Tenancy laws and rules
Learn about important laws and rules to follow during a tenancy.
On this page:
- Tenancy laws and regulations
- Residential Tenancy Branch rules of procedure
- Other laws
- I need help
Tenancy laws and regulations
The following acts and regulations support and protect the rights of both landlords and tenants, ensuring that all tenancy business is conducted properly and fairly.
Residential Tenancy Branch rules of procedure
The Rules of Procedure sets out the rules and expectations for a hearing. They also ensure a fair, efficient and consistent process for resolving disputes for landlords and tenants.
- Current Residential Tenancy Branch Rules of Procedure (PDF, 461KB) (July 2024)
Past rules of procedure- No longer in effect
- Residential Tenancy Branch Rules of Procedure (PDF, 416KB) prior to 8:00 AM PST on July 23 2024
- Residential Tenancy Branch Rules of Procedure (PDF, 336KB) prior to 8:00 AM PST on July 18 2024
- Residential Tenancy Branch Rules of Procedure (PDF, 344KB) prior to 9:00 AM PST on May 6 2024
- Residential Tenancy Branch Rules of Procedure (PDF, 337KB) prior to 8:00 AM PST on April 8 2024
- Residential Tenancy Branch Rules of Procedure (PDF, 338KB) prior to 7:00 AM PST on October 3, 2023
- Residential Tenancy Branch Rules of Procedure (PDF 340KB) prior to 10:00 AM PST on September 13, 2023
- Residential Tenancy Branch Rules of Procedure (PDF, 336KB) prior to February 17, 2023 - No longer in Effect
Other laws
Other laws that influence tenancy agreements and processes include:
- Human Rights Code
- Makes sure everyone can fully and freely take part in all aspects of life in British Columbia, like the economy, society, politics, and culture
- Encourages a friendly and respectful atmosphere where everyone is treated equally and with the same rights and dignity
- Says discrimination is not allowed
- Blocks unfair treatment connected to discrimination
- Helps people who have been treated unfairly by offering ways to make things right, like compensation
- Regulates government procedures for resolving disputes
- Outlines remedies that are available, including judicial review of a Residential Tenancy Branch (RTB) decisions
- This legislation provides the authority, process and recognized grounds for applications to the B.C. Supreme Court for a judicial review of an RTB decision
- This legislation provides rules around the use of personal information, such as collection a tenant's information when starting a tenancy
- Guidance Document: Private sector landlords and tenants (PDF, 324KB)
