Can Landlords Enter With Their Key Without Permission in Nunavut?

Living in a rental unit in Nunavut means both tenants and landlords have clear legal rights when it comes to privacy and access. If you're wondering whether your landlord can use their key to enter your home without your permission, it's important to understand territory-specific rules and what to do if those rules are broken. This article breaks down Nunavut tenancy law, offers practical advice, and points you to official resources so you can protect your rights and peace of mind.

Landlord Entry Rights and Tenant Privacy in Nunavut

Nunavut tenants have the right to "reasonable privacy" under the Nunavut Residential Tenancies Act^[1]. While landlords do have a key to your unit, there are strict rules about when and how they may enter. Unauthorized entry can be a serious breach of tenant rights.

When Can Your Landlord Use Their Key?

In Nunavut, a landlord can only enter your unit without your permission in the following situations:

• Emergencies: To address urgent threats to health, safety, or property (like a fire, gas leak, or flooding).
• If you agree to the entry: At the time or for the purposes you consented to.
• When proper written notice has been given: Landlords must give you 24 hours' written notice, explaining the reason and time of entry, unless otherwise stated in your lease or in case of emergency.

Your landlord may enter for certain reasons, including repairs, inspections, or to show the unit to prospective tenants—but always following the law for notice. For a full overview of landlord and tenant responsibilities, see Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained.

How Must Landlords Give Notice?

Written notice must be delivered to you at least 24 hours before the entry and must include:

• The purpose of entry
• The date and time (which must be between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m., unless otherwise agreed)

Unless it’s an emergency, any entry outside these rules is not permitted.

Tenant tip: If you receive less than 24 hours’ notice or a landlord enters your home without proper notice (except in emergencies), you may have grounds to file a complaint with the Office of Residential Tenancies.

Common Reasons for Landlord Entry

• Making repairs or performing maintenance
• Showing the unit to prospective tenants, buyers, or contractors (with advance notice)
• Inspecting the condition of the unit

Even in these cases, the law requires your landlord to respect the notice period and only enter during reasonable hours. For a deeper look at tenant safety and healthy housing, consider the advice in Health and Safety Issues Every Tenant Should Know When Renting.

What Counts as an "Emergency"?

Emergencies where your landlord can enter without notice (using their key if needed) include:

• Fire, flooding, or natural disaster
• Smell of gas or other immediate threats
• A risk to people or the property that cannot wait

In all other cases, notice must be given.

What To Do If Your Landlord Uses Their Key Without Permission

If your landlord enters your home without proper notice or consent (and it isn't an emergency), you have the right to address this violation. Start by documenting the incident (take notes on the date, time, and what happened). Next, consider discussing it calmly with your landlord, referencing the law.

If the issue continues, you can file a formal complaint with Nunavut’s Office of Residential Tenancies. The main complaint form used is:

• Application to the Director (Form 1): Use this to resolve disputes, including unauthorized entry.
  What it’s for: Tenants (or landlords) can submit this form to request a ruling on issues like privacy violations.
  Download Form 1: Application to the Director (official source)

Example: If your landlord enters without notice (and it's not an emergency), fill out Form 1 and submit it to the Office of Residential Tenancies along with supporting evidence (emails, photos, notes).

Understanding Your Rights and Responsibilities

Both tenants and landlords must follow the Nunavut Residential Tenancies Act. Familiarizing yourself with the main rights and obligations for each party can help avoid disputes and create a respectful rental arrangement. For more territory-specific information, see Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Nunavut.

Wondering about housing options in other parts of Canada? Find rental homes across Canada on Houseme.

FAQ: Landlord Entry and Tenant Privacy in Nunavut

1. Can my landlord enter my home without any notice?
   No, unless there's an emergency (such as a fire or flood). Otherwise, landlords must give 24 hours' written notice to enter your rental unit.
2. What should I do if I feel my privacy is being violated?
   Document the incidents, speak to your landlord if it's safe to do so, and file a complaint with the Office of Residential Tenancies if the problem continues.
3. Who do I contact about unauthorized landlord entry?
   Contact the Nunavut Office of Residential Tenancies and use Form 1 to file a formal complaint.
4. What if there's an emergency when I'm not home?
   Your landlord can use their key to enter but must only do so to resolve the emergency. They should inform you as soon as it’s safe.
5. Can my landlord enter for repairs while I'm at work?
   Yes, provided they give proper notice and the entry occurs between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m.

Key Takeaways for Tenants

• Your landlord can't use their key to enter your home in Nunavut without your consent or proper notice, except in emergencies.
• You have the right to reasonable privacy and can file a complaint if your rights are violated.
• Always keep documentation of any unauthorized entries or conversations about your privacy.

Knowing your legal rights helps prevent misunderstandings and maintains a respectful rental environment.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Nunavut Office of Residential Tenancies – Official dispute resolution, applications, and forms
• Form 1: Application to the Director – For tenant complaints, breaches of privacy, and other disputes
• Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Nunavut – Overview of key rights and responsibilities

---

1. Nunavut Residential Tenancies Act, SNu 2000, c 10
2. Nunavut Office of Residential Tenancies
3. Form 1: Application to the Director

Categories

Tenant Rights & Responsibilities Rent & Deposits Leases & Agreements Moving In / Out Maintenance & Repairs Evictions Roommates & Shared Housing Discrimination & Accessibility Utilities & Services Affordable Housing & Subsidies Dispute Resolution & LTB Safety & Security Privacy & Entry by Landlord Special Tenancy Situations Tenant Insurance & Liability Post-Eviction Resources Landlord Compliance & Penalties Legal Precedents & Case Summaries Mental Health & Tenancy