As technology rapidly changes rental housing in British Columbia, more landlords are installing remote entry monitoring systems—like keyless smart locks, cameras, and digital access logs. If you’re a tenant, it’s important to know when and how your landlord can use these tools, and what your privacy rights are under current BC law.

This guide outlines what is allowed, what isn’t, and what to do if you believe your privacy is being violated through remote entry surveillance in BC.

Understanding Remote Entry Monitoring in BC Rentals

Remote entry monitoring includes the use of electronic devices—such as smart locks that record who enters, video cameras at entrances, or access logs stored digitally—to track when and how tenants enter or exit their rental homes.

• Smart locks: Log when doors are unlocked, sometimes controlled through mobile apps
• Surveillance cameras: Positioned at entryways, lobbies, or shared areas
• Access card/fob systems: Track use by time and individual key/fob ID

While these technologies can boost building security, they also raise important questions about tenant privacy under the Residential Tenancy Act^[1].

What the Law Says: Tenant Privacy in BC

The Residential Tenancy Act (RTA) and the guidelines set by the official BC Residential Tenancy Branch protect the privacy of tenants. The law generally allows landlords to keep common areas safe but limits the type and extent of surveillance they can conduct in or around your home.

Key Legal Takeaways

• Landlords cannot monitor inside your private rental unit (e.g., inside your apartment or behind your front door).
• Surveillance in common areas (like lobbies or hallways) may be acceptable for security but must not be excessive or target individual tenants.
• Remote monitoring of entry (such as logging when you unlock your door) raises privacy concerns, especially if used to track your comings and goings.
• Landlords must have a legitimate reason (usually security) and should inform tenants about the type and location of any surveillance.
• Audio recording is rarely justified and is subject to stricter rules under BC privacy laws.

For an overview of tenant and landlord statutory rights and obligations in the province, visit Tenant Rights in British Columbia.

Entry to Your Unit: Notice and Consent

Under BC law, your landlord must provide at least 24 hours written notice before entering your unit for reasons such as inspections, repairs, or to show the property to prospective tenants—unless it's an emergency. This includes electronic means such as emails if agreed upon.

• Monitoring when you enter or exit, solely to track your movements, is considered an invasion of privacy.
• Video surveillance that includes your door or records your access times should be disclosed, and its use should be justified.

If your rental agreement includes digital locks or entry monitoring, review what data is collected, how it's stored, and who it’s shared with. Tenants have the right to ask landlords for this information.

Disputing Unreasonable Surveillance: Your Options

If you feel that the landlord's remote monitoring infringes on your right to privacy, you have several clear paths to address your concerns.

How to File a Complaint or Dispute

• Speak to Your Landlord First: Start with a polite, written complaint asking the landlord to clarify or limit their use of monitoring devices.
• Contact the Residential Tenancy Branch: If unresolved, you can discuss your case with the Residential Tenancy Branch of BC, the official tribunal handling rental disputes.
• Apply for Dispute Resolution: File the Application for Dispute Resolution (RTB-12) to challenge unreasonable surveillance or privacy intrusions.
  • BC RTB-12 Online Application for Dispute Resolution
  • When to use it: If your landlord refuses to remove or limit remote entry monitoring, or if you feel your privacy rights are being violated.
  • Practical example: If there are cameras directed at your private entry door or if a smart lock is tracking in/out times and you have concerns about your personal schedule being monitored.

Your Right to Quiet Enjoyment & Security

The Residential Tenancy Act protects your right to “quiet enjoyment,” meaning you should feel safe and undisturbed in your home. Remote monitoring that crosses reasonable boundaries may break this rule. For a closer look at ongoing tenant-landlord responsibilities, see Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained.

Related Tenant Protections in British Columbia

• Landlords cannot enter your unit without proper notice except in emergencies
• Cameras must not be installed inside your home
• Your consent is required for changes to locks unless mandated by law or for your safety

Understanding the rules surrounding authorized entry, privacy, and surveillance helps you advocate for yourself if issues arise. For more about moving in and initial inspections, see the Guide to the Initial Rental Property Inspection for Tenants.

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FAQ: Remote Entry Monitoring and Tenant Privacy

1. Can my landlord use cameras or smart locks to see when I come and go?
   Landlords can use security devices in common areas, but they generally cannot use technology to specifically monitor an individual tenant’s private entry or movements. Surveillance must not violate your right to privacy under BC law.
2. What can I do if I feel my privacy is being invaded?
   Raise your concerns in writing with your landlord. If not resolved, contact the Residential Tenancy Branch and consider submitting an Application for Dispute Resolution (RTB-12).
3. Do I have to agree to new remote monitoring after moving in?
   No. If changes to surveillance or entry monitoring are proposed after you move in, your consent and proper notice are required.
4. Are landlords required to inform tenants about video or digital entry monitoring?
   Yes. Landlords must notify tenants about any monitoring in or around the rental property and explain what is being recorded or stored.
5. Is it legal for landlords to monitor entry logs for the purpose of eviction?
   No. Gathering evidence of your schedule or movements to pursue eviction is not an authorized or reasonable use of remote surveillance in BC.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Residential Tenancy Branch of British Columbia – dispute resolution, tenant resources, privacy concerns
• Tenant Resource & Advisory Centre (TRAC): https://tenants.bc.ca/ – advocacy, free guides, support hotline
• BC Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner: https://www.oipc.bc.ca/ – privacy rights and complaints
• Learn more at Tenant Rights in British Columbia

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1. The law generally prohibits landlords from monitoring you personally using cameras or digital entry logs inside your home. Surveillance in shared areas must be reasonable and disclosed.
2. Always ask your landlord for written details about the nature and purpose of any monitoring and keep copies of correspondence.
3. If you believe your privacy is at risk, act promptly by using BC’s dispute resolution and tenant support channels.

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