Nova Scotia tenants generally must receive at least 24 hours' written notice before a landlord enters their rental unit. The notice should state the date, time, and purpose of entry, and entry must take place between 9:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m. Exceptions include emergencies, tenant consent, and certain cleaning or maintenance provisions in the rental agreement.
Who Regulates Landlord Entry in Nova Scotia?
In Nova Scotia, residential tenancies are overseen by the Nova Scotia Residential Tenancy Program. The key law is the Residential Tenancies Act[1].
What Is a 24-Hour Notice of Entry?
By law, your landlord must give you a written notice at least 24 hours before entering your rental unit, unless there is an emergency or you consent to earlier entry. This notice gives you reasonable time to prepare and protects your right to privacy.
What the Notice Must Include
- The date the landlord intends to enter
- The time the landlord intends to enter
- The purpose for entering, such as repairs, inspections, or showing the unit
- Entry must occur between 9:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m.
The notice can be delivered in person or left where you are likely to find it, such as taped to your door. Email or text notice may also be acceptable when it is in writing and delivered in a way you are likely to see at least 24 hours in advance.
When Can a Landlord Enter with Notice?
A landlord may enter with proper 24-hour written notice for permitted purposes, including:
- To make repairs or conduct maintenance
- To inspect the condition of the unit
- To show the property to prospective tenants, buyers, or contractors
When proper notice is given, the entry is between 9:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m., and the purpose is permitted, you cannot unreasonably deny entry.
Exceptions: When Notice Is Not Required
There are situations where a landlord may enter without giving 24 hours' notice:
- In an emergency, such as fire or flooding
- If you agree to entry at a specific time, either verbally or in writing
- For cleaning or maintenance where the rental agreement expressly allows entry without notice
Tip:
If your landlord enters without notice and there is no emergency, consent, or applicable rental-agreement provision, keep a written record. This helps protect your rights if you need to file a complaint.
What to Do if Notice Is Not Given or Privacy Is Violated
If your landlord repeatedly enters without proper notice or for reasons not allowed by law, take these steps:
- Record the date, time, purpose, and circumstances of each entry or entry attempt.
- Keep copies of notices and save related emails or texts.
- Communicate your concerns in writing. Sometimes letting your landlord know you are aware of your rights is enough to resolve the issue.
- If the issue continues, consider filing a complaint with the Nova Scotia Residential Tenancy Program.
Relevant Forms: Applying for a Hearing
To formally address a privacy or entry concern, you can use the Application to Director (Form K) to request a hearing or remedy under the Residential Tenancies Act. For example, if your landlord enters without notice and refuses to respect your privacy, you could use this form to seek a remedy.
- Name: Application to Director (Form K)
- When to Use: When you want to request a hearing about a tenancy issue, including improper entry or violation of privacy
- Where to Find: Download Form K here (official government site)
After completing Form K, submit it as directed on the form with supporting documentation, such as written records of unauthorized entries.
Landlord and Tenant Responsibilities
Both landlords and tenants have rights and obligations under Nova Scotia law. Respecting privacy is one aspect of those responsibilities. To learn about broader duties, read our Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained.
Your landlord may also need entry to address issues that affect your safety. For more information, see Health and Safety Issues Every Tenant Should Know When Renting.
Where to Learn More About Tenant Rights in Nova Scotia
For a full overview of your tenancy rights, including privacy and entry, visit Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Nova Scotia.
You may also want to Browse apartments for rent in Canada for your next home.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Does my landlord always have to give 24 hours' written notice to enter my unit in Nova Scotia?
Usually, yes. Exceptions include emergencies, your specific permission, or cleaning or maintenance where the rental agreement expressly allows entry without notice. - What must a Nova Scotia entry notice include?
The notice should state the date and time of entry and the purpose for entering. Entry must take place between 9 a.m. and 9 p.m. - What happens if my landlord enters without providing notice?
If there is no emergency, permission, or applicable rental-agreement provision, this may be a privacy violation. Keep evidence and contact the Residential Tenancy Program about filing a complaint. - Can I refuse entry if the notice time is inconvenient?
No, as long as proper notice is given and entry is between 9 a.m. and 9 p.m. for a permitted reason, you cannot unreasonably deny entry. - Is email or text notice acceptable?
Yes, as long as it is in writing and delivered in a way you are likely to see it 24 hours in advance.
Key Takeaways
- Landlords in Nova Scotia generally must provide 24-hour written notice to enter your rental unit, except in emergencies, with your agreement, or where the rental agreement expressly allows certain entry without notice.
- Notices should state the purpose, date, and time, and entry must be between 9 a.m. and 9 p.m.
- Keep records of notices, entry attempts, and communications if your privacy is violated.
- You can apply to the Residential Tenancy Program using Form K to request a hearing or remedy about a tenancy issue, including improper entry or a privacy violation.
Need Help? Resources for Tenants
- Nova Scotia Residential Tenancy Program – Guidance, forms, dispute resolution services
- Call Service Nova Scotia: 1-800-670-4357 or 902-424-5200 for tenant information and support
- Free legal information: Legal Information Society of Nova Scotia
- Nova Scotia’s Residential Tenancies Act
