As part of a new series, the Star is answering common questions from tenants. Do you have questions about renting in Toronto that you want us to answer? Email the Star at renterFAQ@thestar.ca.The question: Maybe you’ve decided to move or maybe your landlord has decided to sell. Either way, you’re likely about to have a whole lot of strangers in your home. Dealing with apartment viewings can be stressful. Can your landlord show up unannounced with prospective tenants in tow? What if there’s constant knocks on your door and a stream of potential buyers looking in your fridge and opening your closets day and night?When it comes to apartment viewings, what rights do tenants have?The answer:In most cases, a tenant can’t bar their landlord from showing their apartment, but there are limitations and rules both landlords and tenants have to follow — and that depends on the context of the viewing, says Caryma Sa’d, a lawyer who specializes in criminal and landlord/tenant law.“If the tenant has provided written notice of termination (of their lease), the landlord needs to make a reasonable effort to provide notice to the tenant (for viewings),” she says. The landlord isn’t required to give written notice of item in this case, she says, but may only enter the unit between the hours of 8 a.m. and 8 p.m.On the other hand, if your landlord is selling the property and showing your unit to potential buyers, 24 hours written notice is required, but the 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. time restriction doesn’t apply, says Cole Webber, a legal clinic worker at Parkdale Community Legal Services.A landlord may also give a broker or real estate agent written permission to enter the unit on their behalf, so long as they have given proper notice to the tenant. Landlords must also accompany prospective renters during all showings.In both instances, there is also no restriction on how frequently the landlord can schedule showings, says Sa’ ...
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