tenancy rules

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.

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 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.

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 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.

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:

• 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.

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.

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.