British Columbia (BC) law guide
Quick answer
BC landlords may collect a security deposit up to half of one month's rent and a separate pet damage deposit also capped at half a month's rent. The 2026 rent increase limit is 2.3%, with three months written notice required. Nonpayment evictions use the RTB-30 (10 Day Notice), which tenants may void by paying arrears within 5 days, or dispute through the Residential Tenancy Branch (RTB).
Security deposit rules
Security deposit capped at 1/2 month's rent. Pet damage deposit also capped at 1/2 month's rent. Total maximum: one full month's rent. Returned within 15 days of tenancy end.
Rent control
2026 guideline: 2.3%. One increase per 12 months; three full months written notice required via Form RTB-7.
Tribunal/board
Residential Tenancy Branch (RTB), gov.bc.ca/residentialtenancies
Nonpayment notice
RTB-30: 10 Day Notice to End Tenancy for Unpaid Rent. Tenant has 5 days to pay arrears and void the notice. After 10 days, landlord may use the RTB direct request process.
British Columbia rental market snapshot
Population
5.6 million
Renter households
~33% of households
Median rent
$3,300/mo (2BR, Vancouver, 2026)
Largest rental markets
Vancouver, Surrey, Burnaby, Richmond, Kelowna, Victoria, Abbotsford
Vancouver remains Canada's most expensive rental market, with 2BR asking rents averaging $3,300/month in early 2026, though CMHC purpose-built data shows lower average rents around $2,363. The gap reflects high turnover asking rents versus in-place rents protected by rent control.
BC landlords may collect a security deposit of up to one-half of one month's rent. If the tenant has a pet, a separate pet damage deposit of up to one-half of one month's rent is also permitted regardless of the number of pets. The combined maximum is one full month's rent.
Landlords must return the deposit within 15 days after the tenancy ends and the tenant provides a forwarding address. If the landlord wishes to make a claim against the deposit, they must file with the RTB within that same 15-day window. Deposits must accrue interest at the rate set by regulation.
Rent may only increase once every 12 months, and landlords must give three full months written notice using Form RTB-7 before the increase takes effect. The 2026 maximum annual rent increase is 2.3%, set by the provincial government based on BC's consumer price index.
Landlords may apply to the RTB for an additional rent increase above the guideline in limited circumstances such as significant increases in operating costs or capital expenditures. Any unauthorized rent increase is void and can be challenged at the RTB.
For nonpayment of rent, the landlord serves an RTB-30 (10 Day Notice to End Tenancy). Within 5 days of receiving the notice, the tenant can pay all arrears to void the notice, or file for dispute resolution with the RTB to contest it. If the tenant does neither, the landlord may use the RTB direct request process to obtain an Order of Possession without a full hearing, often within 2 to 3 weeks.
To physically remove a tenant, the landlord must take the Order of Possession to BC Supreme Court to obtain a Writ of Possession, then hire a court-approved bailiff. Landlords cannot change locks, remove belongings, or otherwise self-help evict. Other eviction grounds include damage (RTB-5, 10 days), end of employment tenancy, or personal use (RTB-32, two months notice).
Landlords must provide at least 24 hours written notice but no more than 30 days notice before entering a rental unit. Entry is only permitted between 8 a.m. and 9 p.m. The notice must specify the reason and time of entry. Emergencies allow entry without notice.
Landlords must maintain the property in a condition that meets health, safety, and housing standards. Failure to make repairs can be disputed at the RTB, where tenants may seek a rent reduction or order of repair. Tenants also have the right to carry out minor repairs and deduct the cost from rent in limited circumstances defined by the RTB.
The BC Human Rights Code prohibits discrimination in housing on the basis of race, colour, ancestry, place of origin, religion, marital status, family status, physical or mental disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, and lawful source of income. The inclusion of lawful source of income means landlords may not refuse tenants solely because they receive income assistance or shelter allowance.
Tenants have the right to quiet enjoyment and protection from landlord harassment. The RTB can award compensation for breaches. Tenants may also sublet with the landlord's written consent, which cannot be unreasonably withheld. Fixed-term leases that do not contain a vacate clause at the end of the term convert to month-to-month tenancies.
BC does not mandate a single provincial standard lease form, but the Residential Tenancy Act requires all tenancy agreements to include specific mandatory terms. Landlords must provide a signed copy of the tenancy agreement to the tenant within 21 days of signing. Any lease clause that attempts to waive or reduce a tenant's RTA rights is void.
Landlords may prohibit pets in a tenancy agreement, and unlike Ontario, a no-pet clause in BC is enforceable. However, a guide dog or service animal may not be refused under the Human Rights Code. Tenants with pets who were permitted at the start of tenancy retain that right for the duration of the tenancy.
This guide is general information, not legal advice. Governing statute: Residential Tenancy Act, SBC 2002, c. 78. Laws change; confirm the current statute or consult an attorney before acting. Last reviewed 2026-06-06.
British Columbia FAQ
A BC landlord can charge a maximum security deposit of one-half of one month's rent. If you have a pet, an additional pet damage deposit of up to one-half of one month's rent is allowed. The combined total cannot exceed one full month's rent.
The 2026 maximum rent increase in BC is 2.3%. Landlords must give three full months written notice using Form RTB-7 and can only raise rent once every 12 months. Increases above the guideline require RTB approval.
The landlord serves an RTB-30 (10 Day Notice to End Tenancy for Unpaid Rent). The tenant has 5 days to pay all arrears and void the notice. If the tenant does not pay or dispute the notice, the landlord can use the RTB direct request process to get an Order of Possession, typically within 2 to 3 weeks.
Yes. Unlike Ontario, a no-pet clause in a BC tenancy agreement is legally enforceable. However, landlords cannot refuse a guide dog or service animal, as that would violate the BC Human Rights Code.
The landlord must return the full security deposit within 15 days after the tenancy ends and the tenant provides a forwarding address. If the landlord wants to make any deductions, they must file a claim with the RTB within that same 15-day period.
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