Can a Landlord Give a Broad Notice of Entry, or Is a Specific Time Required?
A landlord cannot simply state that entry will occur “sometime during the day.” The law requires more precision.
In most situations, a landlord must provide at least 24 hours’ written notice, and that notice must include a reasonable and defined time window for entry—not a vague or overly broad range.
Understanding these requirements is important for both landlords and tenants. If notice is defective, entry may be unlawful. If you are unsure whether a notice complies with the law, Babbar Legal can help assess the situation and advise on next steps.
What the Law Requires for Entry
Under section 27 of the Residential Tenancies Act, 2006, a landlord may enter a rental unit for specific purposes—such as repairs, inspections, or showings—but only if proper notice is given (unless there is an emergency).
That notice must:
- Be provided at least 24 hours in advance
- Clearly state the reason for entry
- Specify the date of entry
- Include a time of entry between 8:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m.
While the Act requires a “time of entry,” it does not explicitly define how narrow that time must be. However, this gap has been clarified through case law.
A Reasonable Time Window Is Required
The courts and Landlord and Tenant Board have made it clear that a landlord cannot rely on a broad or open-ended time range.
In Wrona v. Toronto Community Housing Corporation (2007 CanLII 3228), the court confirmed that:
- A notice must specify a reasonable timeframe within the permitted hours
- A wide window—such as several hours or most of the day—may not comply with the requirement
The decision emphasized that tenants should not be left waiting indefinitely. At the same time, landlords are not expected to provide an exact minute of entry. The requirement is one of reasonableness, balancing both parties’ interests.
In practical terms, a short and specific window (for example, a couple of hours) is generally expected, whereas a notice stating entry will occur “between 8:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m.” would likely be considered insufficient.
Entry Includes More Than Just the Interior
It is also important to understand that the requirement for notice is not limited to the inside of the unit.
If a tenant has exclusive use of areas such as a backyard, shed, or driveway, those areas may form part of the “rental unit.” Entry into those spaces can require the same notice as entry into the unit itself.
This was recognized in P.S. v. Landlord (2012 CanLII 36291), where areas designated for the tenant’s exclusive use were treated as part of the rental unit. As a result, entering those areas without proper notice was found to be a breach of the landlord’s obligations.
Why Proper Notice Matters
Providing proper notice is not just a technical requirement—it protects a tenant’s right to privacy and reasonable enjoyment of their home.
Improper or vague notices can lead to:
- Disputes with tenants
- Applications before the Landlord and Tenant Board
- Potential findings that the landlord has interfered with the tenancy
For landlords, ensuring that notices are clear and compliant helps avoid unnecessary conflict. For tenants, understanding these rules can help protect against improper entry.
Final Thoughts
A landlord cannot issue a notice that simply says entry will occur “at some point” during the day. The law requires a clear and reasonable time window within the permitted hours of 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Getting this wrong can have consequences, particularly if entry is challenged.
If you are dealing with repeated entries, unclear notices, or a dispute about access, Babbar Legal can provide guidance to ensure your rights—and obligations—are properly understood and enforced.