By Jarrett Hunter, Realtor® | RE/MAX Your Community Realty

If your Toronto tenant has given notice to move out, you may be wondering whether you can begin showing the property to prospective new tenants before the current tenant leaves.

The short answer is yes, provided the tenancy is ending by agreement or notice and you follow Ontario’s Residential Tenancies Act. However, the rules for showing a property to new tenants are different from those for showing a property to prospective purchasers.

Do Landlords Need to Give 24 Hours’ Notice for Showings?

Under Section 26(3) of Ontario’s Residential Tenancies Act, when the landlord and tenant have agreed to end the tenancy, or either has given notice of termination to the other, the landlord may enter to show the property to prospective tenants without providing 24 hours’ written notice.

However, the landlord must inform the tenant, or make a reasonable effort to inform them, before entering. The Landlord and Tenant Board also emphasizes making reasonable efforts to provide advance notice so the tenant can prepare for the showing.

What Hours Are Rental Showings Permitted?

In these circumstances, showings to prospective tenants are permitted between 8:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m.

Personally, I prefer to establish a reasonable showing schedule with the tenant whenever possible. For example, arranging appointments during agreed daytime or early evening hours can help reduce interruptions and make the process smoother for everyone.

What About Showing the Property to Buyers?

This is an important distinction. When showing an occupied rental property to prospective purchasers, Ontario law generally requires at least 24 hours’ written notice, specifying the reason, date and time of entry.

Landlords should not assume that the showing rules for prospective tenants and prospective buyers are the same.

My Advice to Toronto Landlords

Even when 24 hours’ written notice isn’t legally required, communication and courtesy go a long way.

I recommend giving tenants as much advance information as reasonably possible, coordinating appointments efficiently and avoiding unnecessary disruptions.

When I’m representing a landlord with an occupied rental property, my goal is to balance the owner’s need to find a new tenant with the current tenant’s right to reasonable enjoyment of their home.

For the applicable legislation, see Ontario’s Residential Tenancies Act, Sections 26 and 27.

Jarrett Hunter, Realtor® | RE/MAX Your Community Realty | Toronto, Ontario