Can a tenant refuse viewings?

In Alberta, a landlord can show your home to buyers or mortgage lenders, directly or through a real estate broker, at any time during the tenancy. Each showing needs its own signed written notice served at least 24 hours ahead, for an entry between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. that is not on a Sunday or holiday unless you agree. Showings to prospective tenants are allowed only after a notice ending a periodic tenancy has been served, or in the last month of a fixed term.

With proper notice you cannot refuse, and you cannot block a showing because you will not be home. You do not have to be there, but the landlord cannot insist that you leave. A notice covering several days is not allowed, so you can turn away a showing that relies on one.

In BC, when a landlord is selling or re-renting, each showing needs 24 hours' written notice, which cannot be sent by text message, unless you and the landlord agreed to a schedule in writing. The entry must be between 8 a.m. and 9 p.m. unless you agree to another time. The landlord or their agent must be present, and a lock box cannot be used without your permission.

Once proper notice is given you must not prevent the showing, but you can refuse one that is unreasonable or unlawful. You may stay while the unit is shown, and the landlord cannot require you to leave. If showings become a problem, the Residential Tenancy Branch can suspend or set conditions on the landlord's right to enter.

In Manitoba, a landlord can show the unit to buyers after giving written notice 24 hours to 2 weeks ahead, with the purpose and reasonable times. If the days or hours do not work for you, object and propose reasonable alternatives. If you do not, the landlord may enter as the notice says, even if you are not home.

Prospective tenants can be shown the unit once a notice of termination has been given, before you move out. The Act lists these showings separately, without the written notice rule that applies to buyers, so ask the landlord to tell you when they plan to come, and contact the Residential Tenancies Branch if showings become unreasonable.

In Saskatchewan, a buyer can view the unit with 24 hours' notice or your consent. Prospective tenants can be shown the unit only after you have given notice to end the tenancy, or in the last 2 months of a fixed term, and the landlord must give notice and wait at least 2 hours after you receive it. All showings must be between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. and not on a Sunday or your day of religious worship.

Refusing a showing that follows these rules is risky: since the 2021 changes to the Act, improperly denying the landlord access is a ground to end the tenancy. If a showing does not meet the rules, say so in writing and suggest a time that does.

In Ontario, a landlord can let a potential buyer view the unit with 24 hours' written notice that states the reason, the day and a time between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. A registered real estate broker or salesperson can enter for that purpose with the landlord's written authorization, and with proper notice the entry can happen even if you are not home.

Once a notice to end the tenancy has been given, or you and the landlord have agreed to end it, the landlord can show the unit to prospective tenants without written notice, between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m., after telling you or making a reasonable effort to. Stopping a landlord from entering after proper notice is an offence. If the landlord does not follow the rules, you can apply to the Landlord and Tenant Board within one year.

In New Brunswick, a landlord can show the unit to buyers or mortgage lenders with at least 24 hours' signed written notice, and to prospective tenants with 24 hours' notice. If your lease says so, no notice is needed for showings to prospective tenants in the last rental period. Showings must be between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. and not on a Sunday or holiday, unless you agree at the time.

The government says no one may obstruct a landlord who has served proper notice. You do not have to be home, but you must make sure your pets are secured. Check your lease for the last-period showing clause so you know what to expect once you give notice.

In Nova Scotia, when the landlord is selling or renting the unit, a real estate agent must be allowed in with 24 hours' notice, and the agent may be asked to show proof of authorization from the owner. Written entry notices must state a reasonable purpose and a time between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m., unless you agree to another time.

The Act gives you no right to refuse a properly noticed showing, but an open house can only be held with your consent. If you are willing to host one, agree on the date and time in writing.

In PEI, a landlord, or an agent with the landlord's written authorization, can show the unit to a potential buyer with 24 hours' written notice. Showings to prospective tenants are allowed only once the tenancy is set to end, with 24 hours' written notice, between 9 a.m. and 9 p.m., and after the landlord makes a reasonable effort to tell you first.

You cannot block a showing the Act allows. You may be present if you want, but the landlord does not have to wait for you and cannot require you to be home or away. If a landlord enters without following the rules, the tenant application to the Rental Office (Form 2(A)) covers it.

In Newfoundland and Labrador, once you or the landlord has given a termination notice, the landlord can show the unit to prospective tenants or buyers at a reasonable time after making a reasonable effort to give you at least 4 hours' notice. Before any termination notice, showings, including to buyers when the home is for sale, need the normal 24 hours' written notice.

With proper notice the landlord can enter without your consent, even when you are out. If the landlord does not give proper notice and reasons, you may end the tenancy for interference with your peaceful enjoyment and privacy, with 5 to 14 days' notice. A sale does not shorten your tenancy: the new owner takes over your agreement.