Housing and rent

Owning a home
Information about owning a home in B.C. including homeowner grants, property taxes, assessments, repairs, maintenance and more.

Definitions and key concepts for BC’s short-term rental legislation
Find definitions and key concepts related to B.C.’s Short-Term Rental Accommodations Act and regulations on this page.

Moving out of rental units
There can be a lot to think about when moving out of a rental unit. Make sure to consider all legal rights and responsibilities when ending a tenancy.

Items left behind
The Residential Tenancy Act and the Unclaimed Property Act outline the rules for abandonment of personal property. Landlords must follow specific steps when removing and disposing of a tenant’s abandoned personal property.

Rent
Tenants and landlords have roles, rights and responsibilities related to paying rent and rent increases. Tenants must pay their full rent on time as required in their tenancy agreement.

Evictions
An eviction, or notice to end tenancy, is when a landlord requires a tenant to move out of a rental unit. Learn the rules and processes for evictions.

Residential tenancies
Tenants and landlords can find information to guide them from the start of a tenancy to the end. Learn what tools and resources are available and what to do if you need help.

Types of rental housing situations
Most rental housing situations are covered by the Residential Tenancy Act and the Manufactured Home Park Tenancy Act, but some are not. It’s important to know which laws govern your tenancy. Find out more about what is covered by B.C.’s tenancy laws based on the housing types listed below.

Landlord access to rental units
Landlords can access rental units in certain situations. Tenants should be aware of situations where the landlord will be accessing the unit.

Move-in condition inspection
A move-in condition inspection is also called a walk through. The landlord and tenant walk through the unit together and document any damages or concerns. Move-in condition inspections are important for determining who should pay for any damages to the unit.

Pets and tenancy
Landlords state whether pets are allowed at a rental property in the tenancy agreement. Tenants must follow the pet rules stated in the tenancy agreement. Landlords can limit pet size, type, number of pets and set reasonable pet-related rules.

Natural disasters and tenancy
Natural disasters like wildfires or floods can affect residential tenancies. Tenants must pay their rent while evacuated during a disaster. Landlords must ensure the rental unit is safe and livable before tenants can move back in.

New rules for short-term rentals
To help tackle the housing crisis, B.C. has passed new short-term rental legislation.

Rental property showings and open houses
When a landlord sells a rental property, tenants have a legal right to peace and quiet in their unit while the tenancy continues.

Tenancy forms
This page includes important tenancy forms for landlords and tenants.

End a tenancy
Landlords and tenants must end tenancies lawfully. Learn about landlord and tenant rights and responsibilities when ending a tenancy.

Communication during a tenancy
Landlords and tenants should communicate calmly, in writing, with factual observations relating to the tenancy. Landlords have a responsibility to give proper notice when they need to enter the rental unit, end or restrict a service, or end the tenancy.