Rental Agreements
Rental Agreements
If you are renting for the first time, or if you are new to BC, it is important to know what the laws say before you rent a place to live. Ask the landlord what is included in the rent — for example, heat, hot water, cable service, and laundry machines for your use. If you have any doubts or questions, call the Residential Tenancy Branch or Tenant Resource & Advisory Centre.
When you look at a place to rent, the landlord will tell you how much the rent is. If you apply to rent the place, the landlord cannot charge you money to take your application. Doing this is illegal.
When a tenant finds a suitable house or apartment to rent, the tenant and the landlord make a contract. A contract is a legal agreement. A contract between a landlord and tenant is called a tenancyagreement.
A tenancy agreement must follow the rules about renting in the Residential Tenancy Act and Regulations. A tenancy agreement must be in writing. The tenant and the landlord sign it and date it. The landlord must give the tenant a copy of the tenancy agreement within 21 days. The agreement will say how much the rent is and when you must pay it. The agreement must also include what the law says about such things as security deposits, rent increases, and repairs. You should read the agreement before you sign it. Get someone to help if you need to.
Residential Tenancy Branch
604-660-1020 (in the Lower Mainland),
250-387-1602 (in Victoria) or
1-800-665-8779 (toll free in BC).
www.rto.gov.bc.ca
Tenant Resource & Advisory Centre
604-255-0546 (in the Lower Mainland)
1-800-665-1185 (toll free in BC)
www.tenants.bc.ca.