How should a landlord handle a tenant’s abandoned personal property?

In Ontario, tenant abandoned property law requires landlords to follow strict legal steps before removing or disposing of belongings left behind. Under landlord disposal rules, the landlord must first make reasonable efforts to contact the tenant and provide a clear notice allowing time to reclaim items.

Properly managing abandoned belongings in a rental property helps avoid legal disputes and ensures compliance with the Residential Tenancies Act. A landlord should document the items, store them safely, and follow legally required timelines.

To avoid mistakes or liability, landlords can seek guidance from an LTB Paralegal, who can explain the correct procedures and protect landlords throughout the process.