Managing your rental
Ontario's entry rules from the Residential Tenancies Act: when written notice is needed, the 24-hour rule, the hours, and when no notice is required.
By the Tenant.ca teamUpdated 2 min read
For most visits, a landlord in Ontario must give the tenant written notice at least 24 hours ahead, stating the reason, the day and a time between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. A landlord can enter without written notice only in the situations section 26 of the Residential Tenancies Act lists, such as an emergency.
From sections 26 and 27 of the Act.
| Reason | Written notice |
|---|---|
| An emergency | None |
| The tenant consents at the time | None |
| Regular cleaning the agreement requires, at the agreed times or from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. | None |
| Showing to new tenants after notice is given or the end is agreed, from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., after trying to tell the tenant | None |
| A repair, a replacement or other work in the unit | 24 hours |
| An inspection of repair and standards, when reasonable | 24 hours |
| A potential mortgagee or insurer viewing the unit | 24 hours |
| A potential buyer viewing the unit | 24 hours |
| A qualified person's inspection under the Condominium Act, section 9 (4) | 24 hours |
| Another reasonable reason set out in the tenancy agreement | 24 hours |
The written notice has to state the reason for entry, the day, and a time between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. A registered broker or salesperson can give it and show the unit to a buyer, with the landlord's written authorization.
Keep a copy of every notice. It is the simplest record you can have if a visit is ever questioned.
Under Tenant.ca's management, the team gives the tenant written notice before anyone enters and arranges the visit with the contractor. You approve an itemized estimate before repair work starts, except emergencies.
This page is general information, not legal advice. It reflects the Act and the province's pages as read on November 4, 2026. For advice on your own situation, speak with a lawyer or paralegal.
