Legal Resources

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. Beyond formal hearings, tenants and landlords are encouraged to negotiate settlements, with options to engage an arbitrator.

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

This three-and-a-half-minute video explains how the BC Human Rights Code protects you from discrimination in your tenancy.

Explains what goes into a tenancy agreement with your landlord, and the different arrangements you can have with a roommate.

This plain-language guide offers tenants a basic understanding of residential tenancy law in BC. It’s designed to educate readers on their rights and responsibilities, and help prevent or resolve any problems they may encounter during their tenancy.

Covers the important laws and rules you need to follow during a tenancy. The page provides links to the rules and expectations for a hearing, to other relevant laws, and to help with residential tenancy issues. Also describes the types of rental housing situations covered by the tenancy laws, and what to do if your tenancy is not covered.

There are various kinds of evictions, such as for unpaid rent or for a major renovation. Find out how much notice a landlord needs to give to end a tenancy, and how much time a tenant has to dispute the eviction and apply for dispute resolution.

Landlords are required to prepare a written agreement for every tenancy. Even if a landlord doesn’t prepare one, the standard terms of a tenancy agreement still apply. Read more about what should be included and download forms (right-hand column).

Learn about your rights and responsibilities as a tenant or landlord when starting a tenancy. There are rules about screening tenants, security deposits, move-in inspections, tenancy agreements, and changing locks and keys.

Explains past tenancy dispute decisions can be viewed online. Reviewing past decisions will give you insight into what’s likely to happen if you submit an application for dispute resolution. Find out if the RTB has already heard and made a decision on a similar issue by searching past decisions.