Can security guards assist with eviction in Ontario?

Can a security guard help a landlord evict a tenant? A quick question, a simple answer—False. Let me explain why that line of thinking can cause more trouble than it’s worth, and what a security professional can actually do in this tricky, emotionally charged space.

False, with good reason

In Ontario, eviction isn’t something a guard can decide or execute on their own. It’s a legal process. A landlord can’t simply lock someone out or remove them from a home, no matter how frustrating the situation gets. Eviction starts with the courts and a set of formal steps designed to protect both tenant rights and property interests.

Here’s the path in a nutshell: a landlord serves proper notice to the tenant, then, if the tenant doesn’t cure the issue (such as paying rent or addressing a lease violation), the landlord may file with the Ontario Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB) or the local court. If the board or court grants an eviction order, a sheriff or bailiff enforces it. Only then can the tenant be legally removed, and that enforcement is usually carried out with a police presence or authorized officers—never a private security guard acting alone.

Let’s unpack what that means in real life, because the distinction isn’t just legal trivia. It affects safety, credibility, and the day-to-day work of property managers and security teams.

What a security guard can do—and what they can’t

You’ll often hear about “enforcement” in property settings. Guards are there to deter trouble, deter damage, and keep people safe. They aren’t law enforcement officers, and they don’t have the authority to change locks, change the unit’s occupancy status, or physically remove a tenant. That’s a line you don’t cross without a court order and the proper enforcement personnel.

So, what can a guard contribute?

• Peacekeeping and safety: If tensions flare, a guard can help calm the scene, keep bystanders at a safe distance, and prevent a situation from escalating into something dangerous for anyone involved.

• Scene control and access management: They can monitor entrances, ensure that only authorized people enter common areas, and document what happens during a visit or a dispute.

• Coordination and communication: Guards can serve as a point of contact between the landlord, the tenant, and, when needed, law enforcement. They can relay information, keep timelines straight, and help facilities staff do their jobs without turning a dispute into a street drama.

• Documentation and reporting: A well-documented incident report can be invaluable later in a lawful eviction process. Guards who record dates, times, actions taken, and any injuries or property damage provide a factual backbone for the landlord’s case.

But when it comes to the actual eviction orders and the removal of a tenant, that authority isn’t in a guard’s toolkit. That job belongs to the court system and, if necessary, sheriff services or police enforcement under proper orders.

Why the law is set up this way

Ontario’s eviction framework exists to balance rights and responsibilities. Tenants deserve a predictable process, with notice and a chance to respond. Landlords deserve a fair method to regain possession when legitimate grounds exist. Rushing to forcibly remove someone without a lawful basis risks rights violations, safety hazards, and legal liability. It’s not modern-day “get out now” justice—it’s a structured procedure with checks and balances.

A practical scenario you’ll encounter

Picture this: A landlord has a rental dispute with a tenant who’s late on rent. The landlord serves the required notice. The tenant doesn’t pay, and the landlord then applies to the LTB. After a hearing, the board grants an eviction order. Now, what happens next?

• The landlord doesn’t call a security guard to “escort” the tenant out. That would be out of scope and potentially illegal.

• The landlord contacts the sheriff or a court-appointed official who enforces the order, sometimes accompanied by law enforcement to ensure safety.

• The security guard remains on-site to maintain order, help with traffic flow in and out, and protect property—staying in the background while the lawful process plays out.

If a tenant refuses to leave after the eviction order is enforced

Sometimes, after an eviction order is in place, a tenant remains. The proper response isn’t to direct a guard to remove the tenant by force. It’s to call the sheriff or police, who have the authority to enforce the order. Security personnel can assist by keeping the area secure, helping manage crowds, and providing witness statements if needed, but the actual removal is a legal function.

A quick checklist for guards and landlords

• Make sure you have the eviction order or a court-enforceable document. Without it, you do not have the authority to remove anyone.

• Coordinate with the sheriff or enforcement officer. They handle the legal side; you handle safety and order.

• Keep the property safe. Clear paths for access by enforcement officers and minimize hazards in common areas.

• Document everything. Note times, people present, and actions taken. This helps avoid miscommunication and supports the process.

• Practice de-escalation. A calm, steady presence reduces the risk of confrontation and keeps everyone safer.

• Know when to involve police. If there’s a clear risk to safety or threats, call the appropriate authorities rather than taking matters into your own hands.

What landlords and security teams should keep in mind

• Clarity about roles. It’s tempting to think everyone on site shares the same authority, but that’s not the case. Respect the chain: tenant rights, court orders, sheriff enforcement, and on-site safety responsibilities all play a part.

• Training matters. Regular briefings on how eviction processes work, how to document incidents, and how to communicate with tenants can prevent mistakes that could backfire legally.

• Communication is key. A simple, factual briefing for tenants about the next steps—calmly and with empathy—can reduce tension and protect everyone’s dignity.

• The human element. Evictions aren’t just paperwork. They affect lives, routines, and neighborhoods. Handling them with care helps preserve community trust and reduces the likelihood of escalation.

The legal backbone you may want to consult

If you’re digging into the why and how of these rules, here are the main anchors to look up:

• Residential Tenancies Act (RTA): The governing framework for landlord-tenant relationships in Ontario, including notices, rights, and remedies.

• Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB): The body that handles disputes and issues eviction orders in many cases.

• Sheriff or bailiff enforcement: The practical enforcers of eviction orders in the field.

• Police involvement: Reserved for situations where rights are threatened or safety is at risk during enforcement.

Let’s tie it back to the core question

True or False: A security guard may assist a landlord in evicting a tenant from an apartment? The correct answer is False. A guard does not have the legal power to evict. They play a crucial support role — maintaining safety, facilitating orderly processes, and protecting property — but the eviction itself rests with the court system and enforcement officers.

A little more context, because this isn’t just about rules on paper

Many tenants and landlords feel the sting of a dispute before a decision is reached. It’s easy to see security guards as a quick fix, a sidestep to “get the job done.” But real clarity comes from understanding the boundary lines. When those lines are respected, the process stays lawful, safe, and respectful. And that matters because the alternative isn’t just messy—it can be illegal.

If you’re in the field, you’ll notice this distinction matters in the day-to-day. You’ll train for de-escalation, crowd control, and rapid reporting. You’ll review incident logs, coordinate with enforcement officers, and keep the scene safe for everyone involved. It’s a lot of responsibility, but it’s also a clear path to protecting people and property without crossing into unauthorized authority.

A final thought

Eviction is a formal remedy, not a personal verdict. It’s about following due process so that both sides have a fair chance to be heard and to respond. Security teams aren’t there to decide outcomes; they’re there to support the process by keeping people safe, ensuring access where it’s lawful to do so, and helping everything proceed without drama.

So, the next time a landlord asks, “Can a guard just remove them?” you can answer with confidence: not by themselves. The right way is through the courts, the sheriff, and, when needed, law enforcement. And that’s how Ontario keeps housing rights and responsibilities balanced—one orderly step at a time.