Can a Landlord Enter Your Rental Unit in Ontario?

April 28, 2026

Key Takeaways:

• Tenants have the right to privacy in their rental unit.

• A landlord cannot enter whenever they want.

• In most cases, the landlord must give at least 24 hours’ written notice before entering.

• The notice should clearly state the reason for entry, the date, and the time.

• The entry time should usually be between 8:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m.

• Tenants should not unreasonably block a lawful entry when proper notice is given.

• A landlord may enter without notice only in limited situations, such as an emergency or when the tenant agrees at the time of entry.

• Tenants may have legal options if the landlord enters improperly or uses entry notices to harass them.

Can a Landlord Enter Without Permission?

In Ontario, tenants have a right to privacy and reasonable enjoyment of their rental unit. Section 25 of the Residential Tenancies Act, 2006 states that a landlord may enter a rental unit only in accordance with section 26 or section 27 of the Act. This means that a landlord must have a legal reason to enter and must follow the proper process.

Section 26 allows a landlord to enter without written notice in limited situations. For example, a landlord may enter without notice if there is an emergency, such as a flood, fire, or serious safety concern. A landlord may also enter if the tenant agrees to the entry at the time the landlord enters. Consent must be given at that time. A past request for repairs does not automatically give the landlord permission to enter later without notice.

When Is 24 Hours’ Written Notice Required?

Section 27 of the Residential Tenancies Act, 2006 allows a landlord to enter with at least 24 hours’ written notice for specific reasons. These reasons include repairs, replacements, work in the unit, inspection to see if the unit is in a good state of repair, or another reasonable reason set out in the tenancy agreement. The entry must usually be between 8:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m.

For example, a landlord may give proper notice to inspect a leaking sink, repair a broken window, or check whether the unit meets maintenance standards. However, the notice should not be vague. A notice that only says “inspection sometime this week” may create problems because the tenant is entitled to know when and why the landlord wants to enter.

I'm a Landlord, What If I Want to Show the Unit?

If the tenant has given notice to move out, or the landlord and tenant have agreed that the tenancy will end, section 26 allows the landlord to show the unit to prospective tenants between 8:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. The landlord must inform the tenant or make a reasonable effort to inform the tenant before entering.

For example, if a tenant has already given a valid notice to terminate the tenancy, the landlord may arrange showings. However, the landlord should still make reasonable efforts to tell the tenant before entering. The landlord should not use showings as a way to harass the tenant or interfere with the tenant’s reasonable enjoyment of the unit.

Common Examples

A landlord may likely enter with proper written notice to repair a damaged door, inspect a plumbing issue, or allow a contractor to complete necessary work.

A landlord may likely enter without notice if there is an active water leak, a fire, or another urgent emergency that requires immediate action.

A landlord may not usually enter just because they want to “check on things” without giving proper notice and a valid reason under the Act.

What Can Tenants Do?

If a tenant believes their landlord entered the rental unit illegally, repeatedly gave improper notices, or used entry notices to interfere with their privacy, the tenant may be able to file an application with the Landlord and Tenant Board. The correct legal options depend on the facts, including what notice was given, why entry occurred, and whether the landlord’s conduct affected the tenant’s reasonable enjoyment of the unit.

Contact Clarity Legal Services

If you believe your rights were violated by an improper landlord entry, contact Clarity Legal Services for an inquiry (ezhang@claritylegal.ca). We can review your situation and help you understand your options under Ontario’s landlord and tenant laws.

Disclaimer: This blog is for general information only and does not constitute legal advice. Legal outcomes depend on the specific facts of each case.