Legal Resources

Find websites and materials written in plain language.

Logo with the words "British Columbia" and a sun rising behind mountains.

Strata Owners

Government of British Columbia
Strata owners can use this resource to learn more about their legal roles and responsibilities.
Last reviewed July 2025
Logo with the words "British Columbia" and a sun rising behind mountains.

Tenancy Dispute Resolution

Residential Tenancy Branch (Government of BC)
Dispute resolution is the formal process to resolve conflicts between landlords and tenants. It should be the last step in dealing with a tenancy conflict if you're unable to work out a tenancy issue. This page provides information about the dispute resolution process and includes a link to the online application.
Last reviewed July 2025
Logo with the words "British Columbia" and a sun rising behind mountains.

Tenancy Forms

Residential Tenancy Branch (Government of BC)
Provides links to essential tenancy forms grouped by topic: starting a tenancy, rent increases, dispute resolution, dispute resolution decisions and orders, ending a tenancy, and condition inspection. Forms listed alphabetically and by number are also available.
Last reviewed July 2025
Logo with the words "British Columbia" and a sun rising behind mountains.

During a Tenancy

Residential Tenancy Branch (Government of BC)
Information for landlords and tenants about their rights and responsibilities during a tenancy. Covers topics such as rent increases, repairs, landlord’s access to rental properties, possession of the rental unit, quiet enjoyment, changes to the tenancy agreement, serving notices, etc. Includes forms.
Last reviewed July 2025
Logo with the words "British Columbia" and a sun rising behind mountains.

Past Tenancy Dispute Resolution Decisions

Residential Tenancy Branch (Government of BC)
Find out if the RTB has already heard and made a decision on a similar issue by searching past decisions online. Reviewing past decisions will give you insight into what’s likely to happen if you submit an application for dispute resolution.
Last reviewed July 2025
Logo with the words "British Columbia" and a sun rising behind mountains.

End a Tenancy

Residential Tenancy Branch (Government of BC)
This resource explains that landlords and tenants must end tenancies lawfully. Learn about landlord and tenant rights and responsibilities when ending a tenancy. Other topics include options for tenants to end a tenancy, evictions, mutual agreement to end a tenancy, special circumstances to end a tenancy, breaking a lease, and more.
Last reviewed July 2025
Logo with the words "British Columbia" and a sun rising behind mountains.

Rent Increases

Residential Tenancy Branch (Government of BC)
This page explains the law around rent increases. Topics covered include when rent can be increased, the current annual increase percentage, and how to dispute unlawful rent increases.
Last reviewed July 2025
Logo with two swoops and a circle to represent a person, and "Legal Aid BC."

Intimate Partner Violence

Legal Aid BC
Explains identifying abuse, protection from violence, and leaving abuse. Includes checklists, court process, and where to find help.
Last reviewed July 2025
The logo features the letters "BC" above the letters "CLA". A stylized bird is above the letter "A." To the right are the words "BRITISH COLUMBIA" above the larger words "CIVIL LIBERTIES" and the smaller word "ASSOCIATION" below.

A Toolkit for Submitting FOI Requests to Municipal Police

BC Civil Liberties Association
This resource explains your rights under FIPPA when you request information from police and includes step-by-step instructions on filing an FOI request with municipal police departments, sample wording and templates, and what to expect in response.
Last reviewed July 2025
Logo with the words "British Columbia" and a sun rising behind mountains.

Personal Property Registry

Government of British Columbia
This registry records security interests and liens against personal property belonging to businesses and individuals in British Columbia. You can use it to register and search for security agreements, commercial liens, and other interests.
Last reviewed June 2025