When Can a Landlord Enter a Rental Unit in BC?
In British Columbia, the Residential Tenancy Act (RTA) sets strict rules around when and how a landlord may enter a tenant’s rental unit. These rules are designed to protect a tenant’s right to privacy and quiet enjoyment of their home, while still allowing landlords to meet their obligations for maintenance, inspections, and managing the property.
Valid Reasons for Entry
A landlord may only enter a rental unit for the following legally permitted reasons:
To make repairs or carry out maintenance
To inspect the condition of the rental unit
To show the unit to prospective tenants, buyers, or contractors
To provide a service agreed to in the tenancy agreement (e.g., regular housekeeping)
If the tenant has abandoned the unit
In an emergency where there is a risk to life or property
If entry is authorized by an order from the Residential Tenancy Branch (RTB)
These reasons are outlined in Section 29 of the Residential Tenancy Act.
Notice Requirements
Except in emergencies or where otherwise exempt, landlords must provide written notice before entering a unit. The notice must meet the following conditions:
Be given at least 24 hours before entry
Be given no more than 30 days in advance
Be in writing (e.g., email, text message, or physical notice)
State the date and time of entry (which must be between 8:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m.)
Include the purpose for entry
Identify any third party entering the unit on the landlord’s behalf
Once this notice is given, the landlord is permitted to enter even if the tenant is not present, unless the tenant objects based on an invalid reason for entry.
Entry Without Notice
There are specific situations where a landlord may enter without written notice:
In case of emergency
If the unit appears to be abandoned
If the tenancy agreement includes routine services such as cleaning
If entry is authorized by an RTB order
If the tenant provides verbal consent at the time of entry
Verbal permission from the tenant waives the requirement for written notice, but the tenant is not obligated to agree to this and may insist on proper written notice as set out in the RTA.
Entry Into Common Areas
Landlords do not need to provide notice to enter shared or common areas of a rental property, such as hallways, stairwells, shared laundry rooms, or lobbies. However, they must still respect tenant privacy when it comes to individual units.
If a Landlord Enters Illegally
Tenants who believe a landlord has entered their unit illegally have the right to:
Request that the landlord follow proper entry procedures in writing
Apply for dispute resolution through the RTB
Seek an order allowing them to change the locks
Apply for conditions to be placed on the landlord’s right to enter
Seek monetary compensation for breach of their right to quiet enjoyment
Tenants must go through the RTB’s dispute resolution process to enforce these rights.
Landlords in BC have limited and clearly defined rights to enter a rental unit. Proper written notice is almost always required, with only a few exceptions. Entry must occur during reasonable hours and for legitimate purposes. These rules help maintain a respectful landlord-tenant relationship while ensuring the property is properly managed.
This article is intended for general information only and does not constitute legal advice. The law may change, and individual circumstances vary. For guidance specific to your situation, consult the Residential Tenancy Branch or a qualified legal professional. Always refer to the most current version of the Residential Tenancy Act and its regulations before taking action.
