How Often Can a Landlord Inspect a Property in Ontario?

If you're a landlord in Ontario, you may be wondering how often you're legally allowed to inspect your rental property. While owning the property gives you certain rights, those rights are limited under Ontario's Residential Tenancies Act (RTA)—especially when it comes to entering an occupied rental unit.

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Landlords must balance protecting their investment with respecting a tenant's right to privacy and quiet enjoyment. Gone are the days when landlord visits were a grey area—today, the rules are clear, and failing to follow them can lead to serious consequences.

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When Can a Landlord Enter a Rental Unit in Ontario?

Under the Residential Tenancies Act, a landlord must give a minimum of 24 hours’ written notice before entering a tenant’s unit. The notice must include:

• The reason for entry

• The date of entry

• The time frame (between 8:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m.)

• Details of any activity planned (e.g., repairs, inspections, photos for maintenance records)

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This notice can be delivered by hand or posted in a conspicuous place (e.g., on the tenant’s door), and must be provided to each tenant who is affected by the visit. If you're not delivering it yourself, it must be signed by your authorized agent.

Once notice is properly given, you are legally allowed to enter the unit—even if the tenant is not home.

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Can a Tenant Refuse Entry?

Yes—but only under specific circumstances. Tenants have the right to reasonable privacy and quiet enjoyment, and they can refuse entry if:

• The landlord hasn't provided proper notice

• The reason for entry is not valid under the law

• The entry is outside of the permitted hours

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Valid Reasons to Enter (With Notice)

You may enter the unit (with 24-hour written notice) for purposes such as:

• Routine inspections

• Carrying out repairs or maintenance

• Showing the unit to potential buyers, mortgagees, or insurers

• Conducting an inspection by a qualified professional (e.g., engineer, architect)

• Any other reason permitted in the lease agreement

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Setting a reasonable inspection schedule—such as once every 3 to 6 months—is considered acceptable, especially when included in the lease. Overly frequent or unannounced inspections, however, can be challenged by tenants.

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When Can a Landlord Enter Without Notice?

There are a few exceptions where no notice is required, including:

• Emergencies (e.g., fire, flood, medical crisis)

• With tenant’s consent at the time of entry

• If a written agreement exists (e.g., to provide ongoing home care)

• If the unit is abandoned

• By court or tribunal order

You may also enter without notice during the termination period of a lease to show the unit to prospective tenants—as long as this is specified in the lease and the visits occur between 8:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m.

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How Often is Too Often?

There is no set limit in Ontario law on how many times a landlord may inspect a property, but inspections must be reasonable and not excessive. A common and reasonable schedule might be:

• Initial move-in inspection

• Semi-annual or quarterly inspections

• Additional inspections only when repairs, maintenance, or tenant complaints arise

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Tenants may file a complaint with the Ontario Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB) if they feel their rights have been violated due to excessive or unjustified entries.

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Penalties for Non-Compliance

Landlords who ignore the entry rules risk significant consequences. If a tenant files a complaint and the LTB finds you in violation, you could face:

• Rent abatements

• Compensation to the tenant

• An order allowing the tenant to break the lease

• Fines or restrictions on future tenancies

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Working With a Property Management Company

Professional property management companies in Ontario are well-versed in the RTA and can help landlords:

• Draft legal notices

• Schedule inspections in a compliant way

• Maintain documentation for tax and legal purposes

• Handle tenant communications with professionalism and efficiency

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Especially if you’re an out-of-province or non-resident landlord, working with an experienced team ensures you stay on the right side of the law.

 

How Often Should I Check Up on My Rental Property in a Year?

As a landlord in Ontario, one of the most effective ways to protect your investment is through regular property inspections. While many landlords focus only on move-in and move-out checks, conducting periodic inspections throughout the lease term is key to identifying issues early—before they become costly problems.

So, how often should you really check up on your rental property each year?

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Routine Inspections: What's Considered Reasonable?

In general, inspecting your rental property one to three times a year is considered a reasonable and professional approach. Some landlords opt for quarterly inspections, especially in higher-maintenance units or multi-family properties. Whichever schedule you choose, you must always comply with Ontario's Residential Tenancies Act, which requires:

• 24 hours' written notice to the tenant

• Entry between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m.

• A valid reason for the visit

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These inspections help you stay informed about the property’s condition, address maintenance issues promptly, and ensure the tenant is respecting the terms of the lease.

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When Are Property Inspections Necessary?

Here are several common scenarios where inspections are not only appropriate, but necessary:

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1. Move-Out Inspections

At the end of a lease, conduct a thorough inspection to assess whether the tenant has returned the unit in acceptable condition, accounting for normal wear and tear. This step is crucial for managing damage claims and security deposit deductions.

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2. Scheduled Maintenance & Preventative Checks

No property is maintenance-free. Regular inspections help you spot and resolve issues such as:

• Leaky roofs or plumbing

• Faulty HVAC systems

• Pest infestations

• Electrical hazards

• Clogged drains or water damage

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Catching these problems early can prevent expensive repairs and tenant dissatisfaction later on.

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3. Checking Tenant Care of Special Features

If your property includes special installations—such as hardwood floors, granite countertops, or custom appliances—routine checks help ensure the tenant is maintaining them properly.

For example, hardwood floors require specific care and cleaning methods. Without inspections, there’s no way to verify if the tenant is following best practices—such as avoiding excess moisture.

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4. Tenant Complaints or Concerns

Sometimes, the tenant might report an issue that warrants a visit. An inspection allows you to properly assess the problem and determine whether a repair or professional service is needed.

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Communication Is Key

To minimize misunderstandings, it's a good idea to discuss your inspection routine upfront when the tenant moves in. Let them know:

• How often you perform inspections

• What the process looks like

• That all inspections will be done respectfully and with notice

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Clear communication builds trust, reduces tension, and ensures tenants aren’t caught off guard when you need to access the unit.

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Legal Compliance Is Non-Negotiable

Failing to follow Ontario’s landlord entry laws—such as giving proper notice or entering too frequently—can result in formal complaints and potential penalties through the Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB).

Tenants may be entitled to:

• Rent abatements

• Termination of the lease

• Compensation for violations of their rights

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By staying compliant and professional, you reduce your legal risk and build a stronger landlord-tenant relationship.

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The Value of Property Management Support

If you're unsure how to schedule or conduct inspections legally and professionally, consider working with a residential property management company. A reliable partner can:

• Help you set an appropriate inspection schedule

• Handle tenant communications

• Ensure all legal requirements are met

• Provide maintenance and repair coordination

This hands-off approach gives you peace of mind while preserving the value of your rental asset.

 

Final Thoughts

So, how often can a landlord inspect a property in Ontario? As often as necessary—as long as it’s reasonable, with proper notice, and for a valid reason. By respecting tenant rights and following the legal requirements for entry, you protect not only your investment, but your reputation and legal standing as a landlord.

Have more questions about managing rental properties in Ontario? Contact Allegro Canada for expert advice and property management services tailored to your needs.
 

Regular inspections are a vital part of being a responsible and proactive landlord. Whether you choose to inspect once, twice, or quarterly each year, make sure every visit is documented, justified, and compliant with Ontario’s tenancy laws.

Combining scheduled inspections with thorough tenant screening and professional property management is one of the best ways to protect your rental property for the long term.

Need help managing inspections and maintaining your property the right way? Contact Allegro Canada to learn how we can support your goals as a landlord.