BC Tenancy RulesBC省租赁规则

Tenancy rules at a glance

Rule 1

Tenancy agreements and deposits

Most BC rentals are covered by the Residential Tenancy Act, run by the Residential Tenancy Branch (RTB).

• Agreement: both sides sign and date it. If the landlord does not write one, the standard terms in the Act still apply.
• Fixed-term or month-to-month: a fixed term that ends without a new agreement usually becomes month-to-month on the same terms. "Vacate clauses" are only allowed in limited cases.
• Security deposit: no more than half of one month's rent, and a pet damage deposit of no more than another half month.
• Condition inspection: the landlord and tenant inspect the unit together at move-in and move-out and sign a report.
• Getting it back: the landlord must return the deposit, or apply to keep it, within 15 days of the end of the tenancy and receiving the tenant's forwarding address in writing.
• Late fees: only if the agreement says so, and limited to a small amount.

Rule 2

Rent increases

• Rent can rise once every 12 months, with 3 full months' written notice on the official form.
• The cap is set each August from BC inflation. A $2,000 rent can rise by at most $44 a month in 2027.
• Tenants do not have to agree to more than the cap. A landlord must apply to the RTB for a higher increase.
• The cap does not apply to commercial leases, co-ops, rent-geared-to-income non-profit housing or some assisted living.

Rule 3

Landlord entry, privacy and repairs

• Entry: a landlord needs 24 hours' written notice stating the reason and time (between 8 a.m. and 9 p.m.), unless it is an emergency or the tenant agrees.
• Showings to buyers or new tenants are allowed with proper notice, and the tenant's belongings must be protected. A tenant cannot be required to leave during a showing.
• Repairs: the landlord must keep the unit safe and in good repair. Tenants pay for damage they or their guests cause.
• Emergency repairs: a tenant may arrange urgent repairs after trying to reach the landlord, and be reimbursed.
• A tenant has the right to quiet enjoyment and cannot have services cut off as a way to force them out.

Rule 4

Ending a tenancy

By the landlord

• Landlord and buyer use notices must be created through the RTB web portal. Tenants usually have 21 days to dispute.
• The new occupant must live in the unit for at least 12 months. If not, the former tenant can claim up to 12 months' rent.
• Renovation notices need all permits first. Landlord use is limited in larger buildings with five or more rental units under the same owner.
• Only notices on the official forms, served the right way, count. Landlords cannot evict by changing locks or removing belongings.

By the tenant

A month-to-month tenant gives one full month's written notice, before the day rent is due. A tenant on a fixed term can leave at the end of the term, or earlier if the landlord seriously breaches the agreement and does not fix it after written notice.

Rule 5

Selling or buying a tenanted property

• By default the tenancy continues. The buyer becomes the new landlord on the same terms, including the deposit and the rent.
• Buyer wants it empty? The buyer must ask the seller in writing, after removing all conditions. The seller then serves the 3-month notice (RTB-32P) and pays the compensation. The buyer or close family must move in.
• Sellers: give proper notice for showings and photos, and do not pressure tenants to leave. Tenants who are cooperating can negotiate a "cash for keys" agreement, in writing.
• Buyers: ask for the tenancy agreement, rent amount, deposit, move-in report and any notices, and check if rent is below the market rate. Put these in your offer conditions.
• Strata units: bylaws may restrict rentals or require forms. Check them before buying an investment unit.

Rule 6

Disputes and getting help

• RTB dispute resolution: either side can apply online, by phone or at a Service BC office. Many hearings are now by phone, and unpaid rent cases are faster than other cases.
• Tenants have a short time to dispute a notice. If you miss the deadline, the notice usually stands.
• Orders of possession: only the RTB can order a tenant out, and a bailiff enforces it.
• Contact the RTB: 1-800-665-8779 (toll-free in BC), or the RTB website.
• Short-term rentals follow different rules. See our Current Policy page.