Living in Peace When Renting
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This page from JP Boyd on Family Law and others highlighted in orange explain trial procedure and litigation in BC family law. They are under editorial review to provide more thorough, current, and practical guidance. Since 2020, procedures, forms, and laws have changed significantly. While gross inaccuracies have been corrected, some details may still be outdated. These pages were not included in the 2024 print edition. |
Do collect evidence if you suspect your landlord is entering your place illegally. Illegal entry can be difficult to prove in a dispute resolution hearing. Don’t change your locks without your landlord’s written permission or an order from the Residential Tenancy Branch, unless it’s an emergency.
Privacy in your home[edit]
When can a landlord enter?[edit]
You have the right to privacy in your home. In legal language, privacy is the right to “exclusive possession and quiet enjoyment.” Your landlord is only allowed to enter your place under these circumstances:
- An emergency, like a fire or flood.
- Your landlord gives you between 24 hours and 30 days written notice, saying exactly what date and time they want to come in, and giving you a good reason.
- Your landlord knocks on your door and you say it’s okay to come in. But remember—you have the right to say no and ask for written notice.
- You tell your landlord they can come in for a certain reason.
- You live in a hotel that has a cleaning service. The cleaner must enter at a reasonable time.
- Your landlord has an order from the Residential Tenancy Branch to enter your suite.
- You have abandoned the place. (Phone the Tenant Information Line or the Residential Tenancy Branch for information on abandonment.)
- The Residential Tenancy Act allows the landlord to inspect the rental unit once a month as long as you are given the proper notice. See Sections 28 and 29 of the RTA
