Tenant Survival Guide

This is a Clicklaw Wikibook, a collaborative, plain language legal publication that is updated as a wiki and can be printed or downloaded.

The Tenant Survival Guide is intended to give tenants a basic understanding of residential tenancy law in British Columbia and what it means to them. The Guide is produced by the Tenant Resource & Advisory Centre, an educational organization promoting tenants' rights and affordable housing in British Columbia.

Introduction
Before Renting
- The law in BC · Are you covered by the law? · What a landlord can ask · Application fees · Information for visiting students · Legislation and links
Making Your Agreement
- Protect yourself · Terms in the agreement · Pets · Leases · Deposits and paying rent · Condition when you move in · Legislation and links
Condition Inspection Reports
- Condition reports · Penalty for not participating · Setting a time · Required information · Legislation and links
Security Deposits and Additional Fees
- Security deposit and pet damage deposit · Extra deposits and non-refundable fees · Getting your deposit back · Legislation and links
Repairs and Services
- Landlord and tenant responsibilities · Getting repairs done and services back · Emergency repairs · Legislation and links
Rent Increases
- Regulations · Notice of rent increase · Above guideline increases · Extra occupants · Legislation and links
Privacy & Quiet Enjoyment
- Privacy in your home · Noise and disturbances · Locks and access · Guests · Legislation and links
Evictions
- Notice · Illegal activity · Eviction for not paying rent · Eviction for cause · Eviction for "landlord use" of property · Early eviction · Applying for dispute resolution · Order to move out · Legislation and links
Moving Out
- Giving notice · Breaking a lease · Cleaning and move-out inspection · Legislation and links
Dispute Resolution
- What is dispute resolutions? · How to apply · Applying for dispute resolution as a group · How to prepare for a hearing · At the hearing · Conference call hearings · Collecting money from the landlord · Review of a dispute resolution decision · Legislation and links
Taking Action
- Here's what you can do when · Tenant groups · Media
Other Resources for Tenants
- Housing alternatives · Government · Advocacy and referral services · Legal help · Online resources

About this Guide

The Tenant Survival Guide is produced by TRAC Tenant Resource & Advisory Centre and is intended to give tenants a basic understanding of residential tenancy law in British Columbia and what it means to them. Learn more about this Guide.