Back to homeBritish Columbia landlord-tenant law,
Landlord laws · BC
British Columbia landlord-tenant law,
in plain language.
A quick-reference cheat sheet for Residential Tenancy Act. Plain-language summaries only — always confirm against the official text before you act.
Authority: Residential Tenancy Branch (RTB)
Quick reference
Numbers and notice periods most landlords ask us about in British Columbia.
Security deposit
Max 1/2 month rent (separate pet deposit up to 1/2 month).
Rent increases
Once per 12 months · capped by RTB annual %; 3 months notice on form RTB-7.
Tenant gives notice
1 full month written notice (end of rental period).
Notice — unpaid rent
10-day notice for unpaid rent (form RTB-30).
Notice — for cause
1 month notice for cause (form RTB-32).
Ending the lease
Fixed term ends without notice if both signed move-out date; otherwise 2 months notice for end-of-tenancy by landlord (form RTB-29).
Right of entry
24 hours written notice to enter (non-emergency), between 8am-9pm.
Not legal advice. This page is a plain-language summary distilled from Residential Tenancy Act. RTA rules change frequently — always confirm against the current statute and your provincial body before acting on any notice, increase or termination.
Stay compliant — by default.
Central Rentals generates province-correct leases, notices and rent increases automatically, so you don't have to memorize this stuff.
Start free 30-day trial