Can Landlords Keep Entry Logs in Quebec?

Many renters in Quebec worry about privacy when landlords, contractors or building staff enter their unit. This guide explains in clear language what tenants and renters should know about entry logs, why a landlord might keep one, and what limits provincial law and privacy rules can place on collecting or keeping that information in Quebec. You o not need legal training to follow the practical steps here: how to request copies, when to challenge a record, and how to use official complaint routes if you believe your privacy was breached.

What the law says in Quebec

Residential tenancy rules in Quebec are governed by the Civil Code and disputes are handled by the Tribunal administratif du logement.^[1][2] Landlords may document visits for legitimate reasons such as repairs, safety checks or work orders, but collecting and storing personal information is also subject to provincial privacy obligations and good practice.

Can landlords keep entry logs?

Yes, landlords can keep basic records of entries when those records serve a legitimate purpose, such as tracking repairs, scheduling contractors, or proving compliance with inspection or maintenance obligations. However, the information kept should be limited to what is necessary, retained only as long as it is useful, and protected from improper disclosure. Tenants can ask to see what has been recorded about entries to their unit and request corrections if there are factual errors.

When entries are permitted

• Landlords must give reasonable notice before non-emergency entries and state the purpose of the visit, unless immediate access is required for an emergency.
• Emergency entry is allowed when there is an immediate risk to safety or serious property damage; in those cases landlords may enter without prior notice.
• Authorized or court-ordered access (for example if a tribunal orders an inspection) may override normal notice rules, and the reason should be recorded.

What a good entry log should and shouldn't include

• Date and time of the entry and the duration so there is a clear timeline of when the visit occurred.
• A concise record of the purpose of the visit and any work done, without unnecessary personal details about the tenant.
• Name and role of the person who entered (e.g., building manager, contractor) to verify who had access to the unit.

How to respond if you find a landlord keeping entry logs

• Request a written copy of the entries that concern you and keep your own dated notes to compare with the landlords records.
• If you find inaccurate or excessive personal information, ask the landlord to correct or delete irrelevant details and confirm the change in writing.
• If the landlord refuses, contact tenant services or the Tribunal administratif du logement for guidance on filing a complaint.

For more on what landlords and tenants must do day-to-day, review the section on Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained to understand duties that affect inspections and maintenance. Also see What Tenants Need to Know After Signing the Rental Agreement for practical tenant steps after lease signing.

If youre also looking for housing options while you sort a dispute or move, Find rental homes across Canada on Houseme to compare listings and neighbourhood details.

FAQ

Can a landlord log every time they or a contractor enter my unit?

Yes, landlords can note entries but they should limit records to necessary facts (date, time, purpose, name of entrant) and avoid personal notes about the tenants private life.

Can I demand to see the entry log and get a copy?

Yes, you can request a copy in writing. If the landlord refuses or the record contains inaccurate or excessive personal information, you can ask for correction and pursue a complaint with the Tribunal administratif du logement or the provincial privacy authority.

What if I believe my privacy was violated by an entry log?

Document what you found, ask the landlord to correct or delete the information, and if unresolved, file a complaint with the Tribunal administratif du logement or contact the Commission dacce8s .

How-To

1. File a written request with your landlord asking for a copy of the entry log and specific dates youre concerned about.
2. Keep your own dated notes and evidence (photos, messages) to match against the landlords record.
3. Contact the Tribunal administratif du logement for help if the landlord does not provide the record or you suspect improper collection of personal data.
4. File a formal application to the tribunal or a privacy complaint with the provincial access-to-information body if informal steps fail.

Key Takeaways

• Landlords may record entries for legitimate reasons, but records should be limited and factual.
• Ask for copies in writing and keep your own dated evidence to protect your renter rights.
• Use the Tribunal administratif du logement or the provincial privacy authority when informal resolution is not possible.

Help and Support / Resources

• Tribunal administratif du logement
• Civil Code of Quebec (legislation)
• Commission dacce8s ">Commission dacce8s

1. [1] Tribunal administratif du logement
2. [2] Civil Code of Quebec (LegisQuebec)
3. [3] Commission dacce8s