Noise Complaints in Ontario Rentals: What Landlords and Tenants Should Do

Ontario Rental Noise Complaint Guide · Updated for 2026

Noise disputes are common in rental housing, but not every sound is a tenancy-law violation. The key questions are usually whether the conduct substantially interferes with another tenant’s reasonable enjoyment and whether the landlord has taken reasonable steps after receiving a credible complaint.

Reasonable Enjoyment

Ontario’s Residential Tenancies Act protects a tenant’s reasonable enjoyment of the rental unit and residential complex. Landlords should investigate persistent, serious or recurring complaints rather than ignoring them.

Document the Pattern

• Date and time of each incident
• Duration and type of noise
• Where it appears to originate
• How it affected use of the unit
• Any communications with the other party or landlord
• Municipal bylaw or security reports where applicable

Landlord Response

A landlord should assess the complaint, communicate with the parties, review lease and building rules, and consider whether a warning or formal tenancy-law step is appropriate. The response should be proportionate to the evidence.

Ordinary Living Noise vs Serious Interference

Apartment and multi-unit living involves some ordinary noise. Footsteps, plumbing, children, doors and daily activities are not automatically grounds for termination. Frequency, volume, timing and impact matter.

Municipal Bylaws

Municipal noise bylaws can operate alongside tenancy law. A bylaw complaint can be useful evidence, but an LTB case is governed by the Residential Tenancies Act and the evidence before the Board.

Related Resources

See our N5 Notice guide and Landlords & Tenants Resource Centre.

General information only: Noise disputes are fact-specific. Keep objective records and obtain advice before serving or responding to formal notices.