Renting a Home - Revision history

Drew Jackson: /* Eviction */

2025-07-25T20:45:53Z

Eviction

← Older revision		Revision as of 20:45, 25 July 2025
Line 154:		Line 154:
	* '''10 days notice''' when the tenant hasn’t paid the rent		* '''10 days notice''' when the tenant hasn’t paid the rent
	* '''one month notice''' when the tenant is too noisy or has too many people living in the place		* '''one month notice''' when the tenant is too noisy or has too many people living in the place
	* '''~~two~~ months notice''' when the landlord or a close family member wants to live in the rental unit		* '''three months notice''' when the landlord or a close family member wants to live in the rental unit

	These are just examples.		These are just examples.
Line 162:		Line 162:
	You may disagree with the reason the landlord is evicting you. For example, you don’t think you’re too noisy, or you don’t have too many people living in your place. If you want to try to stop an eviction, you can '''dispute''' the notice. You can apply to the Residential Tenancy Branch to ask an arbitrator to decide. The eviction form will say how much time you have to do that.		You may disagree with the reason the landlord is evicting you. For example, you don’t think you’re too noisy, or you don’t have too many people living in your place. If you want to try to stop an eviction, you can '''dispute''' the notice. You can apply to the Residential Tenancy Branch to ask an arbitrator to decide. The eviction form will say how much time you have to do that.

	If you get an eviction notice, you should ask for help or advice as soon as you can. Contact the Residential Tenancy Branch at [https://gov.bc.ca/landlordtenant gov.bc.ca/landlordtenant] or TRAC at [https://tenants.bc.ca/ tenants.bc.ca].		If you get an eviction notice, you should ask for help or advice as soon as you can. Contact the Residential Tenancy Branch at [https://gov.bc.ca/landlordtenant gov.bc.ca/landlordtenant] or TRAC at [https://tenants.bc.ca/ tenants.bc.ca].

	===Getting your security deposit back===		===Getting your security deposit back===

Drew Jackson: /* Discrimination in renting */

2023-03-13T23:29:55Z

Discrimination in renting

← Older revision		Revision as of 23:29, 13 March 2023
Line 47:		Line 47:
	* marital or family status		* marital or family status
	* religion		* religion
	* legal) source of income		* (legal) source of income
	* mental or physical disability		* mental or physical disability

Line 58:		Line 58:
	You can complain to the BC Human Rights Tribunal at [http://www.bchrt.bc.ca/ bchrt.bc.ca] if you think a landlord has discriminated against you.		You can complain to the BC Human Rights Tribunal at [http://www.bchrt.bc.ca/ bchrt.bc.ca] if you think a landlord has discriminated against you.

	For help with filing a human rights complaint, you can contact the BC Human Rights Clinic at [https://bchrc.net/ bchrc.net] operated by the Community Legal Assistance Society.		For help with filing a human rights complaint, you can contact the BC Human Rights Clinic at [https://bchrc.net/ bchrc.net] operated by the Community Legal Assistance Society.

	===Making an agreement to rent===		===Making an agreement to rent===

Drew Jackson: /* There are supports available */

2023-03-13T23:29:21Z

There are supports available

← Older revision		Revision as of 23:29, 13 March 2023
Line 33:		Line 33:
	TRAC has an online course for first-time tenants at [https://rentingitright.ca/ rentingitright.ca]. In it, you’ll learn how to search for housing, put together a strong rental application, and safely sign a contract about your tenancy with the landlord.		TRAC has an online course for first-time tenants at [https://rentingitright.ca/ rentingitright.ca]. In it, you’ll learn how to search for housing, put together a strong rental application, and safely sign a contract about your tenancy with the landlord.

	You can also find answers to common questions tenants have at [peopleslawschool.ca/renting peopleslawschool.ca/renting].		You can also find answers to common questions tenants have at [https://www.peopleslawschool.ca/renting peopleslawschool.ca/renting].

	==Looking for a place==		==Looking for a place==

Drew Jackson at 23:28, 13 March 2023

2023-03-13T23:28:11Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 23:28, 13 March 2023
Line 4:		Line 4:

	{{PLSTipsbox		{{PLSTipsbox
	\| text = For updated and in-depth coverage of renting or buying a home in BC, visit [https://www.peopleslawschool.ca/ peopleslawschool.ca].		\| text = For updated and in-depth coverage of renting or buying a home in BC, visit [https://www.peopleslawschool.ca/renting peopleslawschool.ca].
	}}		}}

Line 71:		Line 71:
	{{PLSStorybox		{{PLSStorybox
	\| image = [[File:Headshot - Learning about the Law - Candace - 2023.png\|link=]]		\| image = [[File:Headshot - Learning about the Law - Candace - 2023.png\|link=]]
	\| text = “When I moved to BC, I signed a one-year lease for a rental apartment. I planned to stay the full year. Unfortunately, my mom isn’t doing well. With a few months still left on the lease, I decided to go back to Ontario to help her. But because I’m moving out early, I have to pay for the remaining months of the lease.” <br>- Candace, Coquitlam, BC		\| text = “When I moved to BC, I signed a one-year lease for a rental apartment. I planned to stay the full year. Unfortunately, my mom isn’t doing well. With a few months still left on the lease, I decided to go back to Ontario to help her. But because I’m moving out early, I have to pay for the remaining months of the lease.” <br>– Candace, Coquitlam, BC
	}}		}}

Line 110:		Line 110:
	{{PLSStorybox		{{PLSStorybox
	\| image = [[File:Headshot_-_Learning_about_the_Law_-_Ciara_-_2023.png\|link=]]		\| image = [[File:Headshot_-_Learning_about_the_Law_-_Ciara_-_2023.png\|link=]]
	\| text = “I live in a basement suite. The pipe from the toilet was leaking, so I told the landlord. But the landlord didn’t fix it, even after I asked a second time. I decided to contact city hall. An inspector came to look at the toilet. They told the landlord to fix the pipe. Because the landlord didn’t want to be fined, they fixed the problem.” <br>- Ciara, Kamloops, BC		\| text = “I live in a basement suite. The pipe from the toilet was leaking, so I told the landlord. But the landlord didn’t fix it, even after I asked a second time. I decided to contact city hall. An inspector came to look at the toilet. They told the landlord to fix the pipe. Because the landlord didn’t want to be fined, they fixed the problem.” <br>– Ciara, Kamloops, BC
	}}		}}

Line 118:		Line 118:
	{{PLSStorybox		{{PLSStorybox
	\| image = [[File:Headshot - Learning about the Law - Quan - 2023.png\|link=]]		\| image = [[File:Headshot - Learning about the Law - Quan - 2023.png\|link=]]
	\| text = “I rent a suite in an older house. I threw a party one night. One of my friends accidentally broke a bedroom window. In the morning, I called the landlord and explained what happened. The landlord called a company to replace the window, and I paid $400 for the new window.” <br>- Quan, Nelson, BC		\| text = “I rent a suite in an older house. I threw a party one night. One of my friends accidentally broke a bedroom window. In the morning, I called the landlord and explained what happened. The landlord called a company to replace the window, and I paid $400 for the new window.” <br>– Quan, Nelson, BC
	}}		}}

Line 141:		Line 141:
	{{PLSStorybox		{{PLSStorybox
	\| image = [[File:Headshot_-_Learning_about_the_Law_-_Nathan_-_2023.png\|link=]]		\| image = [[File:Headshot_-_Learning_about_the_Law_-_Nathan_-_2023.png\|link=]]
	\| text = “I rent an apartment month-to-month. I’ve decided to move out and find a place closer to my parents. I plan to move out on December 31. That means I have to give notice to my landlord by November 30 at the latest. If I give notice on December 1, it would be too late; I’d have to pay an extra month’s rent in that case.” <br>- Nathan, Courtenay, BC		\| text = “I rent an apartment month-to-month. I’ve decided to move out and find a place closer to my parents. I plan to move out on December 31. That means I have to give notice to my landlord by November 30 at the latest. If I give notice on December 1, it would be too late; I’d have to pay an extra month’s rent in that case.” <br>– Nathan, Courtenay, BC
	}}		}}

Drew Jackson at 20:51, 13 March 2023

2023-03-13T20:51:50Z

Elena Renderos at 05:59, 8 March 2023

2023-03-08T05:59:32Z

Show changes

Drew Jackson: /* Discrimination in renting */

2023-02-01T22:56:09Z

Discrimination in renting

← Older revision		Revision as of 22:56, 1 February 2023
Line 50:		Line 50:
	So a landlord can't, for example, refuse to rent to someone because they’re on income assistance.		So a landlord can't, for example, refuse to rent to someone because they’re on income assistance.

	Or a landlord can't refuse to rent to someone because they have children. (There is an exception to this rule for rental buildings reserved for people ~~aged~~ 55 and older.)		Or a landlord can't refuse to rent to someone because they have children. (There is an exception to this rule for rental buildings reserved for people age 55 and older.)

	You can complain to the [http://www.bchrt.bc.ca BC Human Rights Tribunal] if you think a landlord has discriminated against you.		You can complain to the [http://www.bchrt.bc.ca BC Human Rights Tribunal] if you think a landlord has discriminated against you.

Drew Jackson at 22:17, 1 February 2023

2023-02-01T22:17:55Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 22:17, 1 February 2023
Line 191:		Line 191:

	{{Creative Commons for PLS		{{Creative Commons for PLS
	\|title = Learning about the Law ~~Wikibook~~		\|title = Learning about the Law
	\|author =		\|author =
	}}		}}
	__NOGLOSSARY__		__NOGLOSSARY__

Drew Jackson at 21:39, 1 February 2023

2023-02-01T21:39:02Z

Drew Jackson: /* Repairs */

2022-06-16T22:44:16Z

Repairs

← Older revision		Revision as of 22:44, 16 June 2022
Line 90:		Line 90:
	The [https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/housing-tenancy/residential-tenancies/during-a-tenancy/rent-increases Residential Tenancy Branch] and the [https://tenants.bc.ca/your-tenancy/rent-increases/ Tenant Resource & Advisory Centre] have more on rent increases.		The [https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/housing-tenancy/residential-tenancies/during-a-tenancy/rent-increases Residential Tenancy Branch] and the [https://tenants.bc.ca/your-tenancy/rent-increases/ Tenant Resource & Advisory Centre] have more on rent increases.

	==Repairs==		===Repairs===
	[[File:Learning about the Law Repairs.jpg\|thumb\|275px\|right\| link=\| <span style="font-size:50%;">Image via www.istockphoto.com</span>]]		[[File:Learning about the Law Repairs.jpg\|thumb\|275px\|right\| link=\| <span style="font-size:50%;">Image via www.istockphoto.com</span>]]

← Older revision		Revision as of 20:51, 13 March 2023
Line 12:		Line 12:
	When you rent a place to live, you are a renter, also known as a '''tenant'''. If you own a home or apartment and you rent it to someone else, you are a '''landlord'''.		When you rent a place to live, you are a renter, also known as a '''tenant'''. If you own a home or apartment and you rent it to someone else, you are a '''landlord'''.

	You must follow BC laws about renting if you are a tenant or a landlord. A government office is responsible for making sure landlords and tenants follow these laws. It’s called the Residential Tenancy Branch.		You must follow BC laws about renting if you are a tenant or a landlord. A government office is responsible for making sure landlords and tenants follow these laws. It’s called the [https://gov.bc.ca/landlordtenant Residential Tenancy Branch].

	===The laws in play===		===The laws in play===
	The main law that sets out the rules for tenants and landlords is called the ''Residential Tenancy Act''. There are more rules in another law called the Residential Tenancy Regulation.		The main law that sets out the rules for tenants and landlords is called the [https://www.canlii.org/en/bc/laws/stat/sbc-2002-c-78/189289/sbc-2002-c-78.html ''Residential Tenancy Act'']. There are more rules in another law called the [https://www.canlii.org/en/bc/laws/regu/bc-reg-477-2003/latest/bc-reg-477-2003.html Residential Tenancy Regulation].

	===There are supports available===		===There are supports available===
Line 33:		Line 33:
	TRAC has an online course for first-time tenants at [https://rentingitright.ca/ rentingitright.ca]. In it, you’ll learn how to search for housing, put together a strong rental application, and safely sign a contract about your tenancy with the landlord.		TRAC has an online course for first-time tenants at [https://rentingitright.ca/ rentingitright.ca]. In it, you’ll learn how to search for housing, put together a strong rental application, and safely sign a contract about your tenancy with the landlord.

	You can also find answers to common questions tenants have at [~~https://www.~~peopleslawschool.ca~~/category/home-neighbours~~/renting~~-and-co-ops/~~ peopleslawschool.ca/renting].		You can also find answers to common questions tenants have at [peopleslawschool.ca/renting peopleslawschool.ca/renting].

	==Looking for a place==		==Looking for a place==
Line 63:		Line 63:
	When you find a suitable place to rent, you and the landlord make a contract. This is a binding legal agreement. A contract between a tenant and landlord is called a '''tenancy agreement'''.		When you find a suitable place to rent, you and the landlord make a contract. This is a binding legal agreement. A contract between a tenant and landlord is called a '''tenancy agreement'''.

	A tenancy agreement must follow the rules about renting in the ''Residential Tenancy Act'' and Regulation. It must be in writing. The Residential Tenancy Branch has a '''residential tenancy agreement''' form at [https://~~www2.~~gov.bc.ca/~~gov/content/housing-tenancy/residential-tenancies~~ gov.bc.ca/landlordtenant] that you and the landlord can use.		A tenancy agreement must follow the rules about renting in the ''Residential Tenancy Act'' and Regulation. It must be in writing. The Residential Tenancy Branch has a '''residential tenancy agreement''' form at [https://gov.bc.ca/landlordtenant gov.bc.ca/landlordtenant] that you and the landlord can use.

	The agreement will say how much the rent is and when you must pay it. The agreement should also include what the law says about such things as '''security deposits''', rent increases, and repairs.		The agreement will say how much the rent is and when you must pay it. The agreement should also include what the law says about such things as '''security deposits''', rent increases, and repairs.
Line 95:		Line 95:
	As well, the landlord must use a special form called '''notice of rent increase'''. And they must give you this notice three full months before they can increase the rent.		As well, the landlord must use a special form called '''notice of rent increase'''. And they must give you this notice three full months before they can increase the rent.

	For more on rent increases, see the Residential Tenancy Branch at [https://~~www2.~~gov.bc.ca/~~gov/content/housing-tenancy/residential-tenancies~~ gov.bc.ca/landlordtenant] and TRAC at [https://tenants.bc.ca/ tenants.bc.ca].		For more on rent increases, see the Residential Tenancy Branch at [https://gov.bc.ca/landlordtenant gov.bc.ca/landlordtenant] and TRAC at [https://tenants.bc.ca/ tenants.bc.ca].

	===Repairs===		===Repairs===
Line 104:		Line 104:
	If something needs to be fixed, ask your landlord to make the repairs. It’s a good idea to do this in writing and keep a copy of the letter.		If something needs to be fixed, ask your landlord to make the repairs. It’s a good idea to do this in writing and keep a copy of the letter.

	If the landlord doesn’t make the repairs, contact the Residential Tenancy Branch at [https://~~www2.~~gov.bc.ca/~~gov/content/housing-tenancy/residential-tenancies~~ gov.bc.ca/landlordtenant] or TRAC at [https://tenants.bc.ca/ tenants.bc.ca].		If the landlord doesn’t make the repairs, contact the Residential Tenancy Branch at [https://gov.bc.ca/landlordtenant gov.bc.ca/landlordtenant] or TRAC at [https://tenants.bc.ca/ tenants.bc.ca].

	Another option may be to contact your municipality. Many towns and cities have rules (or '''bylaws''') about keeping rental suites safe and healthy. You can contact your local city hall to ask them about these rules. They may be able to send an '''inspector'''. An inspector can check your place for free and tell the landlord to do the repairs.		Another option may be to contact your municipality. Many towns and cities have rules (or '''bylaws''') about keeping rental suites safe and healthy. You can contact your local city hall to ask them about these rules. They may be able to send an '''inspector'''. An inspector can check your place for free and tell the landlord to do the repairs.
Line 131:		Line 131:
	Either you or the landlord can apply for dispute resolution. The process involves a hearing — like a court hearing, but less formal. It’s usually held by teleconference. An independent decision-maker makes a decision in your situation based on the law. You need to have evidence in support of your claims. You and the landlord must follow the decision.		Either you or the landlord can apply for dispute resolution. The process involves a hearing — like a court hearing, but less formal. It’s usually held by teleconference. An independent decision-maker makes a decision in your situation based on the law. You need to have evidence in support of your claims. You and the landlord must follow the decision.

	To learn more about how dispute resolution works, see the Residential Tenancy Branch at [https://~~www2.~~gov.bc.ca/~~gov/content/housing-tenancy/residential-tenancies~~ gov.bc.ca/landlordtenant] and TRAC at [https://tenants.bc.ca/ tenants.bc.ca].		To learn more about how dispute resolution works, see the Residential Tenancy Branch at [https://gov.bc.ca/landlordtenant gov.bc.ca/landlordtenant] and TRAC at [https://tenants.bc.ca/ tenants.bc.ca].

	==Ending a tenancy==		==Ending a tenancy==
Line 162:		Line 162:
	You may disagree with the reason the landlord is evicting you. For example, you don’t think you’re too noisy, or you don’t have too many people living in your place. If you want to try to stop an eviction, you can '''dispute''' the notice. You can apply to the Residential Tenancy Branch to ask an arbitrator to decide. The eviction form will say how much time you have to do that.		You may disagree with the reason the landlord is evicting you. For example, you don’t think you’re too noisy, or you don’t have too many people living in your place. If you want to try to stop an eviction, you can '''dispute''' the notice. You can apply to the Residential Tenancy Branch to ask an arbitrator to decide. The eviction form will say how much time you have to do that.

	If you get an eviction notice, you should ask for help or advice as soon as you can. Contact the Residential Tenancy Branch at [https://~~www2.~~gov.bc.ca/~~gov/content/housing-tenancy/residential-tenancies~~ gov.bc.ca/landlordtenant] or TRAC at [https://tenants.bc.ca/ tenants.bc.ca].		If you get an eviction notice, you should ask for help or advice as soon as you can. Contact the Residential Tenancy Branch at [https://gov.bc.ca/landlordtenant gov.bc.ca/landlordtenant] or TRAC at [https://tenants.bc.ca/ tenants.bc.ca].

	===Getting your security deposit back===		===Getting your security deposit back===
Line 193:		Line 193:
	To complete the sale, you need to prepare documents that transfer legal ownership from the seller to you. Most people hire a lawyer or notary public to help with this. Your real estate agent may be able to suggest one for you. Or you can search online or in your local phone book.		To complete the sale, you need to prepare documents that transfer legal ownership from the seller to you. Most people hire a lawyer or notary public to help with this. Your real estate agent may be able to suggest one for you. Or you can search online or in your local phone book.

	People’s Law School has more in-depth information about buying a home at [https://www.peopleslawschool.ca/ peopleslawschool.ca].		People’s Law School has more in-depth information about buying a home at [https://www.peopleslawschool.ca/buying-home/ peopleslawschool.ca].

	===Owning a home and bylaws===		===Owning a home and bylaws===
	When you own your home, many laws that come into play are made by your city or town. These are called '''bylaws'''. They deal with safety and health issues and allowable uses of the property. They set out rules for things like fences, trees, noise, parking, and pets.		When you own your home, many laws that come into play are made by your city or town. These are called '''bylaws'''. They deal with safety and health issues and allowable uses of the property. They set out rules for things like fences, trees, noise, parking, and pets.

	For more information on these topics, visit the neighbours section on the People’s Law School website at [https://www.peopleslawschool.ca/ peopleslawschool.ca].		For more information on these topics, visit the neighbours section on the People’s Law School website at [https://www.peopleslawschool.ca/category/home-neighbours/neighbours/ peopleslawschool.ca].

	{{Learning about the Law Wikibook Navbox}}		{{Learning about the Law Wikibook Navbox}}

← Older revision		Revision as of 21:39, 1 February 2023
Line 1:		Line 1:
	{{REVIEWEDPLS \| reviewer = [[People's Law School]]\|date= ~~April 2022~~}}{{Learning about the Law Wikibook TOC}}{{Law-Related ESL Badge		{{REVIEWEDPLS \| reviewer = [[People's Law School]]\|date= January 2023}}{{Learning about the Law Wikibook TOC}}{{Law-Related ESL Badge
	\|lessonname= Renting a Home Lesson Module}}		\|lessonname= Renting a Home Lesson Module}}
	Every province in Canada has laws about renting, as well as about buying and owning a home. In this section, you will learn about these laws in British Columbia.		Every province in Canada has laws about renting, as well as about buying and owning a home. In this section, you will learn about these laws in British Columbia.
Line 14:		Line 14:

	===There are supports available===		===There are supports available===
	For information or free help, you can contact the Residential Tenancy Branch or the Tenant Resource & Advisory Centre ~~(TRAC)~~.		For information or free help, you can contact the Residential Tenancy Branch or the Tenant Resource & Advisory Centre.

	:'''Residential Tenancy Branch'''		:'''Residential Tenancy Branch'''
Line 37:		Line 37:

	===Discrimination in renting===		===Discrimination in renting===
	A landlord can’t refuse to rent a place to live based on ~~a characteristic~~ protected under the law. ~~This~~ is '''discrimination'''. ~~Protected characteristics include~~:		A landlord can’t refuse to rent a place to live based on part of someone’s identity protected under the law. Doing so is '''discrimination'''. The law protects a person's:
	* race, colour, ancestry, place of origin, or Indigenous identity		* race, colour, ancestry, place of origin, or Indigenous identity
	* age		* age
	* sex, sexual orientation, or gender identity or expression		* sex, sexual orientation, or gender identity or expression
	* marital or family status ~~(single, married, or living common-law)~~		* marital or family status
	* religion		* religion
	* any (legal) source of income		* any (legal) source of income
	* any mental or physical <span class="noglossary">disability</span>		* any mental or physical <span class="noglossary">disability</span>

			Based on any of these protected characteristics, a landlord can't refuse to rent to someone or charge a different rent.

	So a landlord can't, for example, refuse to rent to someone because they’re on income assistance.		So a landlord can't, for example, refuse to rent to someone because they’re on income assistance.

	Or a landlord can't refuse to rent to someone because they have children. (There is an exception to this rule for rental buildings reserved for people ~~age~~ 55 and older.)		Or a landlord can't refuse to rent to someone because they have children. (There is an exception to this rule for rental buildings reserved for people aged 55 and older.)

	~~As well, a landlord can't charge a different rent or make different rules for tenants based on any of the protected characteristics.~~

	You can complain to the [http://www.bchrt.bc.ca BC Human Rights Tribunal] if you think a landlord has discriminated against you.		You can complain to the [http://www.bchrt.bc.ca BC Human Rights Tribunal] if you think a landlord has discriminated against you.