How much notice does a landlord have to give before entering in Canada?

In most provinces, landlords must give at least 24 hours written notice before entering a rental unit, and entry must be between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. on a day agreed upon in the notice (Ontario, BC, Alberta). Quebec requires a reasonable notice period. Entry without notice is a violation of the tenant''s right to quiet enjoyment.

Can my landlord enter without notice in Canada?

Only in genuine emergencies — such as a fire, flood, gas leak, or other situation requiring immediate action to prevent serious damage or injury. Non-emergency entry without notice is not permitted. "I needed to check something" or "I just wanted to look around" are not emergencies.

What can I do if my landlord entered my unit without notice?

Document the incident in writing, send your landlord a written notice that the entry was unauthorized, and if it persists, file a complaint with your provincial residential tenancy authority. Repeated unauthorized entry can be grounds for a rent abatement or early termination of your lease.

Can I change the locks if my landlord keeps entering without notice?

Generally no — changing the locks without landlord consent violates most lease agreements. However, if there is a genuine harassment or safety situation, some tenancy authorities will issue an order permitting it. Apply to your provincial board rather than acting unilaterally.

Does my landlord need permission to show the unit to potential tenants?

Your landlord has the right to show the unit to prospective tenants, but must still provide proper advance written notice. "On short notice" or verbal-only notification does not meet the legal standard in most provinces.

My Landlord Entered Without Notice in Canada: What To Do

Your rental unit is your home — your landlord cannot come and go as they please. Every province in Canada gives tenants the right to quiet enjoyment, which includes protection against unauthorized entry.

The notice requirement by province

Province	Required Notice	Time Restrictions	Written Notice Required?
Ontario	24 hours	8 a.m. – 8 p.m.	Yes
British Columbia	24 hours	8 a.m. – 9 p.m.	Yes
Alberta	24 hours	8 a.m. – 8 p.m.	Yes
Quebec	“Reasonable” notice	Generally daytime	Written preferred
Manitoba	24 hours	Reasonable hours	Yes
Saskatchewan	24 hours	Reasonable hours	Yes
Nova Scotia	24 hours	Reasonable hours	Yes
New Brunswick	24 hours	Reasonable hours	Written recommended

When landlords can enter without notice

Entry without notice is permitted only in genuine emergencies:

✅ Valid reasons to enter without notice:

Fire, flood, gas leak, or other active emergency
Serious damage to the property requiring immediate action
Tenant at risk (e.g., welfare check if unreachable for extended period)

❌ Not valid reasons to enter without notice:

Quick inspection “just to check” the unit
Showing the unit to prospective tenants or buyers
Maintenance or repairs that are not urgent
Retrieving items or documents
Checking whether you are home

Valid reasons for entry WITH proper notice

Reason	Notice Required
Repairs or maintenance	24 hours
Showing unit to prospective tenants (if notice to vacate given)	24 hours
Showing unit to prospective buyers	24 hours
Annual or periodic inspection	24 hours (some provinces require specific duration limits)
Government-required inspections	Varies

What to do if your landlord entered without notice

Step 1: Document the incident

Write down the date, time, and what happened as soon as possible. If there is evidence (security camera footage, building entry logs, neighbours who witnessed), preserve it.

Step 2: Send a written notice to your landlord

Email your landlord promptly stating that entry occurred without proper notice, that this violates your right to quiet enjoyment, and that future entries must follow the proper notice procedure.

Keep a copy of the email. This creates a record and often resolves the situation.

Example:

“On [date] at approximately [time], I became aware that my unit was entered without notice. Under the [Residential Tenancies Act], I am entitled to 24 hours written notice before entry except in emergencies. Please ensure all future entries comply with this requirement.”

Step 3: File a complaint if it continues

If unauthorized access continues or your landlord becomes hostile:

Province	Where to File
Ontario	Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB) — T2 application for interference with reasonable enjoyment
BC	Residential Tenancy Branch — dispute resolution application
Alberta	Residential Tenancy Dispute Resolution Service (RTDRS)
Quebec	Tribunal administratif du logement (TAL)
Manitoba	Residential Tenancies Branch
Saskatchewan	Office of Residential Tenancies

Remedies the board may order include:

Rent abatement (a percentage of rent returned for the period affected)
Order to comply with notice requirements
In severe cases, early lease termination without penalty

Repeated entry as harassment

If your landlord repeatedly enters without notice, it may rise to the level of tenant harassment or interference with quiet enjoyment, which is a more serious violation and can support a larger rent abatement claim or grounds to terminate the tenancy.

Protecting yourself going forward

Install a video doorbell or interior camera (pointing at your front door from inside) if you are concerned — this creates evidence of unauthorized entry
Keep a log of all entries — dates, times, and reasons given
Communicate in writing — if your landlord calls to say they’re dropping by, reply by email “confirming” the date and time so there is a written record

Key takeaway

Your landlord needs written notice at least 24 hours in advance to enter your unit in most provinces — in non-emergency situations, always. If they enter without it, document it, respond in writing, and file with your provincial tenancy authority if it continues. The process is free and the remedies are real.

Notice requirements by province

Province	Notice required	Minimum notice
Ontario	Written notice except emergencies	24 hours
BC	Written notice	24 hours
Alberta	Written or verbal	24 hours
Quebec	Written notice	24 hours
Manitoba	Written notice	24 hours
Saskatchewan	Notice (form varies)	24 hours
Nova Scotia	Written notice	24 hours

Entry without notice is only permitted in a genuine emergency (burst pipe, fire, gas leak). Even in emergencies, the landlord should notify the tenant as soon as practicable.

Steps to take when your landlord enters without notice

Document it immediately. Write down the date, time, what you observed, and whether anyone was present.
Communicate in writing. Send the landlord an email or letter citing the relevant provincial notice requirement and requesting they provide proper notice in future.
Keep records of all incidents. A pattern of unauthorized entry strengthens a formal complaint.
File a complaint with your provincial tribunal. In Ontario, file with the Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB). In BC, file with the Residential Tenancy Branch. Other provinces have equivalent bodies.
Apply for rent abatement. In serious cases (repeated violations), tribunals may award rent abatement — a reduction in rent for the period of interference.

Frequently asked questions

Can a landlord enter to show the unit to prospective tenants? Yes, but only with proper notice. In Ontario, a landlord can enter with 24 hours’’ written notice to show the unit to prospective buyers, tenants, or insurers. If your landlord is showing the unit frequently (e.g., daily), you may apply for a limitation on entry.

What if the landlord has a key and keeps entering? A landlord retaining a key does not give them the right to enter without notice. If a landlord abuses key access, you can request a locksmith change (often tenant’’s right to do so after proper notice), then apply to have the landlord pay the cost. Document each unauthorized entry.

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