This can be an emergency
Plain-language overview
In Ontario, a tenant generally cannot be lawfully locked out of their home without an eviction order from the Landlord and Tenant Board that has been enforced by the Court Enforcement Office (the sheriff). A landlord who changes the locks, removes doors, or physically bars a tenant without that process may be acting illegally — no matter what the lease says, how much rent is owed, or what notices have been given.
This rule is the backbone of tenant protection: notices and even LTB orders do not authorize a landlord to take matters into their own hands. Landlords also generally may not alter locks during a tenancy without giving the tenant replacement keys.
If you are locked out, the situation is urgent but there are recognized steps. Confirm whether the sheriff was involved — a lawful enforcement generally leaves official documentation. If it was not the sheriff, document everything immediately and contact the LTB and a legal clinic as soon as possible. The LTB can generally deal with illegal lockouts on an urgent basis, and remedies may include an order letting you back in.
Police responses to lockouts vary. Officers sometimes treat lockouts as civil matters, but you can calmly explain that Ontario law generally prohibits lockouts without sheriff enforcement and ask that at least an occurrence report be created. A report number is valuable evidence even if police take no further action.
Do not respond with force. Breaking back in, confrontations, or property damage can create criminal exposure and hurt your case. The strongest position is fast documentation plus fast legal help.
Common warning signs
None of these prove anything on their own — but they are worth noticing and writing down when they happen.
- Your key suddenly does not work, or locks visibly changed while you were out.
- Threats like "pay by Friday or the locks change" — document these before anything happens.
- Belongings moved to the hallway, garage, or curb without your agreement.
- A landlord claiming you "abandoned" the unit while you were away temporarily (hospital, work travel, family emergency).
- Utilities cut at the same time access is restricted.
- Being denied a key after moving in and paying, or a roommate-landlord barring you from shared spaces you rent.
- Anyone other than a sheriff telling you an eviction is happening "right now".
Facts that matter
These are the details a legal clinic, representative, or the Landlord and Tenant Board will usually want to know. Pinning them down early makes every later step easier.
- Whether the sheriff enforced an LTB order — this is the dividing line between a lawful eviction and a possible illegal lockout.
- The exact date and time you lost access, and how you discovered it.
- Whether you still live there: where your belongings are, where you sleep, whether rent has been paid or offered.
- What the landlord said before and after — threats, demands, explanations.
- Whether any LTB proceedings exist: notices, applications, hearings, or orders, and their dates.
- Whether you were absent temporarily and whether the landlord had reason to know that.
- Costs you incurred: hotel, food, replacement clothing, missed work.
Evidence to preserve
Preserve originals — never edit photos, messages, or documents. The Evidence Vault and Timeline tools are built for exactly this.
- Photos or video of the changed locks, posted notes, or your belongings outside — with timestamps.
- Any note or notice left on the door — photograph it in place, then keep the original.
- All messages with the landlord before and after the lockout.
- A police occurrence or report number, if police were contacted.
- Proof you live there: lease, ID with the address, mail, rent receipts.
- Receipts for every cost the lockout caused (hotels, meals, transportation, replacements).
- Names and contact details of witnesses — neighbours, roommates, anyone who saw the lockout.
Possible official processes
Depending on your facts, one or more of these processes may apply. Whether and how to use them is a decision worth making with a qualified legal professional — deadlines and exceptions may apply.
A tenant who has been illegally locked out can generally file an urgent application with the LTB (commonly a tenant rights application); the Board may be able to expedite serious cases and can generally order that the tenant be allowed back in, among other remedies.
Illegal lockout can also be an offence under the Residential Tenancies Act; reports can generally be made to the Ontario government's Rental Housing Enforcement Unit.
Compensation: costs caused by an illegal lockout may be claimable in the LTB application — which is why receipts matter from day one.
Urgent exceptions
Act quickly if this applies
Act quickly if this applies
Act quickly if this applies
Important exceptions
Almost every rule above has exceptions. These are the ones most likely to change the picture — a qualified legal professional should confirm how they apply to your situation.
- A lockout after sheriff enforcement of an LTB eviction order is generally lawful — the remedies then shift to belongings and any challenge to the underlying order.
- If your living arrangement is not covered by the RTA (for example, sharing a kitchen or bathroom with the owner), lockout protections may differ — get advice quickly about your specific situation.
- Landlords may generally change locks during a tenancy for security, but generally must give the tenant replacement keys.
Official sources
Related tools
Tools that help you document, track, and organize this kind of issue.
This is legal information, not legal advice. RTO Pro is not a law firm. Deadlines and exceptions may apply to your situation — a qualified legal professional should confirm anything important before you rely on it.