When your landlord wants to show your rental unit to prospective tenants or buyers in Newfoundland and Labrador, it's important to know your legal rights and responsibilities. The Residential Tenancies Act, 2018 governs privacy, notice, and entry in rental units—protecting both tenant and landlord interests. Understanding these rules can help you safeguard your privacy while cooperating with lawful showings.
Tenant Privacy and Landlord Entry: The Basics
Both landlords and tenants have rights and obligations about entry and privacy. In Newfoundland and Labrador, landlords have the right to enter a rental unit to show it to potential tenants or purchasers, but only under specific conditions laid out by the Residential Tenancies Section of Service NL, the provincial body handling landlord-tenant disputes.
Required Notice for Entry
Landlords must provide at least 24 hours written notice before entering to show the unit. The notice must state:
- The reason for entry (e.g., to show the apartment to a new renter)
- The intended date and time (within a reasonable range)
Showings can only take place between 9:00 am and 9:00 pm, and never on a Sunday or public holiday unless you agree otherwise.
Your Rights During Showings
As a tenant:
- You have the right to privacy and "quiet enjoyment" of your home.
- You can request to be present for showings, though this is not strictly required by law.
- Only the landlord and authorized individuals (e.g., real estate agents, prospective tenants or buyers) may enter.
- Landlords must use reasonable times and act respectfully—excessive, disruptive, or poorly scheduled showings may violate your rights.
Tip: Keep a record (date, time, and details) of any notices or landlord entries to your unit. This documentation is helpful in case of disputes.
If Entry Rules Are Not Followed
If your landlord enters without proper notice, at unreasonable hours, or fails to respect your privacy, you may:
- Raise your concerns directly with your landlord
- File a complaint with the Residential Tenancies Section of Service NL
This is part of your broader rights as a tenant. To understand all your rights and responsibilities, review Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Newfoundland and Labrador.
Official Forms: What Tenants Need to Know
There is no special form required for a landlord to give notice to show your unit—the law requires the notice to be in writing, and it can be delivered by hand or by mail. However, if you believe your landlord is breaching the entry rules, you can use the following:
- Application for Dispute Resolution (Form 12): File this with the Residential Tenancies Section if you need to formally address repeated improper entries or privacy violations.
Example: If a landlord comes into your apartment without notice multiple times, you can use this form to start a dispute.
View and download Form 12 from Service NL.
Relevant Legislation
The laws about landlord entry and tenant privacy are found in the Residential Tenancies Act, 2018 (sections 26 and 27).
Related Tenant Responsibilities and Rights
If you want to know how these privacy rules work alongside other landlord-tenant laws—like paying rent, respecting the property, and handling move-in/out—you may find this resource helpful: Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained.
For those considering a move or searching for a new place, you can Browse apartments for rent in Canada easily online with interactive tools.
FAQ: Landlord Showings and Tenant Privacy in NL
- What is the notice requirement?
Landlords must give at least 24 hours written notice and can only show the unit between 9:00 am and 9:00 pm, not on Sundays or holidays unless you agree. - Can I refuse a showing if it's inconvenient?
You can't refuse all showings, but you can discuss alternative times if scheduled visits are unreasonable or disruptive. Landlords must act reasonably. - What if my landlord enters without notice?
Document the entry and speak with your landlord. If it continues, you may file a complaint with the Residential Tenancies Section of Service NL using an Application for Dispute Resolution. - Do I need to clean or prepare the unit for showings?
You're expected to keep the place tidy as usual. The law doesn't require extra cleaning, but a clean home may make showings go more smoothly. - Who can enter my apartment during a showing?
Only the landlord, authorized real estate agents, and potential tenants or buyers are allowed entry during a scheduled showing.
Conclusion
- You have the right to privacy and proper notice if your landlord wants to show your unit.
- Always receive written notice at least 24 hours in advance—entries must happen at reasonable times.
- Contact the Residential Tenancies Section if your rights aren't respected.
Knowing these basics ensures you’re prepared for landlord showings and can assert your rights as a tenant in Newfoundland and Labrador.
Need Help? Resources for Tenants
- Residential Tenancies Section (Service NL): Help for tenants and dispute forms
- Residential Tenancies Act, 2018: Full text legislation
- For clear answers to more questions, visit Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Newfoundland and Labrador
- Residential Tenancies Act, 2018 (Newfoundland and Labrador), ss. 26, 27. Read the official legislation.
- Residential Tenancies Section of Service NL. Dispute resolution and forms.
