My landlord hasn’t carried out repairs. Can I stop paying rent?

No. Even if your landlord hasn’t carried out repairs, you must still pay your rent, or you could get evicted. If the repair is not for damages done by you (or your guests or pets), the landlord is generally responsible for it. If you write to your landlord and they don’t make the necessary repairs, you have the right to take legal action through the Residential Tenancy Branch.

Helpful resources

• The Tenant Survival Guide (TRAC): This has a chapter on repairs and services.
• Renting It Right (TRAC): Find online courses for tenants. Maintenance is covered in the course in a section called “Repairs and Services.”
• During a Tenancy (Government of BC): This has a section on repairs and maintenance.
• LSLAP Manual: Landlord and Tenant Law (PDF) (Law Students’ Legal Advice Program): This manual has a section on “Repair and Service,” which includes “Withholding Rent.”
• A Playbook for Tenants (People’s Law School): This can help you learn more about the responsibilities of both tenants and landlords. In this guide you’ll also find information about dispute resolution.
• Residential Tenancy (Dial-a-Law: People’s Law School): This has a section called “What if a landlord won’t make a needed repair?”

Helpful services

• Tenant Infoline (TRAC): This has information, referrals, and help for tenants dealing with residential tenancy law matters.
• Find more services.