Landlord rights in BC: what property owners need to know
In British Columbia, landlord rights are governed by the Residential Tenancy Act and include regulated rent increases, structured eviction processes, and strict rules for handling deposits through the Residential Tenancy Branch (RTB).This guide covers B.C. tenancy law only. For other provinces, see our [rental laws guides].
As a landlord in British Columbia, your rights and responsibilities are set out under the Residential Tenancy Act. Understanding what you are and are not permitted to do helps you manage your rental property confidently and stay on the right side of the law.
Your Right to Receive Rent on Time
You have the right to receive rent on the date it is due under the tenancy agreement. If a tenant fails to pay, you can serve a notice to end tenancy for unpaid rent and, if unresolved, apply to the Residential Tenancy Branch (RTB) for a dispute resolution hearing.
Your Right to Enter the Rental Unit
You may enter the rental unit with 24 hours' written notice for purposes such as repairs, inspections, or showings. Entry must take place between 8 a.m. and 9 p.m. In genuine emergencies, you may enter without notice.
Your Right to Increase Rent
You can raise the rent once every 12 months, provided you give three full months' written notice using the official Notice of Rent Increase form (RTB-7). The maximum allowable increase for 2026 is 2.3%, according to the BC government. If your costs justify a higher increase, you can apply to the RTB for an additional rent increase above the annual limit.
Your Right to End a Tenancy
You can serve notice to end a tenancy for valid reasons, including non-payment of rent, damage to the property, or personal or family use of the unit. A notice to end tenancy for personal use requires three months' notice (updated June 18, 2025). The tenant has 21 days to dispute the notice through the RTB.
Your Right to Claim Against a Security Deposit
You may collect a security deposit of up to half of one month's rent, and a separate pet damage deposit of up to half of one month's rent. To make a claim against either deposit, you must have completed a Condition Inspection Report at both move-in and move-out. Failing to do so forfeits your right to make deductions.
Your Right to Apply for Dispute Resolution
If a dispute arises that you cannot resolve directly with your tenant, you can apply to the RTB for a formal hearing. The RTB handles claims for unpaid rent, damages, and other matters. The filing fee is $100.
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