Can my landlord enter my unit when I'm not home if they gave notice?

Yes, as long as your landlord provides proper 24-hour written notice and enters between 8:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m., they can enter even if you’re not there, unless you specify otherwise.

What counts as an emergency for landlord entry?

Emergencies include things that threaten health, safety, or property right away—such as fire, flooding, or gas leaks.

How do I file a complaint if my landlord enters without permission?

Fill out Form 1 and submit it to the Office of the Rental Officer with evidence. The Rental Officer will review your application.

Does the landlord ever need my explicit permission to enter?

If you haven’t been given proper notice and it’s not an emergency, your explicit permission is needed for entry.

When Can Landlords Use Their Key Without Permission in the Northwest Territories?

Privacy & Entry by Landlord Northwest Territories published: June 20, 2025

Landlords and tenants in the Northwest Territories both have important rights and responsibilities when it comes to privacy and entering a rental unit. Understanding when a landlord can use their key without your permission is essential for protecting your home and your peace of mind. This article explains Northwest Territories laws about rental unit entry, notice requirements, emergency exceptions, and what you can do if your landlord doesn't follow the rules.

Landlord Entry Rights and Tenant Privacy in the Northwest Territories

According to the Residential Tenancies Act (Northwest Territories), landlords cannot simply use their key to enter your rented unit at will. Except in very limited situations, notice and consent rules protect your right to privacy and quiet enjoyment.

Consent or Legal Reason Required: A landlord must have proper legal grounds, such as tenant consent or statutory authority, to enter using their key.
Written Notice: For non-emergency visits, landlords must provide tenants with at least 24 hours’ written notice clearly stating why they need to enter, when, and between what times.
Timing: Entry must occur between 8:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m., and not on holidays unless the tenant agrees otherwise.

For a full summary of key tenant and landlord rights in this region, visit Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Northwest Territories.

When Can a Landlord Enter With or Without Permission?

With Tenant’s Agreement: A landlord may always enter at a time agreed upon with the tenant.
After Proper Notice: Landlords may enter after giving the written 24-hour notice for inspections, repairs, or to show the unit to potential tenants or buyers.
Without Notice in Emergencies: If there is an emergency (like a burst pipe or fire), landlords are allowed to use their key to enter immediately without permission.
For some maintenance issues, see Routine Repairs in Rental Units: Tenant and Landlord Responsibilities.

In summary: landlords in NWT cannot lawfully use their key to enter your place at random. There must be notice, consent, or a real emergency.

Key Forms and Practical Steps for Tenants

If you believe your landlord has entered illegally or repeatedly uses their key without following the law, the Northwest Territories has official mechanisms to help.

Application to the Rental Officer (Form 1): This is the main form to apply for dispute resolution. For example, if your landlord enters without proper notice, you can use this form to request a hearing. Download Form 1 – Application to Rental Officer
Tenant’s Notice of Termination (Form 2): If you want to end your tenancy because your landlord has repeatedly entered unlawfully, this form serves as official notice. Download Form 2 – Notice of Termination by Tenant

How to Use the Forms: Complete and submit the required form to the Office of the Rental Officer, along with any supporting documentation (photos, texts, email evidence). The Rental Officer will then review your case and may schedule a hearing.

Your home is your private space—don’t hesitate to protect your privacy if you believe your landlord isn’t following the entry rules.

Emergency Entry by Landlords

Landlords in the Northwest Territories can use their key to enter without notice in emergencies only. This includes situations like fires, flooding, major plumbing breaks, or any immediate risk to persons or property. The law ensures tenants’ safety while balancing protections for privacy.

For routine issues or repairs (such as fixing a leaky faucet), landlords must use the 24-hour notice rule—emergency entry is not allowed in these cases.

Resolving Entry Disputes

If you feel your privacy was violated by a landlord entering improperly, start by communicating your concerns in writing. If the issue persists, you may:

Gather your evidence (logs, notices, witness statements).
File Form 1 with the Rental Officer, outlining the entry problems and asking for an official ruling or potential compensation.
Contact the Office of the Rental Officer for support or guidance.

This process helps ensure both tenants and landlords understand their obligations. For a wider look at roles, see Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained.

If you’re still searching for a new home or need to relocate, Find rental homes across Canada on Houseme.

FAQ: Landlord Entry in the Northwest Territories

Can my landlord enter my unit when I'm not home if they gave notice?
Yes, as long as your landlord provides proper 24-hour written notice and enters between 8:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m., they can enter even if you’re not there, unless you specify otherwise.
What counts as an emergency for landlord entry?
Emergencies include things that threaten health, safety, or property right away—such as fire, flooding, or gas leaks.
How do I file a complaint if my landlord enters without permission?
Fill out Form 1 and submit it to the Office of the Rental Officer with evidence. The Rental Officer will review your application.
Does the landlord ever need my explicit permission to enter?
If you haven’t been given proper notice and it’s not an emergency, your explicit permission is needed for entry.

Conclusion: Key Takeaways on Landlord Entry

Landlords in Northwest Territories must give written 24-hour notice or have a real emergency before entering with their key.
Tenants are protected by law—use Form 1 to seek help if your privacy is violated.
Know your rights: reach out to official resources or the Rental Officer if you need guidance.

Understanding entry rules empowers you to safeguard your privacy and handle landlord disputes confidently.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

Office of the Rental Officer (Northwest Territories): The main authority for resolving tenancy disputes and questions about entry rights. Visit the Office of the Rental Officer website
Residential Tenancies Act (Northwest Territories): The official law covering landlord and tenant rights, entry rules, and dispute procedures. Read the Residential Tenancies Act
Tenant rights summary and fact sheets: Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Northwest Territories
Public Legal Education and Information Service of NWT (PLEI NWT): Free legal info for tenants. Visit NWT PLEI

Residential Tenancies Act (Northwest Territories), accessed at official government legislation website.
Office of the Rental Officer, programs and forms at official NWT government resource page.
Application forms for tenants, downloaded at Form 1 and Form 2.