THE FEDERATION OF METRO TENANTS' ASSOCIATIONSTenant Survival Manual
Chapters
Are You Covered by the Law?
Above Guideline Rent Increases
Conversion, Demolition or Renovation
Locks and Keys
As a tenant, you can only change the locks on your rental unit if you first obtain the permission of the property owner. This includes the addition of deadbolts or chain locks. If you are worried about security, you can legally install a door alarm. See Section 35 of the RTA.
A property owner has the right to change the locks on your door without your permission, but they must give you a copy of the key or key card.
If you have lost your keys, a property owner can charge you for a replacement, but this charge cannot be more than the actual cost of the key or key card.
If a property owner changes your lock but does not give you a key or key card, this is considered an illegal eviction. Only the Sheriff has the power to lock you out of your apartment, and they can only do that after the property owner has obtained an eviction order from the Landlord and Tenant Board.
If you have been illegally locked out, get help immediately. Call the Investigations and Enforcement Unit of the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing at 416-585-7214 for help. You can also call the Tenant Hotline at 416-921-9494 or your local Community Legal Clinic. If the property owner has locked you out after hours or over the weekend, call the Police.We are currently testing this online version of the Tenant Survival Manual: If you notice something that needs to be clarified; if you want more information on a particular subject; or if you simply would like to comment on the Tenant Survival Manual, please click here to send us an email.
