NOTICE OF ENTRY for British Columbia: In British Columbia, the Residential Tenancy Act (RTA) is very specific about a landlord’s right to access a rental unit. Under Section 29, a landlord must provide at least 24 hours’ (and no more than 30 days’) written notice stating the purpose of entry and the date/time. In British Columbia, landlords must use a written Notice to Enter (often 24-Hour Notice to Enter) form to legally access a rental unit. It must specify the date, time (between 8 a.m. and 9 p.m.), and a valid reason for entry. Notice must be given at least 24 hours, but not more than 30 days, in advance.

Post 24-Hour Notice to Enter:

This info is designed for Mr. Locksmith™ clients to ensure they remain legally compliant when scheduling rekeying or security audits. NOTE: Please check with your Lawyer or the Residential Tenancy Branch of BC

NOTICE OF ENTRY

TO THE TENANT(S) OF: ________________________________________ (Unit/Suite #)

This is a formal notice that an authorized representative of the Landlord/Property Manager, accompanied by a Licensed Locksmith will be entering your premises.

1. DATE AND TIME OF ENTRY

Date: __________________________________________________
Time Window: Between ____________ AM/PM and ____________ AM/PM

2. PURPOSE OF ENTRY

The purpose of this entry is as follows (checked items apply):

[ ] Routine Maintenance: Testing smoke detectors, door hardware, and locks.
[ ] Security Audit: Inspecting entry points and ensuring compliance with fire codes.
[ ] Lock Rekeying: Updating the master key system for building security.
[ ] Repairs: Fixing a reported issue with the lock, handle-set, or door closer.
[ ] Emergency Inspection: (Requires no notice, but being documented for records).

3. PROFESSIONAL SERVICE PROVIDER

All lock and door services will be performed by a Locksmith. Our technicians bonded, and insured.

Authorized by: ________________________________________ (Landlord/Agent Signature) Date Issued: _________________________ (Must be at least 24 hours prior to entry)

Important Information for Tenants (BC RTA Compliance)

Access: You are not required to be home during this time, though you may be present if you wish.
Pets: Please ensure all pets are secured in a kennel or a separate room (such as a bathroom) to ensure the safety of our technicians and your animals.
Privacy: The entry will be limited to the areas necessary to complete the stated security or maintenance work.

Legal Strategy for Property Managers

Service of Notice: In BC, “giving” notice has specific timelines. If you post this on a door, it is considered received 3 days after it is posted. To enter in 24 hours, the notice must be handed to the tenant in person.
Licensed Locksmith Requirement: In British Columbia, any person performing locksmithing work must hold a valid Security Worker License. Mr. Locksmith™ ensures all technicians carry their credentials at all times.
Master Keying Benefits: Using this entry to transition to a restricted keyway (like MX or Schlage Primus) prevents unauthorized key duplication by tenants, significantly reducing the frequency of rekeying needed upon move-outs.

NOTE: Please check with your Lawyer or the Residential Tenancy Branch of BC

The Residential Tenancy Branch (RTB) in BC provides dispute resolution, information, and education for landlords and tenants, with offices at 400 – 5021 Kingsway, Burnaby, BC. They manage rights and responsibilities under the Residential Tenancy Act, accessible via 604-660-1020 or 1-800-665-8779. Services are available Monday–Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.