Legal Resources

Find websites and materials written in plain language.

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
Thumbnail of the first page of the info sheet, with two columns of text and the Government of BC logo.

Residential Tenancies Information Sheet: Rent

Residential Tenancy Branch (Government of BC)
This information sheet provides an overview of information about rent, such as amount of rent, paying rent, forms of payment, unpaid rent or utilities, co-tenants, withholding rents, and rent increases. Includes references to information and forms available on BC Residential Tenancy Branch website.
Last reviewed July 2025
Logo is the wordmark “BCFSA” in dark blue and green, above the organization name in dark blue.

Your Real Estate Buying Journey

BC Financial Services Authority (BCFSA)
This guide will walk you through the buying process and provide you with resources you can use to help you make an informed decision that is best for you. The guide follows the progression of a real estate transaction beginning with helping you determine if you are ready to purchase and ending with information on making an offer.
Last reviewed July 2025
Logo features the organization name beside a stylized green maple leaf containing a white house icon with a red door.

The Renovation Process

Canadian Home Builders’ Association
This resource discusses the importance of good communication and clear documentation during a renovation, and the specific responsibilities of the renovator and homeowner. It highlights the use of change orders for alterations or extra work and the necessity for homeowner approval before any work that results in added costs.
Last reviewed July 2025
Logo consists of four coloured shapes forming a square, with the organization name to the right.

Question and Answers on the Builders Lien Act

British Columbia Law Institute
This resources provides an in-depth look at the Builders Lien Act, written when the law came into effect in a question and answer format. Includes topics such as the parties involved in a builders lien, holdbacks, filing a lien, and enforcement.
Last reviewed July 2025
Logo with six rectangles and a circle in six bright colours to represent people, and "People's Law School."

Selling Your Home

People’s Law School
Learn about what you should consider before putting up the “For Sale” sign. It explains the difference between selling your home yourself or hiring a real estate agent. It covers the process of selling a home, from getting a valuation to completing the sale.
Last reviewed July 2025
Logo with six rectangles and a circle in six bright colours to represent people, and "People's Law School."

Buying or Selling a Home

People’s Law School
This resource helps potential buyers and sellers understand the steps to real estate transactions including understanding paperwork and contracts.
Last reviewed July 2025
Logo features a red chevron shape resembling a rooftop above the acronym "CMHC" and its French equivalent "SCHL," with a small maple leaf in between the two acronyms.

Renovation, Repair and Renewal Funding for Indigenous Housing

Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC)
Learn about funding and financing programs for reconstructing, renovating, or preserving housing for Indigenous communities, whether on reserve or off reserve.
Last reviewed July 2025
Thumbnail of the booklet cover with an abstract pattern of squares and lines.

Private Sector Landlord and Tenants (Guidance Document)

Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner for BC (OIPC)
This guide helps landlords and the public to understand the rules in BC about what personal information landlords may collect from anyone seeking to enter into a tenancy agreement, including family members and roommates.
Last reviewed July 2025
Logo is "PROPERTY ASSESSMENT" in dark grey and "APPEAL BOARD" in teal.

Property Assessment Appeal Board — Online Dispute Resolution

Property Assessment Appeal Board
This tool is available for you to appeal the property assessment of your residential properties. It allows you to have the option to resolve your appeal completely online. An online guide helps you understand the steps, the appeal issues, and how to determine whether you have a strong case.
Last reviewed July 2025