The Residential Tenancy Branch administers B.C. tenancy law, takes dispute-resolution applications, and has published a 2027 maximum rent increase of 2.2%.
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In British Columbia the office that matters is the Residential Tenancy Branch, not a city hall counter and not the police, unless you are unsafe. The public page is the index: starting a tenancy, rent, ending a tenancy, and dispute resolution each have their own section. We did not copy a security-deposit dollar cap because that figure lives on a deeper page we did not re-check line by line. Open 'Start a new tenancy' before you e-transfer a deposit to someone you have not met.
The sell-the-building point is the one to remember. A new owner takes the tenancy. They do not get a vacant apartment just because the listing said 'tenanted, easy to vacant.' If you are told to leave so the unit can be sold, call the Branch.
Residential tenants and landlords covered by B.C.'s tenancy laws. Manufactured-home parks have a separate act. Some university housing is outside the Act. Ask the Branch if you are unsure.
Use gov.bc.ca's residential tenancies pages, and call 1-800-665-8779 if you need an explanation in another language. Apply for dispute resolution from the same site if talking has failed.
CMHC states the basic split: landlords keep the place habitable and cannot harass you, and tenants pay rent and repair damage they cause. Eviction still has to follow the provincial process.
Last checked October 19, 2026
IRCC's renting guide explains leases, deposits, landlord entry, and what to check before you move in. The enforceable rules still come from the province or territory.
Last checked October 19, 2026
Ontario's rental page sets out the rent-increase guideline, the standard lease, and the rule that a landlord needs an order from the Landlord and Tenant Board before you have to move out.
Last checked October 19, 2026