Renting

Tenants in BC can get free help from the Tenant Resource & Advisory Centre (TRAC), which provides information, workshops, and a tenant hotline.

The Residential Tenancy Branch resolves disputes between landlords and tenants and offers guidance on tenancy laws. People’s Law School also has easy-to-understand legal information. If you need legal advice or representation, Access Pro Bono may be able to connect you with free or low cost services.

As a tenant in BC, you have the right to safe housing, privacy, and protection under the Residential Tenancy Act. Your landlord must keep the rental property in good repair, follow legal procedures for rent increases, and respect your right to quiet enjoyment. You must pay rent on time, keep the unit reasonably clean, and not disturb other tenants. Both tenants and landlords must follow written tenancy agreements and BC tenancy laws. Learn more at the Residential Tenancy Branch.

No. In BC, a landlord cannot evict you without proper written notice. The amount of notice depends on the reason. For example, unpaid rent may require 10 days’ notice, while a landlord ending tenancy for purchaser or landlord occupancy requires at least 3 months’ notice. Eviction notices must follow rules under the Residential Tenancy Act. If you receive a notice, you may dispute it through the Residential Tenancy Branch. You must act quickly to dispute the eviction notice. Read the notice carefully and be sure to pay attention to the deadlines. If you do not dispute the eviction within the number of days listed on the notice, you will have to move out. Details are available here.

In BC, landlords can only raise rent once every 12 months, and only by the maximum amount set each year by the provincial government. The 2025 rent increase limit for residential tenancies is 3%. The 2026 rent increase limit for residential tenancies is 2.3%. . Landlords must give tenants 3 full months’ written notice before the increase takes effect. Any increase above the legal limit requires approval from the Residential Tenancy Branch. Check the current limits here.

You should immediately let your landlord know, in writing, if repairs are needed. Take pictures of the damage and a record of all your communications with the landlord. Landlords are responsible for ensuring the rental unit is safe and maintained. If repairs are not made, you can apply for dispute resolution with the Residential Tenancy Branch, which has authority to order repairs. Do not withhold rent unless authorized by the Branch. Learn more here.

To get your security deposit back, you must provide your landlord with your forwarding address in writing within a year of moving out (though as close to the move out date is better). The landlord then has 15 days to

1. return your deposit;
2. get your written permission to keep some or all of your deposit, and return any amount owed to you; or
3. apply for dispute resolution to keep some or all of your deposit.

 The landlord cannot simply keep part of the deposit.  If the landlord does not return the deposit in time, you can apply to the Branch to get your money back. More details are available here.

Before moving into a rental, review and sign a written tenancy agreement. Walk through the unit with your landlord and complete a Condition Inspection Report, noting any existing damage. Take photos for your records. Pay your security deposit (usually half a month’s rent) and get a receipt. Doing this protects your rights when moving out. Learn more here.

If you cannot resolve a problem with your landlord directly, you can apply for dispute resolution through the Residential Tenancy Branch. This process is similar to a hearing where both sides present evidence. You can apply online, by mail, or in person at Service BC. The Branch can make legally binding decisions on repairs, rent, deposits, and eviction issues. Start here.

No. Your landlord must give you at least 24 hours’ written notice before entering your rental unit, except in emergencies. The notice must state the reason and time of entry, and it must be between 8 a.m. and 9 p.m. You have the right to privacy and quiet enjoyment of your home. Learn more here.

If your landlord sells the property, the new owner becomes your landlord and must follow your tenancy agreement. The sale itself is not a valid reason to evict you. However, if the new owner or a close family member wants to move in, they may serve you a 3 -month eviction notice. In that case, you’re entitled to one month’s rent as compensation. See this article.