. The expiry date on the lease does not by itself give the landlord possession of the unit.

    Can the landlord make the tenant leave because the lease expired?

    Not simply because the term ended. To end an RTA-covered tenancy, there must generally be a lawful basis, proper notice where required, and—if the tenant does not leave—the appropriate LTB process.

    What if both sides agreed the tenant would leave?

    The legal effect depends on what was actually signed, when it was signed and whether it complies with Ontario law. Landlords should not assume a clause inserted into the original lease requiring a move-out at the end of the term automatically gives them the right to evict.

    What if the tenant gave notice but stays?

    That is a different situation from simple lease expiry. If a tenant has given a valid notice of termination or the parties entered a valid agreement to terminate, the landlord may have an LTB remedy if the tenant remains. The correct application and timing depend on the circumstances.

    Do not use self-help eviction

    A landlord should not change the locks, remove possessions or shut off services because they believe the tenancy has ended. Possession must be recovered through the lawful process.

    What landlords should document

    • The original lease and renewal documents
    • Any N9, N11 or other termination document
    • Emails or messages about the intended move-out
    • Rent payments after the fixed term
    • Any LTB application or order

    What tenants should understand

    Continuing month-to-month does not mean a tenancy can never end. Landlords can still pursue termination on grounds permitted by the RTA, and tenants remain responsible for rent and their other tenancy obligations.

    Bottom line

    Lease expiry and tenancy termination are not the same thing in Ontario. Before either side acts, identify whether there is simply an expiring fixed term, a tenant notice, an agreement to terminate or another statutory ground.

    Related: See our Ontario Standard Lease guide, LTB Notice & Form Finder and Landlords & Tenants hub.

    General educational information only; not legal advice.

  • Can a Tenant Refuse Entry to a Landlord in Ontario?

    Can a Tenant Refuse Entry to a Landlord in Ontario?

    Ontario tenants have a right to reasonable privacy, but that does not mean they can refuse every landlord entry. The Residential Tenancies Act sets out when a landlord may enter, when written notice is required and when entry can occur without notice.

    When can a landlord enter with notice?

    In many common situations, a landlord may enter after giving at least 24 hours’ written notice. The notice must state the reason, date and a time of entry between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. Permitted purposes include repairs, reasonable inspections and certain purchaser, mortgagee or insurer visits.

    Can the tenant simply say no?

    If a landlord has a lawful reason for entry and has provided a valid notice, a tenant generally cannot turn that notice into a requirement for the tenant’s permission. However, a defective notice, an improper purpose or repeated/unreasonable entries can raise different issues.

    When is notice not required?

    The RTA allows entry without written notice in specific circumstances, including an emergency or when the tenant consents at the time of entry. Different rules also apply to showing a unit to prospective tenants after the tenancy is being terminated, provided the statutory conditions are met.

    Does the tenant have to be home?

    A properly authorized entry does not generally depend on the tenant being home. Landlords should nevertheless communicate clearly and respect the tenant’s privacy and belongings.

    What if the proposed time is inconvenient?

    Tenants can ask the landlord to reschedule, and cooperative scheduling is often the simplest solution. But an inconvenience does not necessarily invalidate an otherwise lawful notice. Both sides should document proposed alternatives and communications.

    What landlords should avoid

    • Entering without a lawful reason
    • Using vague or open-ended notices
    • Entering outside permitted hours when notice is required
    • Using excessive entry notices as pressure or harassment
    • Assuming ownership eliminates the tenant’s privacy rights

    What tenants should avoid

    • Physically blocking lawful entry
    • Changing locks without authorization
    • Ignoring legitimate repair or safety access
    • Assuming every entry requires their personal consent

    Bottom line

    The key question is not simply whether the tenant wants the landlord to enter. It is whether the proposed entry complies with Ontario’s statutory rules. When there is a dispute, both parties should preserve the notice and communications and verify the current RTA/LTB requirements.

    Related: Explore Ontario Home Intel’s Landlords & Tenants hub and Ontario Landlord Resources.

    This article is general educational information and is not legal advice.

  • Ontario Rental Rule Changes for 2026: What Landlords and Tenants Need to Know

    Last verified: September 21, 2026

    Quick answer: Ontario rental rules changed on July 1, 2026, and a further package of changes took effect September 21, 2026. The September changes affect N4 notice timing, persistent late payment, certain rent-arrears hearing procedures, landlord-own-use N12 compensation and bad-faith rules, and N13 renovation procedures. Current LTB forms and instructions should be used.

    Status at a glance

    • In force now: the July 1 and September 21, 2026 changes described below.
    • September 21 forms: Tribunals Ontario updated multiple forms and guidance; previous affected form versions will no longer be accepted after November 30, 2026.
    • Always verify: use the LTB form and instructions in effect on the date a notice or application is given.

    Ontario rental-rule changes already in force

    1. The deadline to request an LTB order review is now 15 days

    For an LTB order issued on or after July 1, 2026, the deadline to request a review was shortened from 30 days to 15 days. A review is not a general second hearing; the LTB applies specific grounds and procedural rules.

    The change also shortened certain related timelines for above-guideline-increase orders. If an order affects you, check the issue date and obtain legal advice promptly rather than relying on the former 30-day period.

    2. The LTB Payment Agreement Form is mandatory in certain repayment plans

    When a landlord and tenant enter into a repayment plan under section 206 of the Residential Tenancies Act, 2006, the LTB’s Payment Agreement Form is now mandatory. Both parties should make sure the agreement accurately records the arrears, payment dates and consequences of missed payments before signing.

    3. New rules apply to tenant-installed air conditioners

    Effective July 1, 2026, tenants may install a window or portable air conditioner when the statutory conditions are met, including written notice, safe installation, compliance with applicable laws and avoiding damage.

    If electricity is included in rent, a landlord may be able to charge a seasonal rent increase for the actual or reasonably estimated electricity cost, subject to the new rules. The amount must be removed when the unit is removed or no longer used. Existing lease wording does not necessarily override these rules.

    Read OHI’s air-conditioner question and answer for a focused explanation.

    4. Maximum fines for RTA offences have doubled

    The maximum court fines for offences under section 236 of the RTA increased to:

    • $100,000 for an individual, up from $50,000
    • $500,000 for a corporation, up from $250,000

    These are maximum fines for provincial offences. They are different from compensation, costs or administrative fines that the LTB may order in an individual case.

    What changed on September 21, 2026?

    The N4 notice period is now 7 days

    For an N4 notice given on or after September 21, 2026, the minimum termination period is generally 7 days. The notice is still not an eviction order. If the tenant does not move out or void the notice where permitted, the landlord must apply to the LTB, and only the LTB can issue an eviction order.

    Persistent late payment now has a statutory benchmark

    Rent paid more than 7 days after it was due on at least 3 occasions within a 6-month period can establish persistent late payment under the updated rules. Other circumstances may also be relevant. See the detailed N8 Notice guide.

    Landlord-own-use N12 compensation can depend on notice length

    For a landlord-own-use N12 served on or after September 21, 2026, compensation or an acceptable alternative unit is not required where the statutory conditions are met and the termination date is at least 120 days after the notice is given. This exception does not apply to purchaser-use N12 notices.

    New N12 bad-faith presumption

    For landlord-own-use cases covered by the new rule, the intended occupant must normally take occupancy within the prescribed 60-day period. See OHI’s bad-faith N12 guide for the detailed N12/T5 framework. If that does not happen, a T5 proceeding can carry a rebuttable presumption that the N12 was given in bad faith. The prescribed period is measured from the N12 termination date when the tenant leaves on or before that date, or from the date the tenant actually vacates when they leave later.

    Rent-arrears hearings: 50% payment rule for additional tenant issues

    For hearing preparation and process context, see Ontario Landlord and Tenant Board: What to Expect.

    For a rent-arrears application filed on or after September 21, 2026, a tenant who wants to raise additional issues under section 82 at the landlord’s non-payment hearing—such as maintenance or tenant-rights concerns—must generally pay the landlord 50% of the arrears claimed in the application at least 7 days before the hearing. The payment is made directly to the landlord, not to the LTB in trust, and the existing requirement to provide a description of the issues at least 7 days before the hearing continues. This does not prevent the tenant from disputing the landlord’s arrears claim itself or filing a separate applicable tenant application.

    Eviction-order delay and set-aside rules also changed

    September 21 changes also restrict when the LTB may delay certain eviction orders and when it may set aside an eviction order issued without a hearing following a tenant notice or agreement to end the tenancy. These rules are fact-specific and should be checked against the current LTB guidance.

    N13 renovation and return procedures changed

    For a dedicated explanation, see the N13 renovations, demolition and conversion guide.

    Where an applicable tenant gives written notice that they intend to return after N13 repairs or renovations, new notification duties apply to the landlord, including estimated-completion updates, notice when the unit is ready and, where applicable, 60 days’ notice to reoccupy. The deadline for certain T5 right-of-first-refusal claims is now two years after the tenant moves out or six months after renovations finish, whichever is later.

    Timing matters: notices given before September 21 follow the earlier rules. Notices given on or after that date must use the updated form and instructions applicable at that time. Landlords should not reuse an old saved form, and tenants should not ignore a notice because they believe an older deadline applies.

    See OHI’s N4 Notice in Ontario guide, N4 timeline and late-rent answer.

    What has not changed?

    • A landlord cannot personally evict a tenant, change the locks or remove belongings without following the legal process.
    • An N4 is a notice, not an eviction order.
    • Tenants remain responsible for paying lawful rent when due.
    • Landlords must use the correct current form and calculate notice periods properly.
    • Only the Court Enforcement Office, commonly called the sheriff, can enforce an LTB eviction order.
    • Many common rights involving repairs, entry, deposits and rent increases still depend on the RTA and the facts of the tenancy.

    2026 rent-increase guideline

    Ontario’s rent-increase guideline for 2026 is 2.1% for most rent-controlled units. A landlord normally must wait at least 12 months between increases, give at least 90 days’ written notice and use the correct LTB form. Some newer rental units are exempt from the guideline cap, but notice and timing rules still apply.

    Read Ontario Rent Increases and Rent Control: 2026 Guide and Ontario Rent Increase Forms Explained.

    Practical steps for landlords

    • Replace saved LTB forms with the current versions before serving anything.
    • Check the effective date of each rule instead of relying on a summary or social post.
    • Document repayment arrangements using the required LTB form where section 206 applies.
    • Update air-conditioner policies and seasonal electricity calculations.
    • Keep proof of service and double-check every termination date.

    Practical steps for tenants

    • Act quickly after receiving an order because the review deadline may now be 15 days.
    • Read every page of an N4 and note whether it was given before or after September 21, 2026.
    • Give written notice before installing a window or portable air conditioner and keep a copy.
    • Do not assume a notice means you have already been evicted.
    • Get legal help promptly if a deadline, arrears amount or notice appears incorrect.

    Official Ontario sources

    General information only: This article explains Ontario residential-tenancy changes in plain language and is not legal advice. Some rentals are exempt from all or part of the RTA. Laws, forms, procedures and effective dates can change. Verify current information with Tribunals Ontario or obtain advice from a licensed Ontario legal professional.

  • Can My Tenant Withhold Rent Until Repairs Are Completed?

    OHI | Can My Tenant? · Ontario rental question #25

    Browse the full “Can My Landlord / Can My Tenant?” series

    Last verified: September 15, 2026

    Quick answer: Generally, no. A tenant should not simply stop paying rent because repairs are outstanding. The landlord’s maintenance obligation and the tenant’s rent obligation are separate. A tenant may pursue municipal enforcement, a T6 application or other lawful remedies while continuing to pay rent.

    Section 20 of the RTA requires landlords to maintain rental properties and comply with health, safety, housing and maintenance standards. Tenants have LTB remedies where that obligation is breached. But unpaid rent can still support an N4 and rent-arrears application.

    An LTB order may authorize remedies such as a rent abatement, work order or reimbursement depending on the evidence. Tenants should not award themselves an abatement in advance.

    What should happen before an application?

    The tenant should report the problem clearly in writing, allow lawful access and give the landlord a reasonable opportunity to respond where the situation is not urgent. Photographs, dates, temperatures, inspection reports and repair requests can be important.

    What if the problem is urgent?

    Loss of heat, water, electricity, a major leak or another safety hazard may require immediate contact with the landlord, municipality, utility or emergency service. The appropriate response depends on the risk.

    Can the tenant pay for repairs and deduct the cost?

    A tenant should not assume they can hire a contractor and deduct the invoice from rent without agreement or legal authority. Emergency facts may be relevant, but documentation and advice are important.

    What should the tenant do?

    • Report the issue in writing and keep a dated repair record.
    • Allow lawful access for inspection and repairs.
    • Continue paying lawful rent unless an authoritative order or specific legal advice says otherwise.
    • Consider municipal property standards, a T6 application or licensed legal advice.

    What should the landlord do?

    • Acknowledge repair reports promptly and triage urgent hazards.
    • Schedule qualified repairs and document access attempts and work completed.
    • Do not retaliate against a tenant for asserting maintenance rights.
    • Keep maintenance issues separate from rent-enforcement procedures.

    Example

    A tenant reports a leaking ceiling and the landlord does nothing for weeks. The tenant may have strong maintenance remedies, but stopping rent without an order can create a separate arrears case.

    Official sources

    Continue the series

    Browse more plain-language answers to common Ontario rental questions.

    General information only: This article discusses Ontario residential tenancies and is not legal advice. Some rentals are exempt from all or part of the RTA. Outcomes depend on the facts and evidence. Rules and forms can change; verify current information with Tribunals Ontario or obtain advice from a licensed Ontario legal professional.

  • Can My Landlord Just Tell Me I Have to Move Out in Ontario?

    OHI | Can My Landlord? · Ontario rental question

    Browse the full “Can My Landlord?” series

    Last verified: September 12, 2026

    Quick answer: A landlord can ask, but an ordinary conversation, text, email or letter usually does not legally end an RTA-covered tenancy. A landlord must have a reason allowed by the RTA, use the correct notice where required and obtain an LTB eviction order if the tenant does not leave.

    Does the end of a lease mean the tenant must leave?

    No. In most Ontario tenancies, a fixed-term lease automatically continues as a month-to-month tenancy when the term ends. The tenant does not have to sign a new lease or move merely because the original end date arrived.

    What is a notice of termination?

    Ontario has different LTB forms for different grounds: non-payment, interference, damage, persistent late payment, landlord or purchaser use, demolition, conversion and major repairs, among others. Each has its own facts, notice period, termination-date and compensation rules.

    A notice is still not an eviction order. If the tenant remains, the landlord generally must apply to the LTB and prove the case.

    What if the landlord asks the tenant to sign an N11?

    An N11 is an agreement to end the tenancy. It is voluntary; a landlord cannot force a tenant to sign it. Once signed, it can have serious consequences and may allow the landlord to seek an eviction order without the ordinary notice process. A tenant should understand the terms before signing.

    Can the landlord change the locks?

    Not as a shortcut. A landlord cannot personally remove a tenant or lock them out without lawful authority. Enforceable eviction orders are carried out by the Court Enforcement Office (Sheriff).

    What should a tenant do after being told to leave?

    • Ask the landlord to identify the legal reason and form.
    • Do not sign an N11 under pressure.
    • Keep every message and notice.
    • Check dates, compensation and service requirements.
    • Get legal advice promptly if a formal notice or order arrives.

    What should a landlord do?

    • Identify the correct statutory ground.
    • Use the current form and instructions.
    • Do not misrepresent a request as a binding eviction.
    • Document service and required compensation.
    • Apply to the LTB if the tenant does not leave and the law permits.

    OHI guides and tools

    Official Ontario sources

    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.

  • Can My Tenant Get a Pet When the Lease Says No Pets?

    OHI | Can My Tenant? · Ontario rental question #26

    Browse the full “Can My Landlord / Can My Tenant?” series

    Last verified: September 15, 2026

    Quick answer: Usually, yes. Section 14 of Ontario’s RTA generally makes a tenancy-agreement term prohibiting animals in or around the rental complex void. But that does not give every animal unrestricted protection: enforceable condominium rules, serious allergies, dangerous behaviour, damage and substantial interference may still matter.

    A “no pets” clause in a lease is generally unenforceable under section 14. A landlord may still ask about pets during screening, subject to human-rights law, and may decide not to enter into a tenancy for lawful reasons before an agreement is formed.

    After the tenancy begins, any response should focus on the actual legal issue—not merely the existence of the pet.

    What if the rental is a condominium?

    A condominium declaration or rule may restrict certain animals, sizes or numbers. Condo obligations can apply to tenants even where the landlord’s own lease clause would be void. The exact governing documents should be reviewed.

    What if another resident has an allergy?

    A serious allergy may require evidence and a careful accommodation analysis. The result is not automatic; severity, proximity, ventilation and possible solutions may matter.

    Can a problem pet lead to eviction?

    Potentially, if reliable evidence establishes substantial interference, danger, serious allergic reaction, damage or another statutory ground. The landlord must use the proper notice and LTB process.

    What should the tenant do?

    • Review condominium documents and municipal animal bylaws.
    • Prevent noise, waste, damage or safety problems and respond promptly to complaints.
    • Keep veterinary, licensing and training records where relevant.
    • Request disability-related accommodation in writing when applicable.

    What should the landlord do?

    • Do not treat a void lease clause as an automatic eviction right.
    • Investigate specific conduct, damage, allergies or rules and keep reliable evidence.
    • Consider human-rights accommodation duties, including service animals.
    • Use the correct LTB notice and process where a statutory ground exists.

    Example

    A lease says “no pets,” but the tenant adopts a quiet indoor cat and no condo rule or actual problem applies. The clause alone is generally void. A dangerous dog repeatedly threatening residents presents a different issue.

    Official sources

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    Browse more plain-language answers to common Ontario rental questions.

    General information only: This article discusses Ontario residential tenancies and is not legal advice. Some rentals are exempt from all or part of the RTA. Outcomes depend on the facts and evidence. Rules and forms can change; verify current information with Tribunals Ontario or obtain advice from a licensed Ontario legal professional.

  • Can My Tenant Install a Security Camera in Ontario?

    OHI | Can My Tenant? · Ontario rental question #27

    Browse the full “Can My Landlord / Can My Tenant?” series

    Last verified: September 15, 2026

    Quick answer: Possibly. A tenant can often use a camera inside the rental unit for a legitimate security purpose, but the installation must not cause undue damage or breach lawful condominium or building rules. Cameras aimed at shared spaces, other units or places where people reasonably expect privacy create additional concerns. Audio recording has separate legal risks.

    The RTA does not provide one simple rule approving every tenant camera. The analysis can involve reasonable enjoyment, privacy, property damage, condominium rules and the Criminal Code’s rules about intercepting private communications.

    A camera used to document entry inside the tenant’s own unit is different from continuous surveillance of a neighbour’s door, private yard or interior. Recording sound can be more legally sensitive than recording video.

    Does the tenant need permission to mount it?

    A freestanding indoor camera may require no physical alteration. Drilling, wiring, changing a door, attaching equipment to common property or interfering with building systems may require consent and could create repair liability.

    Can the camera point into a hallway?

    Common-area recording is fact-specific. The field of view, duration, purpose, building or condo rules and impact on neighbours all matter. The narrowest view serving the security purpose is generally safer.

    What about recording conversations?

    Canada’s criminal law generally addresses interception of private communications differently where a recorder is a participant versus a third party. Tenants should disable unnecessary audio and obtain legal advice before relying on recordings.

    What should the tenant do?

    • Use the least intrusive placement and avoid neighbours’ windows or private areas.
    • Choose a non-damaging installation or request written permission.
    • Disable audio unless it is genuinely necessary and lawful.
    • Secure recordings and avoid posting identifiable footage publicly without advice.

    What should the landlord do?

    • Ask what is installed, where it points and whether it alters the property.
    • Address concrete damage, privacy or interference rather than imposing a blanket assumption.
    • Check condominium or building rules and apply them consistently.
    • Do not remove or tamper with a tenant’s equipment without lawful authority.

    Example

    A removable camera inside the unit points at the tenant’s entrance and records only when the door opens. That is different from a hard-wired camera continuously recording neighbours across a shared hallway with audio.

    Official sources

  • Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada: Surveillance

    • Continue the series

    Browse more plain-language answers to common Ontario rental questions.

    General information only: This article discusses Ontario residential tenancies and is not legal advice. Some rentals are exempt from all or part of the RTA. Outcomes depend on the facts and evidence. Rules and forms can change; verify current information with Tribunals Ontario or obtain advice from a licensed Ontario legal professional.

  • Can My Tenant Sublet the Rental Without Permission?

    OHI | Can My Tenant? · Ontario rental question #28

    Browse the full “Can My Landlord / Can My Tenant?” series

    Last verified: September 15, 2026

    Quick answer: Generally, no. A tenant needs the landlord’s consent to sublet the rental unit. However, a landlord must not arbitrarily or unreasonably withhold consent to a specific proposed subtenant. Before acting, both sides should confirm that the arrangement is actually a legal sublet rather than a roommate situation, assignment or unauthorized transfer.

    Sections 97 and 98 of the RTA govern subletting. A sublet usually occurs when the tenant gives another person possession of the unit for a period shorter than the remaining tenancy term and retains a right to resume occupancy.

    If the original tenant continues living in the unit with a roommate, that is not normally a sublet of the rental unit. Labels used in an advertisement do not decide the issue.

    Can the landlord refuse any sublet?

    The RTA’s treatment of sublet consent is different from general assignment consent. A landlord cannot arbitrarily or unreasonably withhold consent to a particular proposed subtenant, and the tenant may apply to the LTB over an improper refusal.

    Can the landlord charge a fee?

    The landlord may generally recover reasonable out-of-pocket expenses connected with giving consent, but should not use the request as a source of profit.

    What if an unauthorized person takes possession?

    If the tenant transfers occupancy without required consent, the landlord may have remedies. The exact route and timing depend on whether the tenant has left, whether the occupant remains and what arrangement actually exists.

    What should the tenant do?

    • Request consent in writing before transferring possession.
    • Provide reasonable screening information and keep the landlord’s response.
    • Use a written sublet agreement and keep the sublet shorter than the head tenancy term.
    • Do not advertise or operate a short-term rental without checking the lease, condo rules and local bylaws.

    What should the landlord do?

    • Confirm whether the tenant will leave temporarily and return.
    • Respond to a specific candidate with consistent, lawful reasons.
    • Document reasonable screening expenses and avoid arbitrary fees.
    • Get timely advice if possession has already been transferred without consent.

    Example

    A tenant leaves for three months, gives another person exclusive possession and plans to return before the fixed term ends. That may be a sublet requiring consent. Taking in a roommate while remaining in the unit is different.

    Related OHI guides and tools

    Official sources

    Continue the series

    Browse more plain-language answers to common Ontario rental questions.

    General information only: This article discusses Ontario residential tenancies and is not legal advice. Some rentals are exempt from all or part of the RTA. Outcomes depend on the facts and evidence. Rules and forms can change; verify current information with Tribunals Ontario or obtain advice from a licensed Ontario legal professional.

  • Can My Tenant Refuse Landlord Entry in Ontario?

    OHI | Can My Tenant? · Ontario rental question #23

    Browse the full “Can My Landlord / Can My Tenant?” series

    Last verified: September 15, 2026

    Quick answer: A tenant can object to entry that does not comply with the RTA, but generally cannot block entry that is authorized by law and properly noticed. Whether entry is lawful depends on the reason, notice, time and circumstances. Emergencies and consent-based entry follow different rules.

    Sections 26 and 27 of the RTA set out when a landlord may enter. Many routine purposes—such as repairs, inspections and purchaser viewings—require at least 24 hours’ written notice stating the reason, date and a time between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. Entry can occur without written notice in an emergency or with the tenant’s consent at the time.

    A notice of entry is not usually a request for permission. But a landlord must not use notices excessively, enter for an improper purpose or substantially interfere with reasonable enjoyment.

    Does the tenant have to be home?

    No. A tenant’s absence does not normally cancel otherwise lawful entry. The landlord remains responsible for securing the unit and supervising contractors or agents.

    What if the notice is defective?

    A vague reason, a time window that is not reasonably specific, insufficient notice or an unlawful purpose may support an objection. The parties should communicate, but repeated disputes may require an LTB application rather than self-help.

    What if there is an emergency?

    A genuine emergency can justify entry without advance written notice. The exception should not be used for ordinary convenience.

    What should the tenant do?

    • Read the notice carefully and identify any specific problem promptly.
    • Offer a reasonable alternative when possible, while recognizing lawful entry rights.
    • Keep pets, alarms and access issues safely managed.
    • Document repeated improper entries and seek advice rather than physically escalating the situation.

    What should the landlord do?

    • State the lawful reason, date and reasonably specific time in writing.
    • Keep proof of service and records of attempted access.
    • Minimize disruption and secure the unit afterward.
    • Use the appropriate LTB process if lawful access is repeatedly obstructed.

    Example

    A landlord gives written notice on Monday for a plumbing inspection Wednesday at 10 a.m. The tenant generally cannot cancel it merely because they will be at work. A message saying “I may come by sometime this week” is different.

    Related OHI guides and tools

    Official sources

    Continue the series

    Browse more plain-language answers to common Ontario rental questions.

    General information only: This article discusses Ontario residential tenancies and is not legal advice. Some rentals are exempt from all or part of the RTA. Outcomes depend on the facts and evidence. Rules and forms can change; verify current information with Tribunals Ontario or obtain advice from a licensed Ontario legal professional.