Legal Resources

Find websites and materials written in plain language.

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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 March 2024
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Tenancy Dispute Resolution

Residential Tenancy Branch (Government of BC)

Information about dispute resolution process. Includes links to the online application and more information about the process.

Last reviewed March 2024
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Tenancy Calculators

Residential Tenancy Branch (Government of BC)

Find deadlines or calculations for tenancies under the RTA: interest on security deposits, the last date a landlord must return the tenant’s security or pet damage deposit(s), when a landlord can increase rent and the max allowable, when a landlord can apply to the RTB for an order of possession.

Last reviewed March 2024
Logo with six rectangles and a circle in six bright colours to represent people, and "People's Law School."

Dial-a-Law: Residential Tenancy

People’s Law School

Explains BC’s residential tenancy law, including the responsibilities of tenants and landlords. Topics include the beginning of a tenancy, including the tenancy agreement. It also covers ending a tenancy by the landlord, and ending a tenancy by the tenant.

Last reviewed March 2024
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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 March 2024
Logo with six rectangles and a circle in six bright colours to represent people, and "People's Law School."

Renting & Co-ops

People’s Law School

Practical information on your rights when renting or living in a co-op. Topics include a playbook for tenants, co-op disputes and evictions, and your rights when living in a mobile home.

Last reviewed March 2024
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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 March 2024
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Paying Rent

Government of British Columbia

Explains the rights and requirements of a tenancy agreement for both tenants and landlords. Topics covered include paying rent on time, paying utilities and fees, what happens if rent is not paid, and what landlords must do to increase rent.

Last reviewed March 2024
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Neighbours

People’s Law School

Practical, step-by-step information for dealing with problems involving neighbours. Topics include problems involving fences, trees, odours, noise, untidy premises, and parking. Also: tips for talking with your neighbour and options for dealing with neighbour issues.

Last reviewed March 2024
Logo with six rectangles and a circle in six bright colours to represent people, and "People's Law School."

Dial-a-Law: Neighbour Law

People’s Law School

Explains your legal rights and options if you have a problem with a neighbour. Topics include how to work out problems involving noise, untidiness, dogs, fences, trees, second-hand smoke, water damage, and trespassing.

Last reviewed March 2024