The BC Residential Tenancy Agreement, explained
Updated June 5, 2026 · British Columbia, Canada
If you’re renting out — or renting — a home in British Columbia, the tenancy agreement is the single most important document you’ll sign. Here’s what it must contain, where to get the free official template, and the mistakes that cause disputes later.
What is the RTB-1?
The Residential Tenancy Agreement (form RTB-1) is the official BC rental agreement template published by the Residential Tenancy Branch. It’s free, and it already contains every standard term required by the Residential Tenancy Act — which is why most BC landlords use it instead of writing their own lease.
Download the official RTB-1 (PDF)
What every BC rental agreement must include
Whether you use the RTB-1 or your own document, a BC tenancy agreement must include the standard terms of the Act, plus the specifics of your tenancy:
- Full legal names of the landlord and all tenants
- The address of the rental unit
- The start date, and whether it’s month-to-month or a fixed term
- The rent amount, due date, and what’s included (utilities, parking, laundry)
- Deposit amounts — capped at half a month’s rent each for the security deposit and pet damage deposit
- Any additional terms (pets, smoking, yard care) — as long as they don’t contradict the Act
Important: a term that conflicts with the Residential Tenancy Act is unenforceable even if both parties signed it. The law wins over the paperwork.
Signing rules
Both parties sign and date the agreement, and the landlord must give the tenant a copy within 21 days. Keep your copy for the entire tenancy — you’ll need it if there’s ever a dispute.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Using a template from another province. Ontario or Alberta leases don’t satisfy BC requirements.
- Charging more than half a month’s rent as deposit. The cap applies no matter what the agreement says.
- Skipping the move-in inspection. The agreement and the condition inspection report work together to protect the deposit.
- No written agreement at all. The landlord can be ordered to comply, and the standard terms apply anyway — you just lose clarity on rent, dates, and extras.
Official resources
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a written tenancy agreement in BC?
Yes. BC law requires landlords to prepare a written agreement for every tenancy. Even without a written document, the standard terms of the Residential Tenancy Act still apply.
Is there a free BC rental agreement template?
Yes — the official Residential Tenancy Agreement (form RTB-1) is free from the BC government and includes all legally required standard terms.
Can I write my own lease in BC?
You can, but it must include the standard terms required by the Residential Tenancy Act, and any term that contradicts the Act is unenforceable. Most landlords are better off starting from the official RTB-1.
When does the tenant get a copy of the agreement?
The landlord must give the tenant a copy of the signed agreement within 21 days of signing.