Your first stop for self-help is a review of our FAQs. Take a look at the ever increasing collection of questions asked by Ontario’s small-scale landlords as well as the actual answers provided by Landlord’s Self-Help Centre.
The tenant cannot change the locks without the consent of the landlord. However, if the tenant does change the locks, he/she must provide the replacement keys immediately to the landlord. If the tenant refuses to provide the landlord with a copy of the keys, the landlord can file a L8: Application Because the Tenant Changed the Locks.
This would be the responsibility of the actual tenant to pay for the cost of the repairs, if the tenant doesn’t take responsibility, this would be grounds to issue a notice of early termination Form N5 to the tenant.
This issue is not something you have any control over, this is an issue between the tenants to deal with on their own.
Section 35(1) states that: A tenant shall not alter the locking system on a door giving entry to a rental unit or residential complex or cause the locking system to be altered during the tenant’s occupancy of the rental unit without the consent of the landlord. 2006, c. 17, s. 35 (1).
Section 35(2) states that: If a tenant alters a locking system, contrary to subsection (1), the landlord may apply to the Board for an order determining that the tenant has altered the locking system on a door giving entry to the rental unit or the residential complex or caused the locking system to be altered during the tenant’s occupancy of the rental unit without the consent of the landlord. 2006, c. 17, s. 35 (2).
Section 35(3) states that: If the Board in an application under subsection (2) determines that a tenant has altered the locking system or caused it to be altered, the Board may order that the tenant provide the landlord with keys or pay the landlord the reasonable out-of-pocket expenses necessary to change the locking system. 2006, c. 17, s. 35 (3).
You cannot change the locks yourself. Even with an Eviction Order, only the Sheriff can legally enforce it. Changing the locks before the Sheriff attends is considered an illegal eviction, and the landlord may face fines or an order to let the tenant back into the unit. You must wait for the Sheriff to attend the property. When the Sheriff arrives, a locksmith can change the locks in the Sheriff’s presence once the eviction is officially carried out.
Under the Residential Tenancies Act, a tenant cannot change the locks without giving the landlord a key. If the tenant changes the locks, they are legally required to provide the landlord with a copy. A tenant cannot refuse entry when the landlord has a lawful reason to enter (e.g., maintenance, repairs or inspection) and gives proper notice if the tenant changes the locks, he is required to provide a copy of the key to the landlord. The tenant does not have the right to refuse entry if there is a valid reason to enter the unit such as a maintenance inspection. If the tenant refuses to provide the landlord with a copy of the key, the landlord may file a L8 Application – Because the Tenant Changed the Locks.
A landlord and tenant can agree to change or add locks, but the type of lock must meet safety requirements. Certain locks are restricted under the Ontario Fire Code and Ontario Building Code to ensure people can enter or exit quickly in an emergency. The safety of the added lock may also depend on the type of door being locked.
For clarification on this, we recommend contacting your local Fire Services Department using this interactive service directory: http://www.secondsuites.info/service-directory/
Under the Residential Tenancies Act, tenants cannot change the locks without giving the landlord a key. First, write to the tenant requesting that they provide a key or restore the original lock. If they refuse, you may contact the Rental Housing Enforcement Unit at 416-585-7214, as this is an offence and they can issue fines. Read more about the process at https://www.ontario.ca/page/solve-disagreement-your-landlord-or-tenant
If the tenant still does not comply, you may serve an N5 for refusing entry. The N5 must clearly describe the issue with dates and details. The tenant has 7 days to correct the problem; if they do not, the N5 can proceed. As for changing the locks, you can file an L8 Application Because the Tenant Changed the Locks to seek an Order for the costs of changing the locks.
Under the Residential Tenancies Act, tenants cannot change the locks without giving the landlord a key. First, write to the tenant requesting that they provide a key or restore the original lock. If they refuse, you may contact the Rental Housing Enforcement Unit at 416-585-7214, as this is an offence, and they can issue fines. Read more about the process at https://www.ontario.ca/page/solve-disagreement-your-landlord-or-tenant