Something gone wrong?
My landlord changed the locks
First, understand where you stand: a lockout is not a lawful eviction, and being locked out does not end your tenancy. Second, document it — photos, dates, and any messages. Third, use the official routes below; they exist precisely because a landlord cannot take the law into their own hands.
A lockout is not an eviction
No landlord in Canada can evict by changing the locks, removing your belongings, or cutting off utilities. A tenancy ends only through the tribunal, and an eviction is carried out only by the Sheriff or court enforcement office. If you have been locked out, you have not lost your right to be there.
In Ontario
Ontario has specific routes for an illegal lockout, and you can use more than one at once:
- File a T2 (Application About Tenant Rights) with the Landlord and Tenant Board.
- Contact the police — a lockout can be an immediate problem they can respond to.
- Report to the Rental Housing Enforcement Unit, which can pursue an administrative fine of up to $35,000.
Outside Ontario
Enforcement bodies and penalties differ by province and aren’t detailed here where we haven’t verified them. The safe steps are the same everywhere: a lockout to evict is not lawful, so contact your provincial tribunal — and the police, since being shut out of your home may also be an offence.
Common Questions
Is it legal for a landlord to change the locks on me?
A landlord cannot lock you out to force you to leave. There is no self-help eviction in Canada — a tenancy ends only through the tribunal, and an eviction is carried out only by the Sheriff or court enforcement office. A lockout to evict is illegal.
What can I do about an illegal lockout in Ontario?
In Ontario a tenant can file a T2 (Application About Tenant Rights) with the LTB, contact the police, and report to the Rental Housing Enforcement Unit — which can pursue administrative fines of up to $35,000. Document everything and act quickly.
What if I’m locked out somewhere other than Ontario?
The specific enforcement bodies differ by province, so the safe general steps are the same everywhere: a lockout to evict is not lawful, so contact your provincial residential-tenancy tribunal, and contact the police — being locked out of your home may also be an offence. Your tribunal is linked below.
Where to go from here
Guidepost is not a law firm, and this is general information, not legal advice. If you are locked out right now, contact the police and your provincial tribunal — for legal advice, a legal clinic or lawyer can act on your specific facts. Full disclaimer. Last updated: July 2026.