A landlord may increase rent for an existing renter once a year. The maximum increase for 2020, the maximum rental increase is 2.6%, to accommodate for inflation. Renters must be given three full months’ notice prior to a rent increase.
More subsidies are available through the Rental Assistance Program (RAP) and Shelter Aid For Elderly Renters (SAFER) to help low-income British Columbians live in the communities they love.
A landlord cannot renovict their renters simply because it would be easier or more economical to complete the work. When renovations are necessary, renters will have the choice to stay in their homes or, for major renovations, be compensated to move or terminate a tenancy.
To take action against landlords and renters who are repeat or serious offenders, a new Compliance and Enforcement Unit has been created within the Residential Tenancy Branch.
Through the largest investment in housing in BC’s history, more than 11,000 affordable rental homes are underway or complete today.
To make sure lease renewal doesn’t come with an unfair rent hike, renters who stay in the same unit can’t be asked to agree to a rent increase simply for signing a new lease. Rent can only be increased once a year.
What should I do before moving out?
I have my Residential Tenancy Decision – now what?
What should I know before I rent a new home?
What do I do if my landlord has stopped providing a service or facility?
What do I do if my landlord won’t allow me to have guests?
How do I dispute a rent increase?
What do I do if my rental unit or property needs repairs?
What do I do if my landlord doesn’t follow proper process for entering my rental unit?
How do I sublet or re-assign the tenancy agreement to another renter?
What should I do if I’ve received a notice to end tenancy?
What are the rules for getting a deposit back after the tenancy ends?
Whether you’re a landlord or a renter, be sure you understand the process for deposits at the beginning and end of a tenancy.
Make sure you know the rules surrounding how and when a renter can serve their notice.
There are serious consequences for renters and landlords who do not comply with B.C.’s tenancy laws.
Landlords are required to prepare a written agreement for every tenancy. Even if a landlord doesn’t prepare one, the standard terms of a tenancy agreement still apply.
Landlords and renters share responsibility for maintaining the rental property. Failing to fulfill responsibilities could mean that one party has to reimburse the other for repair or maintenance expenses.
Depending on the situation in a tenancy, there are specific forms that will help ensure the process is completed properly.
It’s okay if a landlord and renter change their minds about ending a tenancy – as long as they agree to it in writing.
Dispute resolution is the formal process for resolving disagreements between landlords and renters – it’s similar to a court proceeding.
