Nova Scotia Tenant Guide: 24-Hour Notice of Entry Rules

Knowing your rights around privacy and landlord entry is an important part of being a tenant in Nova Scotia. Understanding when a landlord can enter your rental unit, the requirements for advance notice, and the exceptions is essential for protecting your home and privacy.

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 protects your right to privacy and gives you reasonable time to prepare.

What the Notice Must Include

• The date and time the landlord intends to enter
• The purpose for entering (such as repairs, inspections, or showing the unit to new tenants)
• 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 (for example, taped to your door).

When Can a Landlord Enter with Notice?

• To make repairs or conduct maintenance
• To inspect the condition of the unit
• To show the property to prospective tenants, buyers, or contractors

In these cases, your landlord must provide a proper 24-hour written notice.

Exceptions: When Notice Is Not Required

• In emergencies (such as fire or flooding)
• If you agree to entry at a specific time (verbal or written)
• 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), 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, you can take action:

• Communicate your concerns in writing. Sometimes letting your landlord know you’re 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 any 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 just one aspect. To learn about your 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

1. Does my landlord always have to give 24 hours' written notice to enter my unit in Nova Scotia?
   Usually, yes. Exceptions are emergencies or if you give specific permission.
2. What happens if my landlord enters without providing notice?
   If there is no emergency or permission, this may be a privacy violation. You can submit a complaint to the Residential Tenancy Program with evidence.
3. 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.
4. Is email or text notice acceptable?
   Yes, as long as it's in writing and delivered in a way you are likely to see it 24 hours in advance.

Key Takeaways

• Landlords in Nova Scotia must provide 24-hour written notice to enter your rental, except in emergencies or with your agreement.
• Notices must state the reason, date, and time, and entry can only be between 9 a.m. and 9 p.m.
• If your privacy is violated, you can apply to the Residential Tenancy Program using Form K.

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

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1. Nova Scotia’s Residential Tenancies Act

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