Can my landlord monitor my apartment door with a camera?

In PEI, landlords may install cameras in common areas, but they are generally not permitted to position cameras to directly monitor a tenant’s apartment door without a legitimate reason. Tenants must be informed in writing.

Do I have a right to know if there's remote monitoring where I live?

Yes, your landlord must inform you in writing if there are monitoring devices or any kind of surveillance that can affect your privacy or entry.

What can I do if I'm uncomfortable with surveillance at my rental?

First, address your concerns with your landlord in writing. If it’s unresolved, submit a complaint to the Director of Residential Tenancy in PEI using Form 2: Application.

Is it legal for a landlord to collect entry logs from a smart lock?

Landlords must inform tenants if they are collecting access logs and must have a reasonable, legal purpose for doing so under PEI law.

Where can I learn more about my privacy and entry rights as a tenant?

Consult the official page for Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Prince Edward Island, or contact the Director of Residential Tenancy.

Remote Entry Monitoring: Tenant Privacy Rights in PEI

Privacy & Entry by Landlord Prince Edward Island published June 19, 2025

Modern rental homes sometimes come with advanced security systems, smart locks, or cameras at building entrances. If you're renting in Prince Edward Island, you may wonder: Can a landlord legally monitor your entry remotely? This guide explains your privacy rights, what landlords are allowed to do, and how PEI law protects tenants like you.

Your Privacy Rights as a Tenant in Prince Edward Island

In Prince Edward Island, tenant privacy is strongly protected. The governing law is the Residential Tenancies Act (PEI), which sets clear rules for entry, monitoring, and tenant security¹.

Landlords are entitled to maintain building and unit security, but cannot intrude unreasonably on your privacy.
Remote monitoring (e.g., account access to smart locks or cameras at entryways) may be allowed only in limited situations.
Monitoring inside your unit, or in ways that capture personal activities or tenants themselves, is not permitted unless you consent or there's a legal requirement (such as for health or safety emergencies).

Tenant privacy also draws on Canadian privacy law, meaning landlords must have a legal reason and limit how much personal information they collect or monitor.

When Landlords May Monitor Entry or Install Security Devices

A landlord might wish to monitor building entry points for security, package theft prevention, or visual confirmation of property condition. Under PEI law:

Common area cameras (e.g., entryways, exterior doors) may be allowed, but only if they don't invade tenant privacy.
Unit-specific monitoring (like smart locks with access logs, or video at your door) requires informing tenants and justifying the purpose.
Landlords must tell you about any surveillance or monitoring devices affecting your entry or exit to the property.

Permanently installed recording devices or smart locks that track individual tenant entry must balance security with privacy rights. Landlords cannot use these tools to train a constant watch on tenant movements or guests.

Entry Notification Rules

Except for emergencies, landlords must provide you with at least 24 hours written notice before entering your unit, stating the reason and time. Monitoring entry remotely is not a substitute for this legal notice—monitoring systems cannot be used to "check up" on your daily comings and goings.

What Tenants Can Do If They Have Privacy Concerns

If you believe your landlord is monitoring your entry remotely or using cameras or smart locks without your consent, here are key steps to take:

Ask for details in writing about any monitoring or recording devices used at your rental.
Review the official forms provided by the Director of Residential Tenancy (Justice and Public Safety, PEI).
If discussions fail, you may file a formal complaint to the Director using Form 2: Application (available on the official PEI website). For example, if you notice a new entry camera aimed directly at your unit door and you were not notified, complete Form 2 describing your privacy concern and submit it according to the instructions provided online.

Refer to the Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Prince Edward Island page for a broader overview of your legal protections.

Your Rights After Signing a Rental Agreement

Wondering if you need to accept new monitoring after moving in? The rules that applied when you signed your lease generally continue, unless both you and the landlord agree in writing to changes. Learn more from What Tenants Need to Know After Signing the Rental Agreement.

If you think your privacy has been unreasonably violated, keep a written record and act promptly—timely complaints help preserve your case.

Legislation that Protects Your Privacy

The PEI Residential Tenancies Act spells out the rules for landlord entry, notification, and what counts as "reasonable" monitoring.¹ Additional privacy protection comes from general principles in Canada’s privacy laws for personal information.

For more details on rental security, housing rules, and legal rights, explore Canada's best rental listings platform for trusted, up-to-date information.

FAQ: Landlord Remote Entry Monitoring in PEI

Can my landlord monitor my apartment door with a camera?
Generally, landlords in PEI can install cameras in common areas for security but not directly facing a tenant's apartment door unless justified and tenants are properly informed.
Do I have a right to know if there's remote monitoring where I live?
Yes. Landlords must inform tenants in writing about any monitoring devices that may affect entry or privacy.
What can I do if I'm uncomfortable with surveillance at my rental?
Discuss concerns with your landlord first. If unresolved, file a complaint with the Director of Residential Tenancy using Form 2: Application.
Is it legal for a landlord to collect entry logs from a smart lock?
Landlords must have a legitimate reason and inform tenants if access or entry is being logged. The use must be reasonable and comply with privacy laws.
Where can I learn more about my privacy and entry rights?
Review the Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Prince Edward Island page for provincial guidance.

Key Takeaways for PEI Tenants

Landlords in PEI cannot monitor your entry or movements remotely without justification and proper notice.
Any monitoring that affects privacy must comply with the Residential Tenancies Act (PEI).
Take action quickly if you feel your privacy has been violated—start with written communication and escalate to a formal complaint if needed.

Staying informed about your rights protects your privacy and your home life.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

Director of Residential Tenancy (PEI government): Official body for residential tenancy disputes, forms, and information.
PEI Residential Tenancy Forms: Download Form 2 (Application), and other landlord/tenant forms.
Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Prince Edward Island: Easy-to-read guide on your rights.
Explore Canada's best rental listings platform for secure rental opportunities in PEI and across Canada.

Residential Tenancies Act (Prince Edward Island). Accessed 2024.
Director of Residential Tenancy, Government of PEI. Official dispute resolution and tenancy forms.