Legal Resources

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.

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.

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

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.

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 eviction occurs when a landlord legally forces a tenant to move out of a rental unit. If your landlord wants to evict you, they must give you an approved notice with an acceptable reason for eviction according to the Residential Tenancy Act.

A security deposit is money that your landlord collects at the start of the tenancy and holds on to until you move out. Find out more details about it, including pet damage deposits, overpaying deposits, applying deposits toward rent, and getting your deposits returned.

Legal information for all stages of your tenancy — from starting a tenancy to ending one. This resource includes how to resolve disputes.

The Residential Tenancy Branch handles most rental disputes in BC, but there are some exceptions where you’d have to go to court or a tribunal. This resource discusses other options including negotiating a settlement or using an arbitrator.