When can a BC landlord enter? The 24-hour notice rule (RTA section 29)

When a BC landlord may enter: written notice 24 hours to 30 days ahead, a reasonable purpose, 8 a.m. to 9 p.m., and the exceptions such as emergencies.

Last checked November 8, 2026. Every rule below names its source; the official pages are listed at the end with their own dates.

In short

A landlord needs a written notice given at least 24 hours and no more than 30 days before entering.
The notice states a reasonable purpose and a date and time between 8 a.m. and 9 p.m., unless you agree otherwise.
Exceptions: your permission, an emergency, an abandoned unit, an order of the director, or services in a written agreement.

Canadian cities: rents and vacancy BC home prices by city and town

What section 29 says

Under section 29(1) of the Residential Tenancy Act, a landlord must not enter a rental unit for any purpose unless one of these applies:

the tenant gives permission at the time of the entry, or not more than 30 days before it;
at least 24 hours and not more than 30 days before the entry, the landlord gives the tenant written notice with the purpose for entering, which must be reasonable, and the date and time, which must be between 8 a.m. and 9 p.m. unless the tenant agrees otherwise;
the landlord provides housekeeping or related services under the terms of a written tenancy agreement;
the landlord has an order of the director (the Residential Tenancy Branch);
the tenant has abandoned the unit;
an emergency exists and the entry is necessary to protect life or property.

Section 29(2) adds that a landlord may inspect a rental unit monthly, with notice as above.

When the notice counts as received

The 24 hours start when the notice is received. Section 90 of the Act says that, unless it was received earlier, a notice is treated as received:

How it was given	Treated as received
Attached to the door (or another obvious place)	On the third day after it was attached
Left in the mailbox or mail slot	On the third day
Mailed	On the fifth day after mailing
E-mailed to an address given for service (Regulation s.43-44)	On the third day after it was e-mailed

The Residential Tenancy Branch has no special form for a notice of entry; a written notice with the required details is enough.

If you disagree

The Act does not list approved purposes; it says the purpose must be reasonable. If a landlord and tenant disagree about entry, the Residential Tenancy Branch can decide. Start with its page Landlord access to rental units.

Rents and vacancy in BC cities

Live data: rents and vacancy

City	Average two-bedroom rent	1 year	Rental vacancy
Vancouver, BC	C$2,364	+2.2%	3.7%
Victoria, BC	C$2,121	+6.3%	3.1%
Kelowna, BC	C$2,098	+9.5%	6.3%

Source: CMHC Rental Market Survey via Statistics Canada (October 2025 survey). Data updated November 08, 2026.

All Canadian cities

Questions

How much notice must a BC landlord give before entering?

Written notice at least 24 hours and not more than 30 days before the entry, with a reasonable purpose and a date and time between 8 a.m. and 9 p.m. (RTA s.29(1)(b)).

Can a landlord enter without notice in an emergency?

Yes, when an emergency exists and the entry is necessary to protect life or property (RTA s.29(1)(f)).

Can my landlord come at 10 p.m.?

Only if you agree. A notice must set a time between 8 a.m. and 9 p.m. unless the tenant agrees otherwise.

If the notice is taped to my door, when does the 24 hours start?

A notice attached to the door is treated as received on the third day after it was attached, unless you received it earlier (RTA s.90). The 24 hours count from receipt.

Sources

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Last checked November 8, 2026. General information only - not financial, legal, tax or real estate advice. Rules change: confirm with the official source or a licensed professional before you act.