RTB to Launch Public Monetary Order Database
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RTB to Launch Public Monetary Order Database

Starting July 31, 2025, the Residential Tenancy Branch will publish all monetary orders in a public, searchable database — including the names of landlords and tenants, rental addresses, and amounts owed. Learn what details will be disclosed, who qualifies for a safety-based exemption, and how to apply for one if public disclosure could put you at risk.

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What Are the Essential Terms in a Tenancy Agreement?
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What Are the Essential Terms in a Tenancy Agreement?

A tenancy agreement in British Columbia must include specific legal terms to be valid under the Residential Tenancy Act and Regulation. From rent details and start dates to required standard terms and deposit rules, this article breaks down what every BC tenancy agreement must contain — and how landlords and tenants can ensure their contract is legally compliant.

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Can Landlords Enforce a 14‑Day Guest Limit in BC?
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Can Landlords Enforce a 14‑Day Guest Limit in BC?

In British Columbia, tenancy laws protect a tenant’s right to host visitors — and most blanket guest restrictions, including annual caps, are considered unreasonable and unenforceable. This article explains your rights under the Residential Tenancy Regulation and what to do if a landlord tries to enforce such a rule.

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What Are the Rules for Disposing of a Tenant’s Abandoned Property in BC?
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What Are the Rules for Disposing of a Tenant’s Abandoned Property in BC?

Tenants in British Columbia are legally entitled to enjoy their home in peace. Under the Residential Tenancy Act, this right to "quiet enjoyment" protects renters from persistent disturbances, unauthorized landlord entries, harassment, and more. Understanding what qualifies as a breach—and what steps you can take—can help you maintain a safe, comfortable living environment.

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What Is a Tenant’s Right to Quiet Enjoyment in BC?
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What Is a Tenant’s Right to Quiet Enjoyment in BC?

In British Columbia, tenants are legally entitled to quiet enjoyment of their rental unit, meaning the right to live with reasonable peace, privacy, and freedom from persistent disturbances. This article explains what quiet enjoyment includes, how to identify a breach, and what steps tenants can take under the Residential Tenancy Act if their rights are violated.

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What Are the Rules Around Guests in a Rental Unit in BC
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What Are the Rules Around Guests in a Rental Unit in BC

n British Columbia, tenants have the right to host guests in their rental unit under the Residential Tenancy Act, but that right comes with boundaries. This article outlines how guest rights are treated under BC tenancy law, how to handle disputes, and what exceptions apply in supportive housing.

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What Legal Rights Do You Have When Living with Roommates in BC?
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What Legal Rights Do You Have When Living with Roommates in BC?

Living with roommates in BC? Your legal rights depend on how the arrangement is structured. Whether you're co-tenants, have separate agreements, or are an unofficial occupant, each situation carries different responsibilities and protections under the Residential Tenancy Act. Understanding your status can help you avoid legal and financial issues.

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What Are the New 12-Month Occupancy Rules for Landlords After Eviction?
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What Are the New 12-Month Occupancy Rules for Landlords After Eviction?

Recent amendments to British Columbia’s Residential Tenancy Act have introduced a mandatory 12-month occupancy period for landlords who end tenancies on the grounds of personal use. This article explores the intent, implications, and enforcement of the new rule within the broader context of BC’s evolving rental housing framework.

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What Can a Tenant Do If Their Lease Is Ending but They Want to Stay?
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What Can a Tenant Do If Their Lease Is Ending but They Want to Stay?

In British Columbia, tenants are not automatically required to move out at the end of a fixed-term lease. Unless the landlord or a close family member plans to move in for at least six months, and this was clearly stated in the lease, the tenancy typically continues month-to-month. This article explains when tenants must vacate and when they have the right to stay.

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What Must Be Included in a Legally Valid Condition Inspection Report in BC?
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What Must Be Included in a Legally Valid Condition Inspection Report in BC?

This article outlines what must be included in a legally valid Condition Inspection Report under British Columbia’s Residential Tenancy Regulation. Whether using the official RTB form or a custom version, landlords must ensure it contains key information such as names, dates, a detailed assessment of the unit’s condition, and signatures from both parties.

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What Can a Tenant Do If Their Landlord Doesn’t Pay a Monetary Order?
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What Can a Tenant Do If Their Landlord Doesn’t Pay a Monetary Order?

If your landlord refuses to pay a monetary order issued by the Residential Tenancy Branch, you may need to take enforcement steps through Small Claims Court. This article outlines your legal options in British Columbia, including requesting a payment hearing, garnishing wages or bank accounts, seizing personal property, and registering the debt against the landlord’s real estate.

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When Can a Landlord Enter a Rental Unit in BC?
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When Can a Landlord Enter a Rental Unit in BC?

Landlords in British Columbia can only enter a tenant’s rental unit under specific circumstances and with proper notice, as set out in the Residential Tenancy Act. This article explains when entry is allowed, what notice must be given, and the rights tenants have if those rules aren’t followed.

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How Landlords Can Navigate Tenant Evictions Under British Columbia’s RTA
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How Landlords Can Navigate Tenant Evictions Under British Columbia’s RTA

This article outlines the most common legal reasons for ending a tenancy in British Columbia - non-payment of rent, breach of agreement, and landlord use of property. It explains required notice periods, tenant dispute rights, and updated rules under the Residential Tenancy Act. For all eviction types, visit the Residential Tenancy Branch website.

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How to Enforce a Monetary Order in British Columbia
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How to Enforce a Monetary Order in British Columbia

If you've received a monetary order from the Residential Tenancy Branch (RTB) in British Columbia, enforcing it is your responsibility, not the RTB’s. This article walks you through the essential steps: how to serve the order, wait out the 15-day review period, and file in Small Claims Court if the other party doesn’t pay.

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What Are the Rules for Scheduling a Move-In or Move-Out Inspection in BC?
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What Are the Rules for Scheduling a Move-In or Move-Out Inspection in BC?

In British Columbia, landlords and tenants are both responsible for completing condition inspection reports at the start and end of a tenancy. These inspections help prevent disputes by documenting the condition of the rental unit and serve as key evidence if a damage deposit or pet deposit is withheld.

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What Are the Legal Alternatives to Breaking a Lease in BC?
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What Are the Legal Alternatives to Breaking a Lease in BC?

In British Columbia, a fixed-term lease is a legally binding agreement. However, life doesn’t always go according to plan, and sometimes tenants need to leave before the lease ends. Rather than risk financial penalties or disputes, it’s important for both tenants and landlords to understand the legal alternatives to breaking a lease early under the RTA and Residential Tenancy Regulation.

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What Happens When a Fixed-Term Tenancy Ends in BC?
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What Happens When a Fixed-Term Tenancy Ends in BC?

In British Columbia, a fixed-term tenancy is a rental agreement that has a clear start and end date. Most fixed-term agreements last for one year, but they can be longer or shorter depending on what the parties agree to. Understanding what happens at the end of a fixed term is important for both landlords and tenants to ensure compliance with the Residential Tenancy Act (RTA).

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What Is a Tenancy Agreement in BC?
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What Is a Tenancy Agreement in BC?

A tenancy agreement is a legally binding contract that sets the terms of a rental relationship between a landlord and a tenant. Whether you're a landlord preparing to rent out a property, or a tenant moving into one, understanding the tenancy agreement is essential.

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