Access and Showings During a Tenancy in Ontario

Updated: January 2026

Written by the Keith and Françoise Real Estate Team, Ontario Realtors®.

This article reflects our work with landlords and tenants across Ontario, particularly in the GTA and Niagara Region, where access and showing disputes commonly arise when a property is listed for sale or re-rental during an active tenancy.

For a complete overview of how residential tenancies work in Ontario, including lease structure, notice requirements, and enforcement, start with our main guide: Leasing in Ontario .

Access and showings are one of the most frequent sources of tension during a tenancy. Issues typically arise not because access is prohibited, but because notice, frequency, and timing expectations are misunderstood.

These rules are governed by the Residential Tenancies Act , which sets clear limits on when and how a landlord may enter a tenant-occupied unit.

When a Landlord May Enter a Rental Unit

Ontario law allows a landlord to enter a rental unit for certain permitted reasons, including:

• Showing the unit to prospective buyers or tenants
• Carrying out repairs, maintenance, or inspections
• Responding to an emergency

Outside of emergencies, entry without notice is not permitted.

Notice Requirements for Showings

In most cases, landlords must provide at least 24 hours’ written notice before entering a rental unit. The notice must clearly state:

• The reason for entry
• The date of entry
• A reasonable time window

Notices that are vague, repetitive, or improperly delivered are among the most common reasons access disputes escalate to the Landlord and Tenant Board of Ontario .

What “Reasonable Access” Means in Practice

Ontario tenancy law does not set a fixed number of allowable showings. Instead, access is assessed based on whether it remains reasonable in the circumstances.

In practice, disputes most often arise when:

• Showings are scheduled excessively or too frequently
• Time windows are overly broad or disruptive
• Access interferes with a tenant’s quiet enjoyment of the unit

In tenanted listings across the GTA and Niagara Region, conflicts are far more likely when expectations are not discussed early and documented clearly.

Can a Tenant Refuse Showings?

A tenant generally cannot refuse all showings if proper notice is given and access remains reasonable. However, tenants may challenge access that becomes excessive or interferes with their lawful enjoyment of the property.

Lockboxes and Open Houses During a Tenancy

Lockboxes and open houses raise additional privacy and security concerns. While not automatically prohibited, they should be used cautiously and often require tenant cooperation to avoid conflict.

This is particularly relevant when a property is being sold with a tenant in place. For related guidance, see Selling a Tenanted Property in Ontario .

How Access Disputes Are Resolved

When disagreements arise, enforcement falls under the jurisdiction of the Landlord and Tenant Board. The Board considers notice, timing, frequency, and the overall impact on the tenant.

Clear communication and realistic scheduling prevent most access disputes before formal action becomes necessary.