Landlord Entry to Show Unit During Notice Period QC

If your landlord or their agent asks to enter your rental during a notice period in Quebec, you still have legal protections for privacy and quiet enjoyment. This guide explains, in plain language for tenants and renters, what written notice is required, which hours are reasonable, when consent matters, and what you can do if an entry feels abusive or improper. You will find clear, practical steps to respond, methods for documenting visits and evidence, and instructions on when to contact the Tribunal administratif du logement for help. Examples and links to official forms are included so you can prepare a written response, protect your record, and understand both your rights and responsibilities while the unit is shown.

What the law says in Quebec

In Quebec, residential tenancy disputes and rules about landlord access are handled by the Tribunal administratif du logement ^[1]. The Civil Code of Quebec contains the core legal duties for landlords and tenants about leases, consent and privacy^[3]. Tenants are entitled to reasonable notice and to quiet enjoyment of the property; landlords may normally show a unit while it is on the market, but must respect timing and notice rules. For a plain summary of tenant and landlord duties, see Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Quebec.

When a landlord can enter to show the unit

• Landlord must provide reasonable written notice with proposed times.
• Entry should normally occur at reasonable hours unless you explicitly agree otherwise.
• Short, permitted entries for emergency repairs are treated differently from showings.
• Repeated or intrusive requests that interfere with quiet enjoyment may be challenged.

How to respond as a tenant

Respond calmly and in writing when a landlord requests access to show your unit. Written replies create a record you can use later if there is a dispute. If you can reasonably accommodate the viewing, offer a short list of acceptable times. If a proposed time is unreasonable, suggest alternatives and keep a copy of your reply.

1. Ask the landlord for written notice with date, time window and purpose of the entry.
2. Propose times that work for you and refuse times that are clearly unreasonable.
3. Document each visit with photos, notes of who attended, and the time in/out.
4. Contact the Tribunal administratif du logement or a tenant clinic if access feels abusive or repeated without consent.

Documenting entries and evidence

Good records strengthen a tenants case if a dispute goes to the Tribunal. Keep all written notices, save your replies, take dated photos or short videos of who was present, and write a quick log after each visit.

• Keep a dated log of visits, names of agents or prospective tenants, and any comments.
• Save all messages, emails and texts about proposed showings as evidence.
• Photograph any damage or signs of forced entry immediately after an incident.

When to file a complaint or application

If a landlord repeatedly ignores notice rules, enters without permission, or interferes with your quiet enjoyment, file an application with the Tribunal administratif du logement. Before filing, gather copies of notices, your responses, and your visit log so the Tribunal can see a clear chronology.

For practical guidance on tenant and landlord obligations during move-out and showings, review Moving Out Tips: A Tenant's Guide to a Smooth Rental Exit and the detailed duties in Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained.

Key Takeaways

• You are entitled to reasonable written notice before showings.
• Document every visit with dated notes, photos or messages.
• Contact the Tribunal administratif du logement early if problems continue.

FAQ

Can my landlord show the unit during my notice period?

Yes, landlords commonly show a unit while a notice period runs, but they must provide reasonable written notice and respect reasonable hours; you retain rights to privacy and quiet enjoyment.

Do I have to let them in if I do not agree with the time?

No, you can refuse an unreasonable time and propose alternatives; persistent unreasonable requests should be documented and may be raised with the Tribunal.

What evidence helps if I file with the Tribunal?

Include copies of written notices, your written replies, a dated log of visits, and photos or videos showing who attended and when.

How-To

1. Ask for written notice specifying date, time window and the purpose of the entry.
2. Reply in writing with acceptable times or a refusal of unreasonable hours.
3. Document the visit immediately after it happens with photos and a short log.
4. If the landlord ignores rules or enters without proper notice, file an application with the Tribunal administratif du logement.

Help and Support / Resources

• Tribunal administratif du logement  Official site for disputes and forms
• Government of Quebec  Rental rules, leases and ending a lease
• Civil Code of Quebec  Relevant articles on leases and obligations

1. [1] Tribunal administratif du logement
2. [2] Tribunal administrative du logement  forms and guides
3. [3] Civil Code of Quebec

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