Difference between revisions of "Living in Peace When Renting"

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(Created page with "{{DEMOWARNING}} {{Tenant Survival Guide TOC}} '''Do''' collect evidence if you suspect your landlord is entering your place illegally. Illegal entry can be difficult to prove...")
 
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*You have abandoned the place. (Phone the [http://www.tenants.bc.ca/main/?home Tenant Information Line] or the [[Residential Tenancy Branch]] for information on abandonment.)
*You have abandoned the place. (Phone the [http://www.tenants.bc.ca/main/?home Tenant Information Line] or the [[Residential Tenancy Branch]] for information on abandonment.)
*The ''[[Residential Tenancy Act]]'' allows the landlord to inspect the rental unit once a month as long as you are given the proper notice. ''See Sections 28 and 29 of the [[Residential Tenancy Act|RTA]]''
*The ''[[Residential Tenancy Act]]'' allows the landlord to inspect the rental unit once a month as long as you are given the proper notice. ''See Sections 28 and 29 of the [[Residential Tenancy Act|RTA]]''
===Notice to enter===
Written notice to enter your place must be served in accordance with the ''[[Residential Tenancy Act]].'' If the landlord puts the notice in your mailbox or mail slot it is not considered received until after three days from the day it was delivered. If it was mailed, then it is not considered received until after five days from when it was mailed. If you receive the notice in person then the notice period begins when the notice is handed to you. ''See Section 88 of the [[Residential Tenancy Act|RTA]]''
===What hours can your landlord enter?===
Unless you agree to something else, your landlord can only come into your suite between the hours of 8 a.m. and 9 p.m.
===Illegal entries===
If your landlord is entering your place illegally you should talk to the landlord about your privacy and write a letter. Tell the landlord that the law says you need at least 24 hours written notice of entry and only for purposes allowed by the ''[[Residential Tenancy Act'']]. Keep a copy of the letter. It is very important that you collect proof if you suspect that your landlord is entering your place illegally. This can be difficult. It is best to have a witness to the illegal entry.
===Dispute resolution for loss of privacy===
You can apply for [[Dispute Resolutoin for Tenants|dispute resolution]] if the landlord interferes with your right to privacy. The [[Residential Tenancy Branch]] can:
*Give you permission to change your locks and keep the only key. The RTB can also order the landlord to pay for the cost of the new lock.
*Allow the landlord to enter only under certain conditions.
*Order the landlord to pay you money for the loss of your privacy.

Revision as of 22:56, 23 January 2014


Do collect evidence if you suspect your landlord is entering your place illegally. Illegal entry can be difficult to prove in a dispute resolution hearing. Don’t change your locks without your landlord’s written permission or an order from the Residential Tenancy Branch, unless it’s an emergency.


Privacy in your home[edit]

When can a landlord enter?[edit]

You have the right to privacy in your home. In legal language, privacy is the right to “exclusive possession and quiet enjoyment.” Your landlord is only allowed to enter your place under these circumstances:

  • An emergency, like a fire or flood.
  • Your landlord gives you between 24 hours and 30 days written notice, saying exactly what date and time they want to come in, and giving you a good reason.
  • Your landlord knocks on your door and you say it’s okay to come in. But remember—you have the right to say no and ask for written notice.
  • You tell your landlord they can come in for a certain reason.
  • You live in a hotel that has a cleaning service. The cleaner must enter at a reasonable time.
  • Your landlord has an order from the Residential Tenancy Branch to enter your suite.
  • You have abandoned the place. (Phone the Tenant Information Line or the Residential Tenancy Branch for information on abandonment.)
  • The Residential Tenancy Act allows the landlord to inspect the rental unit once a month as long as you are given the proper notice. See Sections 28 and 29 of the RTA

Notice to enter[edit]

Written notice to enter your place must be served in accordance with the Residential Tenancy Act. If the landlord puts the notice in your mailbox or mail slot it is not considered received until after three days from the day it was delivered. If it was mailed, then it is not considered received until after five days from when it was mailed. If you receive the notice in person then the notice period begins when the notice is handed to you. See Section 88 of the RTA

What hours can your landlord enter?[edit]

Unless you agree to something else, your landlord can only come into your suite between the hours of 8 a.m. and 9 p.m.

Illegal entries[edit]

If your landlord is entering your place illegally you should talk to the landlord about your privacy and write a letter. Tell the landlord that the law says you need at least 24 hours written notice of entry and only for purposes allowed by the Residential Tenancy Act''. Keep a copy of the letter. It is very important that you collect proof if you suspect that your landlord is entering your place illegally. This can be difficult. It is best to have a witness to the illegal entry.

Dispute resolution for loss of privacy[edit]

You can apply for dispute resolution if the landlord interferes with your right to privacy. The Residential Tenancy Branch can:

  • Give you permission to change your locks and keep the only key. The RTB can also order the landlord to pay for the cost of the new lock.
  • Allow the landlord to enter only under certain conditions.
  • Order the landlord to pay you money for the loss of your privacy.