Question 1

My landlord won’t return my deposit

Accepted Answer

RTB-12T. After the tenancy ends and you give a forwarding address in writing, the landlord has 15 days to return it, get your written agreement, or apply to keep it. Miss all three and they can owe you double. Apply with the Tenant’s Application for Dispute Resolution.

Question 2

I got an eviction notice I disagree with

Accepted Answer

RTB-12T. Deadlines are strict: 5 days (10 Day Notice), 10 days (One Month), 15 days (Two Month), 21 days (Three Month — landlord’s or purchaser’s use), 30 days (Four Month — demolition, conversion or caretaker use). The deadline is printed on your notice — file before it passes or you’re presumed to accept.

Question 3

My rent increase seems illegal

Accepted Answer

Check the four rules first: at or under the cap for the year it takes effect (2.3% in 2026, 2.2% in 2027), official form, three full months’ notice, once per 12 months. If it fails any, you only owe the legal amount, and can apply to the RTB if pushed.

Question 4

I want to give notice and move out

Accepted Answer

No special form is required, but notice must be in writing, signed, with the address and move-out date — at least one full month, effective the last day of a rental period.

Question 5

My landlord won’t do repairs

Accepted Answer

RTB-12T. Put the request in writing with a reasonable deadline first. If nothing happens, apply for dispute resolution — an arbitrator can order repairs and even rent reductions.

Question 6

My tenant hasn’t paid rent

Accepted Answer

RTB-30. Serve the 10 Day Notice (RTB-30) the day after rent was due. The tenant has 5 days to pay in full (cancels the notice) or dispute. If they do neither, the Direct Request process can get an order of possession without a hearing.

Question 7

My tenant is breaking the rules / causing damage

Accepted Answer

RTB-33. The One Month Notice for Cause (RTB-33) — document everything first: warnings in writing, photos, dates. Weak evidence loses disputes.

Question 8

I (or close family) want to move into the unit

Accepted Answer

RTB-32L. The Three Month Notice (RTB-32L) can ONLY be generated through the RTB web portal — a manually filled PDF is invalid. The tenant has 21 days to dispute it. You owe them one month’s rent either way, on or before the effective date (RTA s.51(1)) — and a further 12 months’ rent if the unit isn’t actually used for the stated purpose (s.51(2)). Your intentions are not the test.

Question 9

I want to raise the rent

Accepted Answer

RTB-7. Use the official Notice of Rent Increase (RTB-7): maximum 2.3% for 2026, 2.2% for 2027 - the cap follows the effective date, not when notice is served. Use the official calculator to get the exact cap and dates right.

Question 10

I’m starting a new tenancy

Accepted Answer

RTB-1. Use the official Residential Tenancy Agreement (RTB-1) — it contains every legally required term. Then follow the landlord checklist start to finish.

Question 11

I need to do a move-in / move-out inspection

Accepted Answer

RTB-27. The Condition Inspection Report (RTB-27), completed together at move-in and again at move-out. Skipping it can extinguish deposit rights on either side.

Which BC tenancy form do I need?

I’m a tenant…

I’m a landlord…