Tenancy rules

Rent Increase Limit

• 2025 Rent Increase Cap: 3%.

• Applicability: All rental units, unless they meet specific exemption criteria (such as certain social welfare housing).

• Notice Period: Landlords must provide written notice of rent increase at least 3 months in advance.

Eviction Protection

• No-Fault Evictions:

  • Landlords must provide a valid reason to terminate a lease, such as for personal use, major renovations, or property sale.

  • If the eviction is due to property sale, personal use, or a relative moving in, the landlord must compensate the tenant with an amount equal to 1 month's rent.

  • If the eviction is for major renovations, the landlord must compensate the tenant with an amount equal to 3 months' rent and must offer the original tenant the first right to return once renovations are completed.

• Eviction Notice Period:

  • Personal use, property sale, or relative moving in: 2 months' notice in advance.

  • Major renovations: 4 months' notice in advance.

Pet Policy

• Pet Restrictions:

  • Landlords cannot completely ban tenants from having pets but can set reasonable limits (such as on the number or type of pets).

  • If pets cause damage or disturb other tenants, the landlord may ask the tenant to take action or terminate the lease.

Maintenance and Repairs

• Landlord's Responsibility:

  • Landlords must ensure the rental unit meets health and safety standards and address repair requests in a timely manner.

  • If the landlord fails to make repairs within a reasonable time, tenants can file a complaint with the Residential Tenancy Branch (RTB) and apply for rent reduction or termination of the lease.

• Emergency Repairs:

  • Tenants can arrange emergency repairs and deduct the related costs from the rent (receipts must be provided).

Deposit Regulations

• Deposit Amount:

  • Landlords can charge a maximum of half a month's rent as a security deposit.

  • If agreed upon, landlords can charge an additional half-month rent as a pet deposit.

• Deposit Refund:

  • The landlord must return the deposit within 15 days of the end of the lease or provide a detailed explanation of any deductions.

  • If the tenant disagrees with the deductions, they can apply for arbitration with the RTB.

Lease Agreement

• Written Agreement:

  • All lease agreements must be in writing, clearly stating terms such as rent, lease duration, and deposits.

  • Landlords must provide a lease terms disclosure before the tenant signs the agreement.

• Fixed-Term Lease:

  • After the fixed-term lease ends, the tenant has the right to automatically transition to a month-to-month lease unless the landlord provides a valid reason to terminate the lease.

Tenant Rights and Obligations

• Tenant Rights:

  • Tenants have the right to a quiet and safe living environment.

  • Tenants have the right to request rent receipts from the landlord.

• Tenant Obligations:

  • Tenants must pay rent on time and maintain cleanliness and order in the rental unit.

  • Tenants may not sublet or assign the lease without written consent from the landlord.

Dispute Resolution

• Residential Tenancy Branch (RTB):

  • If a dispute arises between a tenant and landlord, the tenant can apply for arbitration through the RTB.

  • The RTB offers online application services and will make a decision based on the specific situation.

How to Get More Information

• Visit the Residential Tenancy Branch (RTB) website for the latest rules, forms, and resources.

• Consult the Tenant Resource & Advisory Centre (TRAC) for free legal advice and support.