Have you ever stood in your rental property, looking at a problem tenant situation, and wondered if you should call the police? You’re not alone! Many Ontario landlords reach for their phones when tenant troubles arise, but is that always the right move?
The CRESI Ontario Landlord Series podcast tackles this confusing topic head-on. Let’s explore when to call police for Ontario landlord issues – and when you absolutely shouldn’t.
When to Call Police for Ontario Landlord Issues: The Basics
Here’s a surprising fact many property owners don’t realize: police officers aren’t there to handle most landlord-tenant problems!
As legal expert Rob Di Lisi explains, “The police get annoyed because this is what they call BS calls… because this is not in their jurisdiction.” When you call police for standard tenant matters, they’ll likely tell you to contact the Landlord and Tenant Board instead.
But don’t worry – there ARE times when calling the police makes perfect sense.
When Police Should Be Part of Your Ontario Landlord Strategy
When should you pick up the phone? When to call police for Ontario landlord issues comes down to safety concerns:
- Loud parties disturbing neighbors
- Fighting between tenants
- Threats to your safety
- Criminal activity on your property
- Domestic disturbances
Here’s a golden tip: If police do respond to your property, always request a police report. This documentation can be crucial evidence if you need to file for eviction through the Landlord and Tenant Board.
When Not to Call Police for Ontario Landlord Problems
Many landlords waste time (and annoy police officers) by calling about issues that police can’t help with:
- Tenants who abandon belongings
- Standard eviction situations
- Rent payment problems
- Minor property damage
- Tenant disagreements that aren’t violent
These situations require going through proper Landlord and Tenant Board channels.
One Special Case Where Police Are Needed
Did you know there’s one unique living situation where police ARE the right people to call?
The podcast reveals a little-known fact about roommates who share kitchen or bathroom facilities with the landlord. In these cases, the Residential Tenancies Act doesn’t apply, and police involvement might be your only option.
But you’ll need proper documentation and might need to speak with a desk sergeant who understands these unique circumstances.
Protecting Yourself as an Ontario Landlord
Feeling unsafe when visiting your property? The podcast shares a smart tip: instead of calling 911, contact your local police division and request a peace officer to accompany you.
Remember – documentation is your best friend in any landlord-tenant dispute. Without proper paperwork, your case becomes much harder to prove.
Want to learn exactly when to call police for Ontario landlord issues, plus get expert advice on handling difficult tenant situations? Listen to the full CRESI Ontario Landlord Series podcast episode featuring Rob Di Lisi, a legal expert who specializes in landlord-tenant matters.
Visit CRESI’s website to access all episodes of the Ontario Landlord Series – your complete resource for smart, legal landlord strategies in Ontario.
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