Understand your rights. Know what to do next.

Ask why information is needed, how it will be protected and when it will be deleted. Official guidance supports verifying ID without necessarily retaining a copy and getting written approval for a credit check.

• Never share banking passwords or card security details.
• Keep the application and consent language.
• Protected characteristics and lawful source of income are governed by human-rights law.

Official application guidance ↗

The landlord must prepare a written tenancy agreement and provide a copy within 21 days after the parties enter into it. A missing document does not automatically erase the tenancy or statutory terms.

• Check names, rent, included services and the tenancy type.
• Ask for vague terms to be rewritten.
• Do not accept a waiver of RTA protections at face value.

Official agreement guidance ↗

A security deposit and pet damage deposit are each generally capped at one-half of one month's rent. A landlord cannot charge an application fee.

• Use a traceable payment method.
• Get a receipt and keep the written request.
• Use the RTB calculator for current deposit interest.

Official deposit guidance ↗

Tenant insurance commonly addresses belongings, personal liability and additional living expenses. The building owner's policy does not replace it. Requirements in a tenancy agreement and responsibility for damage remain fact-specific.

• Compare limits, deductibles, exclusions and valuation.
• Ask what proof the landlord reasonably needs.
• Verify sellers through the Insurance Council.

BC tenant-insurance guidance ↗

For 2026, the general annual limit is 2.3%. An increase is generally allowed only once every 12 months and requires three full months' notice using the approved form.

• Record when and how the notice arrived.
• Use the official calculator.
• Get advice before withholding rent.

Current rent-increase rules ↗

Report problems in writing with the date, impact and requested fix. Emergency repairs are narrowly defined and usually require at least two attempts to reach the designated contact plus a reasonable wait.

• Photograph the condition and resulting damage.
• Keep all receipts.
• Do not simply deduct ordinary repair costs from rent.

Official repair guidance ↗

Unless an exception applies, notice is generally required 24 hours to 30 days before entry and must state the date, reason and time between 8 a.m. and 9 p.m.

• Keep every entry notice.
• Record unannounced or repeated entries.
• Emergencies and tenant consent are different.

Official access guidance ↗

Landlords generally cannot unreasonably restrict guests or charge guest fees. Occupants and sublets raise different agreement and permission questions.

• Check whether the person pays rent and whether the tenant moved out.
• Read the agreement's occupant terms.
• Get written consent before subletting or assigning.

Official guest guidance ↗

Follow emergency directions and document the condition only when it is safe. Rent generally remains due during a temporary evacuation. If the damage makes the tenancy impossible to perform, it may instead be legally frustrated and rent is not payable after that event; the RTB can decide if the parties disagree.

• Tell the landlord in writing and keep every reply.
• Contact your insurer about belongings and additional living expenses.
• Do not assume the tenancy ended or stop paying rent without confirming which rule applies.

Official natural-disaster guidance ↗

After both events, the landlord generally has 15 days to return the deposit with interest, get written permission for a deduction or apply to the RTB.

• Attend the move-out inspection.
• Keep photos and both condition reports.
• Prove delivery of the forwarding address.

Official deposit guidance ↗

Identify the claim, respondent, remedy and filing deadline. Match each important fact to a document, photograph, receipt, message or witness.

• Use filenames with dates and short descriptions.
• Keep proof that hearing documents were served.
• Reserve argument for how the evidence connects to the law.

Official dispute-resolution guide ↗