On private property, security guards enforce the landlord’s rules.

Who Enforces the Rules on Private Property? It’s the Landlord, Plain and Simple

If you’ve ever patrolled a private parking lot, a storefront campus, or a residential complex, you’ve probably wondered: whose rules am I really enforcing? The quick answer is simple, but the reasoning behind it is worth a closer look. On private property, the authority to set and enforce rules rests with the property owner—the landlord—or their designated representative. Your role as a security guard is to carry out that owner’s directives, keep order, and protect the people and property under their care.

Let me explain how this plays out in real life. Think of private property as a private club with its own set of house rules. The landlord is the club president, and you’re on the security team hired to ensure those rules are followed. The club’s rules aren’t the same as city bylaws or state laws themselves, though those laws still govern behavior in public spaces and certain public safety boundaries. On private property, the landlord has the right to determine who may be there, what conduct is allowed, and how violations are handled. Your job is to turn those rules into actions on the ground—whether that means guiding a visitor to the right entrance, addressing trespassing, or assisting with an orderly eviction when the owner says it’s necessary.

The contract comes first

In Ontario, most security personnel operate under a contract between the property owner (or their property management company) and the security provider. That contract spells out the scope of duties, powers, and limits. It’s your north star. When the landlord or property manager issues a directive—such as “no loitering after hours,” or “evict the trespasser”—you follow it. Your authority to enforce comes from this agreement, not from the police department or some statewide regulation. This distinction matters because it defines what you can do on site and when you must escalate.

What this means in practical terms

• You act as the landlord’s arm on the property. If a tenant or guest breaks posted rules, you respond according to the landlord’s policy. This might mean issuing a warning, documenting the incident, or guiding the person off the premises.

• Evictions and trespass actions are handled under the landlord’s instructions. You don’t independently decide who can stay or leave; you execute the process the owner has set forth, within the bounds of the law.

• Access control is part of your remit. If someone isn’t authorized to be in a certain area, you enforce the access protocol—verify ID, check credentials, and report any breaches according to the owner’s procedures.

Not a police officer, but not voiceless either

A common misconception is that security guards carry the same authority as police officers. That isn’t the case. You don’t arrest people for crimes the moment you spot them; you operate under contract with the property owner and within the framework of the law. In Ontario, security guards are regulated professionals. They can perform certain tasks—like observing, reporting, deterring misbehavior, and using a citizen’s arrest when legally permitted—but they don’t grant themselves the sweeping powers of law enforcement.

Here’s a practical way to frame it: you’re the landlord’s eyes and presence on site. You help maintain order and safety by following the landlord’s rules. If someone’s actions rise to the level of criminal behavior or constitute a serious threat, that’s when you contact the appropriate authorities. You document the incident, inform the property manager, and let the police handle the formal investigation and enforcement. It’s a teamwork thing—local law enforcement handles crimes; you keep the scene controlled and compliant with the owner’s policies in the meantime.

A quick guide to common on-site scenarios

• A visitor ignores posted rules after hours. You politely remind them of the policy, verify whether they have legitimate business, and, if needed, direct them to the proper entrance or exit. If they refuse, you document the encounter and follow the owner’s protocol for escalation.

• A tenant or guest violates quiet hours or noise rules. You assess the situation, issue a warning aligned with the landlord’s policy, and escalate if the behavior continues or worsens.

• A trespass issue surfaces. You check the property’s trespass notice, confirm the person’s standing, and request compliance with the landlord’s directive. If the person refuses, you follow the building’s procedures for removal and notify the owner or property manager.

• A safety risk arises—a spill, a facility lockout, or a hazard in a common area. Your role is to contain the situation, notify the right people per the owner’s procedures, and prevent harm while you document what happened.

When to bring in the police

There are moments when the authorities are the appropriate next step. If a violent act occurs, a weapon is involved, or someone is clearly breaking the law—then contacting police is the right move. In those moments, you’re not stepping on the landlord’s toes; you’re ensuring the safety of everyone on site and enabling a proper investigation to unfold. Your job is to document the incident, preserve evidence, and coordinate with law enforcement as needed.

Documenting and reporting—the quiet backbone of private-property security

Good reporting is the glue that holds the whole operation together. Clear, objective notes about what happened, who was involved, the time and place, and the steps you took, all matter. This isn’t just about protecting the landlord; it’s about protecting the people on site—tenants, employees, vendors, even yourself. A well-kept incident log helps you reconcile the owner’s directives with what actually occurred, and it can make or break a later review or legal process.

Tools of the trade that help you stay in rhythm

Modern private-security operations often lean on technology to keep things smooth and compliant. Think:

• Access control systems and visitor management platforms that verify who is on site and when.

• CCTV networks and robust incident logging to document events on video and in text.

• Security management software (like TrackTik or other reputable platforms) to organize patrol routes, report incidents, and maintain a clear chain of custody for evidence.

• Clear signage and well-defined post orders that spell out the landlord’s expectations in plain language.

A note on training and policy

Your employer should provide a policy manual that spells out the landlord’s rules, the scope of your authority, and the approved procedures for all common situations. Read it, memorize the critical steps, and bring questions to your supervisor if something doesn’t feel right. The landlord’s directives aren’t a moving target; they’re the baseline for how you carry yourself on site. Consistency builds trust—both with the property owner and with anyone who uses the property.

A few practical tips that help you stay on the right side of the fence

• Always identify yourself and your role. A visible badge and a clear statement of purpose reduce confusion and establish legitimacy.

• Be polite, firm, and professional. People respond to calm, clear guidance far better than to loud or hostile behavior.

• Know when to escalate. If a situation could escalate into violence or escalate beyond your authority, call for backup or contact the property manager for the next steps.

• Keep your documentation precise and timely. A prompt, factual report beats vague memories later on.

• Respect privacy and safety. You’re on private ground, but you’re still subject to legal and ethical standards. Don’t search pockets or bags without clear policy guidance, and never use force beyond what your training allows.

The bigger picture: why this arrangement makes sense

If you step back, the landlord–security guard relationship makes sense because it aligns ownership with accountability. The owner is ultimately responsible for the property and its users; the guard is the practical, on-site presence that enforces what the owner has decided. It’s a collaborative model that keeps private property safe, orderly, and well-managed. When things go sideways, the landlord’s rules and the guard’s training work in concert to restore control, minimize risk, and protect people.

A closing thought

Next time you’re on a private property assignment, hold onto one simple truth: your authority flows from the landlord, not from the state or a distant agency. Your job is to translate the owner’s policies into real-world actions—quietly confident, respectful, and compliant with the law. It’s a role that blends street-smarts with procedural discipline, a bit of people-reading, and a steady hand. When you do that well, you’re not just enforcing rules—you’re safeguarding spaces where people work, shop, and live.

If you’d like, I can tailor this into a quick-reference guide for on-site use—short prompts, a sample incident log, and a checklist you can keep in your badge pouch. After all, the most effective security isn’t about grand gestures; it’s about reliability, clarity, and the trusted partnership between the landlord and the people who keep the property safe.