Cutting rent increases
Cutting rent increases
A landlord may increase rent for an existing renter once a year. 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.
Helping families
and seniors afford rent
Helping families and seniors afford rent
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.
Cracking down on renovictions
Cracking down on renovictions
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.
Making sure everyone
follows the rules
Making sure everyone follows the rules
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.
Building and funding new affordable rental homes
Building and funding new affordable rental homes
Through the largest investment in housing in BC’s history, more than 11,000 affordable rental homes are underway or complete today.
Preventing unfair rent increases at lease renewal time
Preventing unfair rent increases at lease renewal time
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q
What should I do before moving out?
Q
I have my Residential Tenancy Decision – now what?
Q
What should I know before I rent a new home?
Q
What do I do if my landlord has stopped providing a service or facility?
Q
What do I do if my landlord won’t allow me to have guests?
Q
How do I dispute a rent increase?
Q
What do I do if my rental unit or property needs repairs?
Q
What do I do if my landlord doesn’t follow proper process for entering my rental unit?
Q
How do I sublet or re-assign the tenancy agreement to another renter?
Q
What should I do if I’ve received a notice to end tenancy?
Q
What are the rules for getting a deposit back after the tenancy ends?
Renters Resources
Deposits
Deposits
Whether you’re a landlord or a renter, be sure you understand the process for deposits at the beginning and end of a tenancy.
Issuing and receiving notices
Issuing and receiving notices
Make sure you know the rules surrounding how and when a renter can serve their notice.
Enforcement process
Enforcement process
There are serious consequences for renters and landlords who do not comply with B.C.’s tenancy laws.
Tenancy Agreements
Tenancy Agreements
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.
Repairs
Repairs
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.
Forms and Fees
Forms and Fees
Depending on the situation in a tenancy, there are specific forms that will help ensure the process is completed properly.
Changing your mind about ending a tenancy
Changing your mind about ending a tenancy
It’s okay if a landlord and renter change their minds about ending a tenancy – as long as they agree to it in writing.
Ending a Tenancy
Solving disputes
Solving disputes
Dispute resolution is the formal process for resolving disagreements between landlords and renters – it’s similar to a court proceeding.
