Ontario LTB Form L8: Tenant Changed the Locks
Understand when this application applies, how to fill it out, what it costs, and what happens next.
Use Form L8 when a tenant changes a rental-unit or residential-complex locking system without the landlord’s consent. The landlord can ask the LTB to order the tenant to provide a key to the new system or pay the cost of changing it. L8 is not itself an eviction application.
This page explains the official LTB application in plain language. It does not file the application or replace the government form.
What can the LTB order?
- Provide keys: request access to the new lock system.
- Pay replacement costs: request reasonable lock-change costs and support them with receipts.
Identify which remedy you need on the form. An ordinary disagreement about access should be documented; the LTB decides whether the legal requirements are met.
Complete L8 step by step
- Part 1 — rental unit and parties: fill in the property address, names and contact details, plus any related applications.
- Part 2 — remedy and event details: select a key, reimbursement, or both if relevant. State which lock was changed, when you discovered it, and why you say consent was not given.
- Proof: keep messages about access and consent, dated photos, locksmith invoice, receipts and other relevant records.
- Part 3 — signature: sign and date as landlord or representative.
- Submit: file the L8 and current $201 fee using the accepted email, mail/courier or ServiceOntario options listed by the LTB.
Worked example
A tenant replaces a front-door cylinder on April 3. The landlord requests a copy of the key on April 4, but none is provided. The landlord may use L8 to ask for a key, explaining the timeline and attaching the message exchange. If the landlord has incurred $175 in documented locksmith costs, the landlord can ask the LTB to consider those costs instead or as appropriate—not assume the expense will automatically be awarded.
What L8 does not do
L8 is about keys or replacement-lock costs, not an automatic order to evict. Do not change locks or restrict access as self-help; seek the appropriate LTB remedy. Keep a copy of your filing and any hearing instructions.
Common mistake
Do not file only a complaint saying “tenant changed locks.” State whether you want keys, replacement costs, or both, and include evidence.
Related Ontario resources
Official sources
Official sources
- Tribunals Ontario — official Form L8 PDF
- Tribunals Ontario — L8 instructions
- LTB — current forms, filing methods and fees
- LTB — application and hearing process
- Ontario — Residential Tenancies Act, 2006
Official instructions and filing fees checked October 13, 2026. This is general legal information, not legal advice. Check the current form and any case-specific requirements before acting.