A free, plain-language guide to the basics of renting in BC — what you can expect, what your landlord can and can't do, and where to get help. Part of our work to help people find and keep stable housing.
Most tenancies should have a written agreement. Read it before you sign, and keep a copy. Your landlord must give you a copy within 21 days.
A security deposit can be no more than half of one month's rent. If pets are allowed, the landlord may also collect a separate pet damage deposit of up to half of one month's rent. A landlord cannot ask for more than that.
Do a condition inspection with your landlord when you move in, and write down anything already damaged. You'll do another one when you move out — this protects your deposit.
During your tenancyRent increases. Your landlord can raise the rent only once every 12 months, must use the official RTB notice, and must give you at least three full months' written notice. The province sets a maximum each year — for 2026 the cap is 2.3%. A landlord cannot raise the rent by more than the yearly maximum during a tenancy. Check the RTB website for the current year's limit.
Repairs and maintenance. Your landlord must keep the home in a safe, livable condition and make repairs needed for health and safety. You're responsible for keeping your unit reasonably clean and for damage you or your guests cause beyond normal wear and tear.
Privacy and entry. Your landlord must give you at least 24 hours' written notice before entering (stating the reason and a time between 8 a.m. and 9 p.m.), except in an emergency or if you agree. You have the right to "quiet enjoyment" — reasonable privacy and freedom from significant disturbance.
Ending a tenancyIf you want to move out, give written notice at least one full rental month before the end of the month you want to leave (for a month-to-month tenancy). A fixed-term lease may have different rules — check your agreement.
A landlord can only end a tenancy for reasons allowed by law, using the correct official notice, and you usually have the right to dispute it:
| Reason | Notice required |
|---|---|
| Landlord's or purchaser's own use | 3 full months (you have 21 days to dispute) |
| Demolition or major renovation / change of use | 4 months |
| Breach of the agreement ("for cause") | 1 month |
| Unpaid rent or utilities | 10 days |
If you receive a notice you believe is wrong, you can apply to the RTB to dispute it — but act quickly, because there are short deadlines.
Getting your deposit backGive your landlord your forwarding address in writing. From then, the landlord has 15 days to either return your full deposit (with interest, if any) or apply to the RTB to keep some of it. If they do neither within 15 days, you may be entitled to double your deposit back.
If there's a problemYou don't have to sort things out alone, and getting help usually costs nothing:
