If you're renting a home or apartment in Quebec, you might wonder: can your landlord use their key to enter your unit without your consent? Tenant privacy is strongly protected under Quebec law, but there are specific rules and exceptions that both landlords and tenants should know. Read on to understand your legal rights—and what to do if your privacy is breached.

Landlord Entry Laws in Quebec: Understanding Your Rights

Quebec law places a high value on a tenant's right to "peaceful enjoyment"—meaning your home should be private and free from unnecessary disturbance. In most situations, your landlord cannot legally use their key to enter your rental unit without permission or proper notice.

The main rules are governed by the Civil Code of Quebec, which sets out the responsibilities and rights of both tenants and landlords in the province.^[1]

When Can a Landlord Enter Your Rental in Quebec?

Generally, a landlord may only enter your apartment or house:

• With your consent (by appointment or if you invite them)
• By providing you with prior notice (usually at least 24 hours in advance) for:
  • Showing the rental to future tenants or buyers
  • Carrying out repairs or inspections
• In emergencies (for example, water leaks, fire, or urgent repairs), without notice

In non-emergency situations, entry without permission or notice is not allowed—even if your landlord has a spare key.

Required Notice: How Much Advance Warning is Needed?

Quebec’s Civil Code (article 1932) requires landlords to provide at least 24 hours’ notice before entering your unit for valid reasons like repairs or viewings. The notice must specify the date, time, and purpose of the entry.

Unless you agree otherwise, such visits should take place between 9 a.m. and 9 p.m., excluding holidays.

What Counts as an Emergency?

"Emergency" means situations where immediate action is needed to protect the property or people’s safety. Examples include:

• Plumbing leak or flooding
• Fire or smoke
• Dangerous structural damage

In these rare cases, your landlord may use their key to access your rental without advance notice.

Tenant Rights After a Privacy Violation

If your landlord enters without proper notice or a valid emergency, you have several options:

• Communicate your concerns in writing (email is best for a clear record)
• File a complaint with the Tribunal administratif du logement (TAL), which handles all residential rental disputes in Quebec

You may be entitled to compensation or other remedies if your privacy rights are violated. To learn more about your rights and obligations after signing your lease, see What Tenants Need to Know After Signing the Rental Agreement.

Important Forms and How to File a Complaint

To formally address an unauthorized entry, you can apply to the TAL using:

• Application to the Tribunal administratif du logement (General Application Form) – Used for most tenant complaints, including privacy breaches.
  Official TAL Application Form

Example: After repeated unauthorized entries, a tenant completes the General Application Form detailing the incidents, attaching any photos, messages, or witness statements. The form is submitted online or at a TAL office.

Landlord and Tenant Obligations

Both tenants and landlords have rights and responsibilities. For a broader overview, see Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained. If landlords fail to respect privacy rules, tenants can seek help from the TAL, and repeated violations may result in fines or damages.

If You’re Facing Issues With Landlord Entry

• Keep detailed records (dates, times, reasons given)
• Communicate your expectations in writing
• Reach out to legal or tenant advocacy resources if the issue continues

For more on tenant experiences, read Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Quebec.

For other common rental challenges—like repairs or dealing with pests—visit Common Issues Tenants Face and How to Resolve Them.

Ready to search for a better rental? Explore Houseme for nationwide rental listings and find homes where your privacy is valued.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can my landlord enter my unit if I am not home?
   If it’s not an emergency, landlords must provide at least 24 hours’ notice and receive your agreement for entry. Entry without adequate notice or consent, when you are not home, is not permitted.
2. What should I do if my landlord enters without my permission?
   Document each incident, communicate your concerns in writing, and if it continues, submit an application to the Tribunal administratif du logement (TAL).
3. Is a landlord ever allowed to enter without notice?
   Only in genuine emergencies (like floods or fire) can a landlord enter without notice.
4. Who can help if my landlord keeps entering without notice?
   The TAL handles disputes about privacy and entry. You can file a formal complaint and access free tenant resources.

Key Takeaways for Tenants in Quebec

• Landlords cannot use their key to enter your rental without permission, except in true emergencies or with required notice.
• Quebec law protects your right to privacy and peaceful enjoyment of your home.
• The TAL can provide help if your landlord violates entry laws.

Knowing and documenting your rights is the best way to maintain a respectful relationship with your landlord.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Tribunal administratif du logement (TAL) – Official board for tenant and landlord disputes, forms, and guides
• Quebec Ministry of Justice – Legal background and resources for renters
• Regroupement des comités logement et associations de locataires du Québec (RCLALQ) – Tenant advocacy and support

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1. Civil Code of Quebec (see articles 1854, 1930, 1931, and 1932 regarding entry)
2. Tribunal administratif du logement (TAL) official site

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