As a tenant in British Columbia, your right to privacy is protected by law. While landlords own the property, you have important privacy rights inside your rental home. Knowing what landlords can and cannot do when it comes to entering your unit, how to handle privacy concerns, and what to do if your space is violated empowers you to protect your home and peace of mind.

Understanding Privacy Rights for BC Tenants

Privacy in your rental means your landlord cannot enter your home whenever they wish. The Residential Tenancy Act (RTA) sets out clear guidelines for landlords and tenants in British Columbia, including rules for entry, notice requirements, and remedies if these rules are broken.^[1]

All rental agreements in BC—written or verbal—include a legal right for tenants to quiet enjoyment and privacy. This right is also confirmed in Tenant Rights in British Columbia.

When Can a Landlord Enter Your Rental?

Landlords can enter your rental unit only in limited circumstances. According to the Residential Tenancy Act, a landlord may enter only if:

• They provide proper written notice (at least 24 hours in advance), stating the reason, date, and time (between 8am and 9pm, unless you agree otherwise).
• There is an emergency, such as a fire or a flood.
• You have agreed (preferably in writing) to let them in at a specific time.
• The landlord wishes to show the unit to prospective tenants or buyers, but only with proper notice and reasonable attempts to consult you first.

In all other instances, entry without notice or your permission is not allowed.

Written Notice of Entry: What Should You Expect?

A landlord’s written notice of entry must include key details:

• Purpose for entry (such as repairs, inspections, or showing the unit)
• Date and time of entry (must be between 8am and 9pm, not on holidays or Sundays unless you agree otherwise)

For more about the shared responsibilities between tenants and landlords, see Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained.

What Is Considered an Invasion of Privacy?

Breaching your right to privacy goes beyond unannounced visits. Examples of privacy violations include:

• Landlords entering without required notice or your permission (outside emergencies)
• Showing up or entering repeatedly, causing harassment or disrupting your peaceful enjoyment of the home
• Entering the unit on holidays, Sundays, or outside agreed hours
• Entering for reasons other than those allowed by law

If this happens, you can take action to protect yourself.

How to Respond if Your Privacy Is Violated

If your landlord enters without notice or otherwise invades your privacy:

• Document the incident: Write down details (date, time, what happened, any witnesses)
• Communicate: Send a written request (email or letter) asking the landlord to respect your rights
• If the problem continues, consider applying for dispute resolution

Forms and Official Steps: Protecting Your Privacy

If talking does not resolve the issue, tenants can use official processes. In BC, privacy complaints and most rental disputes are handled by the Residential Tenancy Branch (RTB).

• Dispute Resolution Application (RTB-12): This is the main form tenants use to resolve privacy violations and other tenancy disputes.

When to use it: If your landlord repeatedly enters without notice or refuses to respect your privacy, submit Form RTB-12 to the RTB. For example, if your landlord shows up repeatedly without warning, you can ask the RTB for an order to stop the behavior and, in some cases, request compensation.

Download Dispute Resolution Application (RTB-12)

Your Rights After Moving In

Your right to privacy starts the moment you take possession of your rental unit and continues throughout your tenancy. For tips on what to expect after signing your lease, visit What Tenants Need to Know After Signing the Rental Agreement.

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1. Can my landlord enter my rental unit without notice?
   No, except in cases of emergency. Otherwise, at least 24 hours’ written notice must be given, and entry must be during allowed hours.
2. What should I do if my landlord keeps entering without permission?
   Document each incident, communicate your concerns in writing, and if it continues, file a Dispute Resolution Application (RTB-12) with the Residential Tenancy Branch.
3. Are there exceptions to the notice rule in BC?
   Yes, exceptions include emergencies, agreed-upon entry at a specific time, or if you have abandoned the rental unit.
4. What does “quiet enjoyment” mean?
   Quiet enjoyment means you have the right to live in your home without unnecessary disturbance from your landlord or others.
5. Where can I get help if I feel my privacy is not respected?
   Contact the Residential Tenancy Branch or a local tenant advocacy organization for guidance and dispute resolution.

Key takeaways:

• Your privacy in a BC rental home is protected by law, with clear rules about landlord entry.
• Notify your landlord in writing if your privacy is breached, and use RTB processes if needed.
• Understand and exercise your tenant rights for a comfortable, safe rental experience.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Residential Tenancy Branch (RTB) – forms, dispute resolution, and tenant information
• TRAC – Tenant Resource & Advisory Centre: www.tenants.bc.ca
• Tenant Rights in British Columbia – summary of key BC tenancy rights
• BC Office of the Privacy Commissioner: Privacy and Tenancy Guidance

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1. Residential Tenancy Act, SBC 2002, c. 78. Full Act text
2. Residential Tenancy Branch, Province of BC: Official RTB website
3. RTB-12 Dispute Resolution Application form: Current form (PDF)

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