Residential Tenancies
Housing / Shelter and Legal
Provided by Government of British Columbia
Provides information, resources and dispute resolution services for tenants and landlords.
Tenants and landlords can find information to guide them from the start of a tenancy to the end. Learn what tools and resources are available and what to do if you need help, through the following services:
- Starting a New Tenancy: Learn about your rights and responsibilities, as a tenant or a landlord, when starting a tenancy;
- During a Tenancy: What are tenants' rights, and landlords' responsibilities once a tenancy is underway? Remember - tenancies are considered to be ongoing once a tenant has paid the security deposit to their landlord;
- Rent: Everyone has roles, rights and responsibilities related to paying rent, rent increases and tenancy agreements;
- Solving Tenancy Problems: When a conflict occurs, landlords and tenants should try to talk things out. However if conversation or mediation are unsuccessful, parties can apply for dispute resolution or submit a complaint for investigation;
- Ending a Tenancy: Know your rights, as a landlord or tenant, and what your responsibilities are when ending a tenancy;
- Tenancy-Related Forms, Resources and Calculators: You can also find information on tenancy laws and rules, policy guidelines, info sheets here;
- Selling a Rental Property: When a landlord plans to sell a rental property, the tenancy continues - it does not end because the landlord wants to sell a rental unit;
- Manufactured Homes: Tenancies in manufactured homes within BC differ from residential tenancies - learn about agreements, rent increases and ending these tenancies;
- I Need Help: You will find more support to answer questions and resolve tenancy issues in this section;
- Contacting the Residential Tenancy Branch
Before You Call the Residential Tenancy Branch:
- Write down your questions,
- Have the documents relating to your tenancy issues available,
- If you have an open dispute resolution file, have your 6 or 9 digit file number and your Dispute Access Code ready (you receive this code when you submit your application, OR can be found on the Notice of Dispute Resolution Proceeding).
Service is provided in 200+ languages, including English, French, Farsi, Punjabi, Spanish, Cantonese and Mandarin.
Location finder: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content...
Public email: HSRTO@gov.bc.ca (Do NOT submit evidence via email)
Website: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content...
#400, 5021 Kingsway, Burnaby, British Columbia, V5H 4A5
Hours: Monday to Friday, 9:00am - 4:00pm. Closed weekends; the last Wednesday of the month from 9:00am - 11:00am; and on Holidays. This location is for: paying filing fees; submitting application/evidence; and picking up forms/hearing packages
604-660-1020 (Lower Mainland)
Hours: Monday to Friday, 9:00am - 4:00pm. Closed weekends; the last Wednesday of the month from 9:00am - 11:00am; and on Holidays.
250-387-1602 (Victoria)
Hours: Monday to Friday, 9:00am - 4:00pm. Closed weekends; the last Wednesday of the month from 9:00am - 11:00am; and on Holidays.
Toll Free: 1-800-665-8779 (Elsewhere in BC)
Hours: Monday to Friday, 9:00am - 4:00pm. Closed weekends; the last Wednesday of the month from 9:00am - 11:00am; and on Holidays.
Service is available in Cantonese, English, Farsi, French, Mandarin, Punjabi, and Spanish.
Cost: No cost
Associated Programs/Services
Also offered by Government of British Columbia:
Just the closest matches listed. Click to see more!- Family Justice Services (FJSD)
- Ministry of Citizens' Services
- Crime Victim Assistance Program (CVAP)
Availability
Service area: Province-wide
Ways to Access
- Provided 1:1 in-person
- Provided at multiple locations
- Provided by phone
- Provided online: email / video / on-line
The listing of this service in Pathways is not a recommendation or endorsement by Pathways.