A Tenancy Agreement is a written contract between a landlord and tenant governed by the Residential Tenancy Act, SBC 2002, c. 78. It must include the rent amount, tenancy start date, whether the tenancy is fixed-term or month-to-month, the amount of any deposit, and the landlord's standard terms of the tenancy. The Residential Tenancy Branch (RTB) provides a free standard form tenancy agreement (RTB-1) that complies with all statutory requirements.

Under the Residential Tenancy Act, SBC 2002, c. 78, a landlord must provide a written tenancy agreement if the tenant requests one. Even if no written agreement exists, the Residential Tenancy Act still applies to the tenancy relationship. A written agreement is highly recommended because it provides clear evidence of the terms agreed upon by both parties.

Under the Residential Tenancy Act, SBC 2002, c. 78, an existing tenancy agreement transfers with the property; the new owner (purchaser) inherits all the landlord's obligations under the agreement. The tenancy continues under the same terms, and the new owner must honour the agreement, including the requirement to provide the tenant with notice (as of 2026-07-27, four months' notice — verify current) if the new owner or a close family member intends to occupy the unit. Verify the current notice period and exemptions with a BC lawyer or the Residential Tenancy Branch before acting.

Under the Residential Tenancy Act, SBC 2002, c. 78, a tenancy agreement must include: the rent amount, the tenancy start date, whether the tenancy is fixed-term or month-to-month, the amount of any security deposit or pet damage deposit, and the landlord's standard terms of the tenancy. The landlord must also provide their legal name and address for receiving notices and must attach a copy of the Condition Inspection Report (Move-In) signed by both parties.

Under the Residential Tenancy Act, SBC 2002, c. 78, a landlord cannot unilaterally change the material terms of a tenancy agreement during the term. Changes require the written consent of both the landlord and tenant, or the landlord must provide proper notice as required by the Act (for example, notice of rent increase or notice to end tenancy). Verify the specific notice requirements for your situation with the Residential Tenancy Branch or a BC lawyer.

Under the Residential Tenancy Act, SBC 2002, c. 78, a fixed-term tenancy agreement has a specified end date and automatically converts to a month-to-month tenancy at the end of the term unless the tenant or landlord gives proper notice or the landlord or a close family member intends to occupy the unit. A month-to-month tenancy continues indefinitely until either party gives proper notice to end the tenancy. The notice requirements and rules differ depending on the type of tenancy and the reason for ending it.

Under the Residential Tenancy Act, SBC 2002, c. 78, a landlord may collect a security deposit of up to one-half of one month's rent (as of 2026-07-27 — verify current). If the landlord permits pets, an additional pet damage deposit of up to one-half of one month's rent may be collected (as of 2026-07-27 — verify current). The landlord must pay interest on these deposits annually at the rate set by regulation; verify the current rate and deposit limits with the Residential Tenancy Branch before acting.

Under the Residential Tenancy Act, SBC 2002, c. 78, any term in a tenancy agreement that conflicts with the Act or regulations is not enforceable, even if both parties signed the agreement. Examples of unenforceable terms include 'no pets' clauses (which override a blanket prohibition except in certain circumstances such as strata bylaws or age-restricted buildings), automatic rent increases above the allowable rate, or waiver of a tenant's right to dispute. Verify whether a specific term is enforceable with the Residential Tenancy Branch or a BC lawyer.

The Residential Tenancy Branch (RTB) provides a free standard tenancy agreement form (RTB-1) that complies with the Residential Tenancy Act, SBC 2002, c. 78. The form is available for download at www.gov.bc.ca on the Residential Tenancy Branch website. Landlords may use their own agreement form provided it includes all mandatory information required by the Act and does not include any terms that conflict with the Act or regulations.

Under the Residential Tenancy Act, SBC 2002, c. 78, as amended, the landlord must give the tenant four months' written notice (as of 2026-07-27 — verify current) to end a tenancy if the landlord, the landlord's close family member, or a purchaser of the property intends to occupy the rental unit. The tenant is entitled to one month's rent as compensation, payable on or before the effective date of the notice. Verify the current notice period, compensation amount, and exemptions with the Residential Tenancy Branch or a BC lawyer before acting.