Many of us rent or rent out homes, but how many of us are actually familiar with the Residential Tenancy Act? This Act is BC’s renting legislation that is overseen by the Residential Tenancy Branch. While this is not an area we oversee here at Consumer Protection BC, we always feel that it’s important for all consumers (both renters and landlords) to understand their rights and obligations under the law, in order to make informed decisions.
Did-you-knows for renters and landlords:
- Did you know that the pet damage deposit cannot be more than one half of a month’s rent, and a landlord can only ask for one pet damage deposit (no matter how many pets are allowed)?
- Did you know that a tenancy agreement must be made in writing, and a copy of the agreement must be given to the tenant within 21 days of entering into the agreement?
- Did you know that tenants must pay their rent on or before the day it is due and that landlords can give a 10-day notice for nonpayment of rent on any day after rent is due?
- Did you know that if a landlord wishes to increase rent, they must use the “Notice of Rent Increase” form and give notification at least three rental periods prior to the increase taking place? (Also: rent may only be increased once in any 12-month period.)
- Did you know that tenants must keep their rental units clean and sanitary and repair any damages caused by them, or a guest?
There’s a lot more to know about renting in British Columbia. For more information, please visit the Residential Tenancy Branch website.
ADDITIONAL READING:
Publications and tools to understand your rights and responsibilities as a landlord or tenant– a BC Government website
Travelling with your furry friendRenting with pets in BC: what are the rules?
Choosing a moving company
What if my tenants have not paid rent, but refuse to answer the door so that I can serve the 10-Day eviction notice (RTB33)?
Thanks for your question, Anne. The Residential Tenancy Branch has some information on their website with regards to alternative ways to serve a Notice to End Tenancy: http://www.rto.gov.bc.ca/content/rightsResponsibilities/ending.aspx#196. I hope this information is helpful.
Even if you get a judgement for the cost of damages and unpaid rent, it is Civil Lsw and only an Act not a law, therefore it has no teeth. I’ve had 2 judgements in my favor as a landlord and neither were collectable, I dad 2 Warrants Issued for one fellow in Sechelt BC, told the Sheriff where he was living and his new address, neither were served. I gave up and sold what was supposed to eventually be my retirement home. I will never ever rent out a property of mine again. I lost a great deal of work time going to court after court date and renters not showing and judgements not being collected. 3 times I’ve had to do serious repairs and once a fumigation as the guy missed garbage days and the attached garage was infested by rats! They dug under my foundation after chewing through the garage wall into my crawl space. That was a costly repair!
they need to make it criminal law when rent is not paid (fraud), and damage is done over $500.00. (Wilful Damage to private property over $500.00). Landlords now haw no rights that are enforceable. Renting your home is a money loser and a darn right stupid thing to do.