Dealing with Repeated Entry Notices and Harassment in NL

Living in a rental home in Newfoundland and Labrador should feel safe and stable. However, repeated entry notices from your landlord or behaviours that cross into harassment can threaten your right to privacy. This article will guide you through your legal rights, actions you can take, and the provincial bodies that support you.

Your Right to Privacy as a Tenant

Under the Residential Tenancies Act, 2018 (Newfoundland and Labrador), tenants have the right to reasonable privacy in their homes. This means a landlord usually can’t enter your rental unit without proper notice, except for specific emergencies.

When Can a Landlord Enter?

• With 24 Hours Written Notice: The landlord normally must give written notice at least 24 hours before entry. Reasons include repairs, inspections, or showing the unit to future tenants or buyers.
• Emergencies: In genuine emergencies, a landlord can enter without notice (e.g., urgent water leak).
• Agreed Times: Entry must occur between 8am and 8pm, unless you provide written consent for a different time.

Frequent or disruptive notices—especially those that are unnecessary or not in good faith—may be considered harassment. Learn more about general Common Issues Tenants Face and How to Resolve Them.

Recognizing Harassment or Abuse of Entry Notices

Harassment occurs when a landlord uses their right of entry to intimidate, pressure, or inconvenience a tenant. Repeated, unnecessary, or improperly timed entry notices can qualify as harassment and are not allowed under the law.

Examples of concerning behaviour may include:

• Frequent non-emergency entry requests without proper reason
• Ignoring required 24-hour written notice rules
• Entering at inappropriate times of day
• Making threats or showing up unannounced

If you feel unsafe or believe your landlord is abusing their right of entry, record each incident and keep copies of all entry notices and communications. This documentation helps if you need to make a formal complaint.

How to Respond: Steps You Can Take

If you are facing repeated entry or harassment in your rental:

• Communicate in Writing: Politely remind your landlord of the 24-hour notice rule and request they follow the law. Keep your communication professional and factual.
• Document Everything: Save all texts, emails, and notices. Note dates and times of entries or attempted entries.
• Seek Support: If the issue continues, contact Newfoundland and Labrador's Residential Tenancies Office for guidance.
• File a Formal Application: If necessary, you can apply to the Residential Tenancies Office for relief, such as for breaches of quiet enjoyment or harassment.

Important Official Forms and How to Use Them

• Application for Dispute Resolution (Form RTDR-01): Use this form if you need to formally complain about repeated entry or harassment. Submit it to the Residential Tenancies Office.
• Notice of Entry (Landlord's Form): Landlords must use the official "Notice of Entry" form to provide proper notice, available on the government site. If your landlord is not using this form, mention this when you apply or communicate your concerns.

Example: If your landlord is entering every week for "routine maintenance," you can use these forms to request a hearing and resolution.

What the Law Says in Newfoundland and Labrador

The Residential Tenancies Act, 2018 protects your right to privacy and peaceful enjoyment of your home. Harassment or repeated, unnecessary entry can be a violation of this Act. The Residential Tenancies Office resolves these disputes quickly and confidentially. For broader context, see Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Newfoundland and Labrador.

When Entry Is Allowed Without Notice

There are exceptional cases where a landlord can enter without notice:

• Emergencies that threaten life or property (like a burst pipe)
• If you expressly agree to waive the notice for a particular occasion

Related Responsibilities in Your Tenancy

Both landlords and tenants have responsibilities to maintain a respectful relationship. If you have additional concerns, see Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained.

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. What notice must my landlord give before entering my rental?
   In Newfoundland and Labrador, landlords are required to give at least 24 hours written notice before entering your rental unit, except in emergencies.
2. What should I do if my landlord enters without permission or too often?
   Document every unauthorized entry and discuss your concerns in writing. If it continues, consider filing a complaint to the Residential Tenancies Office.
3. Is it legal for my landlord to enter my home for frequent "inspections"?
   Landlords can inspect with proper notice, but frequent, unnecessary entries could be considered harassment. This is not allowed under the Residential Tenancies Act, 2018.
4. Can I refuse entry if the landlord doesn’t follow notice rules?
   Yes, you can refuse entry if your landlord has not provided the required 24-hour written notice and it is not an emergency.
5. Where can I get official help about landlord harassment?
   Contact the Residential Tenancies Office of Newfoundland and Labrador or local tenant advocacy resources for confidential assistance.

Summary: Key Takeaways for Tenants

• You have the right to privacy and must receive 24 hours written notice for most landlord entries.
• Repeated, unjustified entries or harassment are not allowed and can be reported.
• Keep written records and use the official Residential Tenancies Office forms to protect your tenancy.

Remember, most disputes can be resolved with clear communication and knowledge of your rights.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Newfoundland and Labrador Residential Tenancies Office – For information, forms, and dispute resolution.
• Public Legal Information Association of NL (PLIAN) – Free legal information and tenant support.
• Government of NL Housing Services – For housing help and support programs.

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1. Residential Tenancies Act, 2018 (Newfoundland and Labrador)
2. Residential Tenancies Office NL – Official Forms & Information
3. PLIAN – Tenants & Landlords Legal Information

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