Entry and Access Rights

In Campus Housing, entry and access rights are distinct from those in off-campus housing due to specific exemptions in the Residential Tenancies Act that apply to University and College operated housing. As part of your agreement with NSCC and your Campus Housing Contract, NSCC staff and contractors have the right to enter your living space under specific circumstances. Below are the key instances when entry may occur:

Emergency Situations:

• In cases where the safety, health, or wellbeing of a student or the Campus Housing building is at immediate risk, Campus Housing staff or other College staff may enter your room without prior notice.
• This could include events like fire, flooding, or a medical emergency.
• The safety of residents and the building will always be the top priority.

Reasonable Grounds for Violations:

• If there are reasonable grounds to believe that a violation of the Campus Housing Community Standards has taken place or is actively happening, Campus Housing or college staff may enter your space.
• This includes situations where there are concerns about noise, illegal activities, or other behaviors that negatively impact the safety and integrity of the housing community.

Routine Maintenance, or Inspections:

• In order to maintain the property, or conduct inspections, Campus Housing staff may need access to your room.
  • These activities are typically scheduled in advance whenever possible, but staff may need to enter without prior notice in the event of unscheduled or emergency repairs.
• Routine inspections are conducted to ensure the health, safety, and upkeep of the housing facilities.

Student-Requested Maintenance:

• If a student submits a request for maintenance or repairs in their room, Campus Housing staff have the right to enter to complete the requested work.
• While every effort will be made to schedule this at a convenient time, it is understood that access may be required at a mutually agreed-upon time during business hours which at 8AM – 5PM.

Understanding Exemptions under the Residential Tenancies Act:
It’s important to understand that the Residential Tenancies Act, which governs the rights and responsibilities of tenants in most off-campus rental situations, does not apply the same way to Campus Housing. While tenants in off-campus housing situations typically have a right to a notice period (usually 24 hours) before a property owner can enter, Campus Housing follows different regulations because of its classification as student housing. This means that College representatives may enter student rooms under the circumstances listed above, even without prior notice in some cases.

The intent of the Campus Housing Community Standards, and other college policies to ensure the safety, well-being, and smooth operation of Campus Housing. If you have any questions or concerns about these entry and access rights, please reach out to Campus Housing staff for clarification.