Tenancies in Secondary or Illegal Suites (19:XVII)

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This information applies to British Columbia, Canada. Last reviewed for legal accuracy by the Law Students' Legal Advice Program on August 2, 2023.



Municipalities all over the Lower Mainland are attempting to regulate secondary suites. In most Lower Mainland municipalities, secondary suites are regulated and may be legal (though some landlords may be operating the secondary suite without approval). The bylaws and policy guidelines are municipality-specific, so clients should be directed to their municipal offices to determine the specific enforcement policies for their municipality.

If a city inspector determines that a suite should be closed down, the landlord may be given notice to shut down the suite by the city, which will allow them to give a One Month Notice to End Tenancy for Cause to the tenant. The RTA applies independently of the legality of the suite.

For more information on the issue of tenancy agreements relating to illegal or unapproved suites, see RTB Policy Guideline 20: Illegal Contracts.


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