Legal Resources

Find websites and materials written in plain language.

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Rent Increases

Residential Tenancy Branch (Government of BC)
Explains landlords can only increase rent if they provide tenants with at least three full months notice. Rent can only be increased once every 12 months and must be within the yearly rent increase limit, as set by the RTB. Topics covered include when rent can be increased, and how to dispute unlawful rent increases.
Last reviewed March 2024
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Tenancy Forms

Residential Tenancy Branch (Government of BC)
Forms are 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 March 2024
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End a Tenancy

Residential Tenancy Branch (Government of BC)
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 March 2024
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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 the dispute resolution process. Includes links to the online application.
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
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 March 2024
Logo with six rectangles and a circle in six bright colours to represent people, and "People's Law School."

Dial-a-Law: Requirements for Divorce and Annulment

People’s Law School
Explains what you need if you want to get a divorce or annulment. Topics covered include divorce, the grounds for getting a divorce, and starting proceedings. It explains when the court will not grant a divorce, and explains annulment.
Last reviewed March 2024
Logo with six rectangles and a circle in six bright colours to represent people, and "People's Law School."

Representation Agreements

People’s Law School
Presenters in this webinar discuss what you need to know about representation agreements.
Last reviewed March 2024