Landlord Entry Without Permission: Nunavut Tenant Rights

As a tenant in Nunavut, you have the right to privacy and peaceful enjoyment of your rental home. Knowing the rules around when and how a landlord can enter your rental helps protect you from unexpected visits and ensures your legal rights are respected under Nunavut's law.

When Can a Landlord Enter Your Rental in Nunavut?

Under Nunavut's Residential Tenancies Act (Nunavut)^[1], landlords must respect a tenant’s right to privacy. Entry into your rental unit is only permitted for certain reasons and almost always requires advance notice.

• With Written Notice: Landlords must provide at least 24 hours’ written notice stating the date, time, and reason for entry.
• Permitted reasons include:
  • Carrying out repairs or inspections
  • Showing the unit to prospective new tenants or purchasers
  • Other reasonable purposes allowed by law
• Entry allowed without notice:
  • During emergencies when immediate access is required to protect property or safety, such as leaks or fires
  • If the tenant agrees to immediate entry when the landlord asks

If your landlord enters your rental without proper notice or valid reason (except in emergency cases), they may be violating your rights under Nunavut law.

Your Right to Privacy and Quiet Enjoyment

Every tenant in Nunavut has the right to ‘quiet enjoyment’ of their rental unit, which means you should feel secure in your space without unannounced visits from your landlord. If you believe your rights are being ignored, Nunavut law provides mechanisms for you to raise concerns and seek resolution.

Required Notification and Forms

While Nunavut does not have a universal province-wide form for landlord entry, landlords must always provide written notice (email, letter, or written message) at least 24 hours before entry for non-emergency situations.

• Notice must include: the intended date, time (between 8am-8pm), and purpose of entry.
• For emergency access (like a burst pipe), no notice is required.

Keep a record of any notice you receive. If you do not receive proper notice, you may seek help through Nunavut’s Residential Tenancies Office (RTO), which handles landlord-tenant disputes.

What to Do if Your Landlord Enters Without Permission

If your landlord enters your unit without proper notice or a valid reason:

• Politely remind them of your rights and request future visits comply with legal notice periods
• Document the incident with dates and details
• If issues persist, file a complaint with the Residential Tenancies Office

If the entry involves safety issues or threats, consider contacting local authorities.

Exceptions: Emergencies and Repairs

Emergencies, such as water leaks, fires, or situations threatening health and safety, allow landlords to enter without notice. For regular maintenance or repairs, proper notice is always required unless you agree to a sooner visit.

For more information about repairs in rentals and your role as a tenant, see Routine Repairs in Rental Units: Tenant and Landlord Responsibilities.

Tip: If you and your landlord agree on entry (for repairs or an inspection), document your consent in writing (even a simple email). This helps avoid disputes later.

Tenant Rights and Landlord Responsibilities in Nunavut

Both tenants and landlords have important obligations. To learn more about your broader rights, visit Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Nunavut.

If you are just moving in or want tips about dealing with issues after signing your lease, check What Tenants Need to Know After Signing the Rental Agreement.

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FAQ: Landlord Entry and Tenant Privacy in Nunavut

1. Can my landlord enter whenever they want if I am not home?
   No. Unless it is an emergency, your landlord must give you at least 24 hours’ written notice stating the purpose, date, and time of their visit.
2. What should I do if my landlord enters without permission repeatedly?
   Document each occurrence and contact Nunavut’s Residential Tenancies Office to file a complaint or resolve the issue.
3. Does a landlord need my permission to show the unit to new tenants?
   They must still provide at least 24 hours’ written notice, even if you are moving out soon, unless you agree to a shorter notice.
4. Are there any forms to fill out if I want to complain about unauthorized entry?
   While no specific form is required, you can contact the Residential Tenancies Office for guidance on filing a written complaint.
5. Can my landlord enter for routine inspections?
   Yes, but only with advance written notice of at least 24 hours, specifying the reason and time frame.

Conclusion: Key Takeaways for Nunavut Tenants

• Your landlord must respect your privacy and provide at least 24 hours’ written notice before entering, except in emergencies.
• Keep written records of all landlord notices and entries.
• If you experience repeated unauthorized entries, seek guidance from Nunavut’s Residential Tenancies Office.

Understanding these entry rules helps protect your peace of mind and tenancy rights.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Residential Tenancies Office (Nunavut) – Information, complaints, and dispute applications
• Community Legal Aid Clinics (for free tenant advice): Nunavut Legal Aid
• Government of Nunavut Housing: Territorial Housing Information

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1. Residential Tenancies Act (Nunavut), see the full legislation
2. Nunavut Residential Tenancies Office: official information and services

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