In Canada, landlords have the right to enter rental units, but they must generally give tenants notice first. The specific requirements vary from province to province, but in most cases, landlords must give at least 24 hours written notice before entering a rental unit.
There are a few exceptions to the notice requirement. For example, landlords can enter a rental unit without notice in the following situations:
Emergency: If there is an emergency, such as a fire or flood, the landlord does not need to give notice before entering the unit.
Tenant’s consent: If the tenant consents to the landlord entering the unit at the time, the landlord does not need to give notice.
Care home: If the tenant is a resident of a care home, the landlord may enter the unit to check on the tenant’s condition without notice, but only if the tenant has agreed to this in writing.
If your landlord enters your unit without notice, you have a number of rights. You can:
- Ask the landlord to leave: If your landlord has entered your unit without notice, you can ask them to leave immediately.
- Change the locks: If you feel unsafe, you can change the locks on your unit. However, you must give your landlord a copy of the new keys.
- File a complaint: You can file a complaint with your provincial or territorial landlord and tenant board. The board may order your landlord to pay you compensation for the inconvenience and distress caused by their unauthorized entry.
If you are unsure about your rights or if you have any questions about your landlord’s entry into your unit, you should contact your provincial or territorial landlord and tenant board.
Here are some additional tips for dealing with a landlord who enters your unit without notice:
- Stay calm and assertive: It is important to stay calm and assertive when dealing with a landlord who has entered your unit without notice. Let the landlord know that you are aware of your rights and that you expect them to respect your privacy.
- Document everything: If your landlord enters your unit without notice, document it by taking pictures, videos, or writing down a detailed account of what happened. This will be helpful if you need to file a complaint with your landlord and tenant board.
- Get legal advice: If you are unsure about your rights or if you have any concerns about your landlord’s entry into your unit, you should consult with a lawyer.
It is important to remember that your home is your castle. You have the right to privacy and to be free from unwanted intrusion. If your landlord enters your unit without notice, you have the right to take steps to protect yourself and your rights.
This article is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Contact us today to discuss your specific situation.