My friends worked at renovating an apt building for our friends,

Yes, you can for as long as you want.

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The police do not have authority. It is the rental board of the province. This is not a criminal matter where the police can assist.

The renters can take steps to seek an order to be allowed back into the home and to compel restoration of services. Heat is a vital service. If the landlord is responsible for providing heat and does not, then the landlord may be committing an offence. You may call the Investigations and Enforcement Unit of the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing at 1-888-772-9277 or 416-585-7214 (if calling from the Toronto area).

They can also sue the landlords in small claims court for any losses or expenses that they suffer as a result of the illegal actions of the landlords, such as costs for emergency accommodations or moving expenses.