Legal Resources

Everything you need to know in order to start a tenancy. Includes finding housing, deposits, agreements, pets and insurance.

This resource explains the rules landlords must follow about locks and keys. It includes what you need to know when starting a tenancy, during a tenancy, and when ending a tenancy. It includes information on dispute resolution, with previous Residential Tenancy Board decisions.

If you’re experiencing a problem in your tenancy, you should consider putting your concerns in writing to your landlord. TRAC offers the following template letters: Request for Repairs, Request for Return of Deposit, Response to Illegal Eviction Notice, Loss of Quiet Enjoyment, Bed Bugs, and more.

Discusses different types of roommate arrangements: co-tenants, tenants in common, and occupants/roommates. The page emphasizes the importance of having a roommate agreement to prevent disputes and outlines the legal avenues for resolving conflicts. It also includes a template for a roommate agreement.

An agreement template to get you and your roommate or roommates to think about what rules you want to agree to before living together. It can be used when some or all of the roommates will be on the tenancy agreement, or when you’re already living in a rental unit and a roommate will be moving in.

This resource includes a list of repair and maintenance issues that landlords are generally responsible for, what to do when you need an emergency repair, and what is considered reasonable wear and tear versus damage that the tenant must fix.

As a tenant, you have the right to reasonable privacy, and freedom from unreasonable disturbances from both neighbours and landlords. Learn about the rules for when the landlord can enter your unit, and what you can do about excessive noise and other breaches of quiet enjoyment.

Discusses your responsibilities when moving out. This resource gives tips on giving notice, your cleaning responsibilities, inspection reports, and getting your damage deposit back.

While the Residential Tenancy Act is the main piece of legislation that governs tenants’ and landlords’ rights and responsibilities, section 10 of the BC Human Rights Code gives tenants further protections when it comes to discrimination in tenancies. This resource explains the basics of the Human Rights Code as it applies to tenancies.

Tips on finding a place to rent, including potential additional costs, what questions to ask when you view a unit, the signs of a rental scam, what to do if you have a poor credit history, and information on tenant insurance. Includes templates for a cover letter, references list, and pet resumé.