How much notice must my landlord give before entering for repairs?

Landlords must provide at least 24 hours' written notice before entering for maintenance, unless there is an emergency.

Can my landlord enter if I am not home as long as notice is given?

Yes, your landlord can enter if proper written notice is given and the entry is for a legally permitted reason.

What is considered an emergency entry by a landlord?

Emergency entry includes situations like fires, flooding, or urgent repairs where immediate access is necessary to prevent harm or damage.

What steps can I take if my landlord enters without notice?

Document the incidents and submit an Application to the Rental Officer (Form 2) to the Residential Tenancy Office in the NWT.

Am I allowed to refuse my landlord's entry for repairs?

You cannot unreasonably refuse necessary entry for repairs or inspections, but you can request to reschedule for reasonable conflicts.

Maintenance Entry Rules for Tenants in Northwest Territories

Evictions Northwest Territories published June 13, 2025

When you rent a home or apartment in the Northwest Territories (NWT), you have the right to privacy and quiet enjoyment of your space. However, sometimes your landlord must enter your unit to handle maintenance or repairs. Understanding the rules for landlord entry is crucial for protecting your rights and knowing when an entry is legal or not.

When Can a Landlord Enter for Maintenance?

Landlords in the Northwest Territories must follow specific legal requirements when entering a rental unit for maintenance or repairs. According to the Residential Tenancies Act of the Northwest Territories¹, your landlord can generally only enter your unit under certain conditions:

To carry out repairs or maintenance
To show the unit to potential tenants or buyers
In cases of emergency (such as fire or water leak)
With your consent

In most situations (except emergencies or if you agree), landlords must give you written notice before entry. This protects your privacy and allows you to prepare for the visit.

Notice Requirements for Maintenance Entry

Unless there's an emergency, the law requires landlords to give at least 24 hours' written notice to enter your unit for maintenance. The notice must clearly state:

The reason for entry (e.g., routine repairs or scheduled maintenance)
The date and time of entry (must be between 8 am and 8 pm unless you agree otherwise)

This notice must be delivered in person, left in your mailbox or where you receive mail at the rental property.

Emergency Maintenance: Exceptions to the Notice Rule

If urgent repairs are needed to prevent damage or ensure safety—such as burst pipes, electrical hazards, or fire—the landlord does not need to give notice. In these cases, they can enter your unit immediately to address the emergency.

Tip: If your landlord enters without notice and it’s not an emergency, document the situation and consider raising it with the NWT Residential Tenancy Office for support.

Your Rights and Responsibilities During Maintenance Entry

Understanding both your rights and your responsibilities helps ensure a fair landlord–tenant relationship. You have the right to:

Receive proper notice except in emergencies
Request rescheduling if the proposed time is unreasonable (within legal limits)
Ask for proof of emergency entry if notice wasn’t given

As a tenant, you are also responsible for allowing reasonable access for necessary repairs. Refusing access for legitimate repairs may lead to issues or disputes with your landlord.

For more detail on tenant and landlord obligations, see Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained.

Landlord Entry for Inspections and Other Reasons

Landlords may also enter for inspections of the property, often at the beginning or end of a tenancy. Learn more about what to expect during such times in our Guide to the Initial Rental Property Inspection for Tenants.

What To Do If Your Landlord Breaks the Entry Rules

If your landlord enters your unit without notice (and it's not an emergency), or enters repeatedly without good reason, you have options:

Document each incident with date, time, and a description
Speak with your landlord to express your concerns
If the problem continues, file an application with the NWT Residential Tenancy Office

If your privacy rights have been seriously violated, you may be entitled to remedies provided by the Residential Tenancies Act.

Maintenance Entry Forms Used in the Northwest Territories

There is no specific "maintenance entry" form; however, landlords are expected to provide written notice and keep records. If you need to make a formal complaint, use:

Application to the Rental Officer (Form 2): Used to file complaints or request a hearing for privacy breaches.
Available from the NWT Government Forms Page. Complete the form, submit it to the Residential Tenancy Office, and attach any supporting evidence (such as written correspondence).

Example: If your landlord repeatedly enters your unit without notice, fill out Form 2, describe the incidents, and submit it to the NWT Residential Tenancy Office for a decision.

What Does the Legislation Say?

The rules about landlord entry are set out in the Residential Tenancies Act of the Northwest Territories. This law protects your right to privacy and lays out all requirements for lawful entry.

For a wider overview on your protections as a tenant, visit Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Northwest Territories. You can also Find rental homes across Canada on Houseme for flexible moving options if you need to relocate.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much notice must my landlord give before entering for repairs? Landlords must give at least 24 hours' written notice, except in emergencies.
Can my landlord enter without me being home? Yes, as long as they provide proper written notice and entry is for a valid reason under the law.
What counts as an emergency entry? Emergencies include situations that could cause damage or are a threat to safety, such as fire or flooding; no notice is required in these cases.
What should I do if my landlord keeps entering without notice? Document each entry and file a complaint with the NWT Residential Tenancy Office using Form 2.
Can I refuse entry for maintenance? You cannot unreasonably refuse valid entry for repairs or safety checks. If you have concerns about timing, communicate with your landlord to reschedule if possible.

Conclusion: Key Takeaways

Landlords in the Northwest Territories must give at least 24 hours' written notice before entering for maintenance, except in emergencies.
Tenants have the right to privacy and should report unauthorized entry to the Residential Tenancy Office.
Always keep records of communication and incidents related to entry and maintenance.

Understanding these rules gives you the confidence to protect your home and handle entry issues appropriately.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

NWT Residential Tenancy Office – Official body for disputes, forms, and guidance
NWT Department of Justice – General legal help and contact information
Local legal aid offices – Free advice for low-income tenants in the Northwest Territories

Residential Tenancies Act of the Northwest Territories