Ontario Landlord Entry Notice Checklist | Sam Kamra

Start with the reason for entering

The direct answer is that an Ontario landlord should enter a tenant's unit only for a reason allowed by the Residential Tenancies Act, give at least 24 hours' written notice when required, state the reason, date and a time between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m., and keep a reliable record. Emergencies, consent given at the time of entry and certain other statutory situations follow different rules.

Separate a genuine repair, replacement or reasonable condition inspection from a general desire to look around. Section 27 permits notice-based entry for work; a reasonable inspection connected to repair, habitability, health, safety, housing or maintenance obligations; a potential mortgagee or insurer; specified condominium-conversion inspections; a potential purchaser; and another reasonable reason stated in the tenancy agreement. Sam Kamra encourages owners to match every notice to the actual purpose rather than reuse vague boilerplate.

Write a notice that answers practical questions

A notice under section 27 must reach the tenant at least 24 hours before entry and specify the reason, day and time. Use a genuine time of entry, not an open-ended window. Tribunals Ontario guidance explains that the tenant does not have to be home when proper notice has been given, but the landlord should enter only for the stated lawful purpose.

Identify the unit correctly and describe the task in plain language, such as inspecting a reported bathroom leak or allowing a heating contractor to service the furnace. Choose a reasonable appointment and coordinate when practical, especially if pets, accessibility needs or security systems require attention. Keep the notice and proof of delivery.

Know when written notice is not required

Section 26 permits entry without written notice in an emergency or when the tenant consents at the time of entry. It also addresses landlord cleaning required at regular intervals by the tenancy agreement. That cleaning must occur at the times specified in the agreement or, if none are specified, between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. These are defined exceptions, not blanket permission for unannounced visits.

When a tenancy is ending by agreement or notice, a landlord may show the unit to prospective tenants without written notice between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m., but must first inform or make a reasonable effort to inform the tenant. A potential purchaser is different: section 27 requires at least 24 hours' written notice, whether the landlord enters or an authorized registered broker or salesperson conducts the viewing. Sam Kamra's practical property guidance can help owners organize the operational file, while additional real-estate resources support wider planning.

Connect access to the maintenance record

Landlords remain responsible for keeping rental units in good repair, fit for habitation and compliant with applicable health, safety, housing and maintenance standards. Record the reported problem, assessment, contractor, findings, necessary photographs, completed repair and follow-up.

Give contractors only the information needed and remember that an occupied unit is someone's home. Avoid unnecessary images of belongings or identifying documents. After entry, document who attended, work completed and any follow-up. For new tenancies, the Ontario standard lease checklist helps clarify repair contacts and lawful terms.

Use a repeatable access checklist

Before serving notice, confirm that the Act applies, the purpose is permitted, the timing is reasonable and the person entering is authorized. Then check the unit address, tenant names, exact date, entry time, purpose, delivery method and 24-hour calculation. Bring identification, keys and only the people and equipment required. Knock or announce arrival, complete the stated work, secure the unit and send a short follow-up if further action is needed.

If access is disputed, do not improvise by forcing entry, changing locks, backdating notice or describing a routine appointment as an emergency. Preserve the communications and obtain current guidance from the Landlord and Tenant Board or an Ontario lawyer. Public information can improve administration when used responsibly; CB Herald's discussion of Sam Kamra and public LTB data illustrates that principle, while Barchart's report on the RealEstateBuyer.ca launch covers Sam Kamra's broader property-services work. The conclusion is simple: lawful purpose, precise notice and respectful documentation should travel together.

Questions and answers

Ontario Landlord Entry Notice FAQ

How much notice must an Ontario landlord give before entering?

For entry under section 27 of the Residential Tenancies Act, the landlord must give the tenant at least 24 hours' written notice stating the reason, day and a time between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m.

Does the tenant need to be home for a properly noticed entry?

No. Tribunals Ontario guidance says a landlord may enter for the stated lawful purpose when proper notice has been given even if the tenant is not home.

Can an Ontario landlord enter without notice in an emergency?

Yes. Section 26 permits entry without written notice in an emergency. It also permits entry when the tenant consents at the time, plus limited cleaning and prospective-tenant showing situations subject to their statutory conditions.

Is 24 hours' notice required to show an ending tenancy to prospective tenants?

Not necessarily. When the parties agreed to terminate or either side gave termination notice, the landlord may show prospective tenants between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. after informing or making a reasonable effort to inform the tenant.

Does a potential purchaser viewing require written notice?

Yes. Section 27 requires at least 24 hours' written notice for a potential purchaser to view the unit, including when an authorized registered broker or salesperson conducts the viewing.

Authoritative sources

This article provides general information, not legal, tax, mortgage or financial advice. Confirm figures and eligibility with the appropriate professional and current official sources.