The BC landlord checklist: forms and steps

Every form a BC landlord needs is free and official — the hard part is knowing which one, when. Here’s the full sequence, from listing to move-in day, with each form linked.

Free interactive landlord checklistTick items off as you go and print it when you’re done. No account required.Open the checklist

Before move-in

1. Tenancy agreement — RTB-1. Written agreement with all standard terms. Give the tenant a signed copy within 21 days. Full guide: BC residential tenancy agreement.
2. Collect deposits — within the legal caps. Half a month’s rent maximum each for security and pet deposits. See BC security deposit rules.
3. Condition inspection — RTB-27. Walk through together on move-in day, record everything, both sign, give the tenant a copy. Full guide: move-in inspection.
4. Hand over the essentials. Keys, garbage schedule, parking/strata rules, your repair contact.

The first part of this list can be done online instead. Our lease builder builds the RTB-1 from plain questions, keeps the deposits inside the legal caps, and gives you and your tenant one place to keep the paperwork afterwards.

During the tenancy

• Rent increases: RTB-7. Maximum 2.3% for 2026, 2.2% for 2027 - the cap follows the increase’s effective date, not when it’s served. Three full months’ notice, once per 12 months. See the rent increase guide.
• Keep records. The signed agreement, inspection reports, rent receipts, and all written communication.

Ending a tenancy

The form depends on the reason:

• RTB-30 — 10 Day Notice for unpaid rent or utilities
• RTB-33 — One Month Notice for cause
• RTB-32L — Three Month Notice for landlord’s use (must be generated through the RTB web portal for notices on or after June 18, 2025)

More in the move-out notice guide.

Official resources

• All BC tenancy forms, by number
• Residential Tenancy Branch