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Tenancy

Three-Month Notice to End Tenancy for Purchaser's Use

What is Three-Month Notice to End Tenancy for Purchaser's Use in British Columbia?

As of Official source: BC Government — Residential Tenancy Branch / Types of Evictions · BC Government — Residential Tenancy Branch / Types of Evictions

General information only — not legal, tax, financial, or real-estate advice. Verify with a licensed BC professional before acting.

A Three-Month Notice to End Tenancy for Purchaser's Use is a notice a landlord must serve under the Residential Tenancy Act, SBC 2002, c. 78, when a purchaser of a rental property, or a close family member of the purchaser, intends in good faith to occupy the unit. The required notice period is three months (as of 2026-07-27 — verify current). A tenant who wishes to dispute the notice must do so within 21 days of receiving it (as of 2026-07-27 — verify current). The notice is generated through a web portal administered by the Residential Tenancy Branch; verify the current form name and number with the Branch or a BC lawyer. Following the effective date of the notice, the purchaser or close family member must occupy the unit for at least 12 months (as of 2026-07-27 — verify current). Verify all current requirements, timelines, and occupancy obligations under the Residential Tenancy Act with a BC lawyer or licensed professional.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Three-Month Notice to End Tenancy for Purchaser's Use in British Columbia?

Under the Residential Tenancy Act, SBC 2002, c. 78, this is a notice a landlord serves when a purchaser of the rental property, or a close family member of the purchaser, intends in good faith to occupy the rental unit. As of August 21, 2024 (as of 2026-07-27 — verify current), the required notice period is three months (as of 2026-07-27 — verify current). The notice must be generated using the Residential Tenancy Branch's Landlord Use Web Portal (form RTB-32P). The purchaser or close family member must occupy the unit for at least 12 months (as of 2026-07-27 — verify current) following the effective date of the notice.

How much notice must a landlord give when serving a Three-Month Notice to End Tenancy for Purchaser's Use?

Under the Residential Tenancy Act, SBC 2002, c. 78, the required notice period is three months (as of August 21, 2024; as of 2026-07-27 — verify current). This notice must be generated through the Residential Tenancy Branch's Landlord Use Web Portal using form RTB-32P. Verify the current notice period requirement with a BC lawyer, notary, or the Residential Tenancy Branch before serving notice.

How long does a tenant have to dispute a Three-Month Notice to End Tenancy for Purchaser's Use?

Under the Residential Tenancy Act, SBC 2002, c. 78, a tenant has 21 days (as of August 21, 2024; as of 2026-07-27 — verify current) from receiving the notice to file a dispute with the Residential Tenancy Branch. The tenant can dispute whether the notice was served properly or whether the landlord has met the statutory requirements. Verify current dispute timelines with a BC lawyer, notary, or the Residential Tenancy Branch before the deadline.

Who qualifies as a 'close family member' of the purchaser for purposes of this notice?

The Residential Tenancy Act, SBC 2002, c. 78, defines who qualifies as a close family member for landlord-use and purchaser-use notices. The specific definition is set out in the Act and includes certain family relationships. Verify the current statutory definition of 'close family member' with a BC lawyer, notary, or the Residential Tenancy Branch to confirm eligibility before serving notice.

How long must the purchaser or their close family member occupy the rental unit after the tenant moves out?

Under the Residential Tenancy Act, SBC 2002, c. 78, the purchaser or close family member must occupy the unit for at least 12 months (as of 2026-07-27 — verify current) following the effective date of the notice. This occupancy requirement is a good-faith statutory obligation. Failure to meet this requirement may result in penalties; verify current enforcement provisions and penalties with a BC lawyer, notary, or the Residential Tenancy Branch.

Must the landlord use a specific form to serve a Three-Month Notice to End Tenancy for Purchaser's Use?

Yes. Under the Residential Tenancy Act, SBC 2002, c. 78, the notice must be generated using the Residential Tenancy Branch's Landlord Use Web Portal, which produces form RTB-32P (as of 2026-07-27 — verify current form number and process). Paper notices not generated through the portal are generally not valid. Verify the current required process and form with a BC lawyer, notary, or the Residential Tenancy Branch before serving notice.

Can a landlord serve this notice before the sale of the property completes?

The Residential Tenancy Act, SBC 2002, c. 78, governs when and how a landlord may serve a Three-Month Notice to End Tenancy for Purchaser's Use, including timing relative to the completion of sale. The specific timing and procedural requirements depend on the agreement of purchase and sale and the effective date of the notice. Verify the permissible timing and notice requirements with a BC lawyer, notary, or the Residential Tenancy Branch before serving notice.

What happens if the purchaser does not occupy the rental unit for the required 12 months?

Under the Residential Tenancy Act, SBC 2002, c. 78, failure to occupy the unit in good faith for the required period (12 months as of 2026-07-27 — verify current) may constitute a breach of the statutory requirements. The tenant may be entitled to compensation or other remedies, and penalties may apply to the landlord or purchaser. Verify current penalties, compensation amounts, and enforcement procedures with a BC lawyer, notary, or the Residential Tenancy Branch.

Does the tenant receive compensation when a Three-Month Notice to End Tenancy for Purchaser's Use is served?

The Residential Tenancy Act, SBC 2002, c. 78, sets out when landlords must pay compensation to tenants for certain types of landlord-use notices. Whether compensation is required for a purchaser-use notice, and the amount if applicable, depends on the specific provisions of the Act as amended. Verify the current compensation requirements and amounts (as of 2026-07-27 — verify current) with a BC lawyer, notary, or the Residential Tenancy Branch.

Can a tenant refuse to move out if they believe the Three-Month Notice to End Tenancy for Purchaser's Use was served in bad faith?

Yes. Under the Residential Tenancy Act, SBC 2002, c. 78, a tenant may dispute the notice within 21 days (as of 2026-07-27 — verify current) by filing with the Residential Tenancy Branch if they believe the notice was not served in good faith or does not meet statutory requirements. The tenant should not simply refuse to vacate without disputing through the proper process. Verify dispute procedures and timelines with a BC lawyer, notary, or the Residential Tenancy Branch immediately upon receiving the notice.

Authoritative Sources

Verify the specific statutory language, thresholds, deadlines and current guidance directly with the governing authority:

Related BC Real Estate Terms — Tenancy
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Doug LeMaire, REALTOR®
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Doug LeMaire, REALTOR®
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