Can Landlords Enforce a 14‑Day Guest Limit in BC?
In British Columbia, some landlords attempt to include clauses in tenancy agreements that restrict a tenant’s ability to host overnight guests — for example, imposing a cap such as “no more than 14 days per year.” While such terms may appear enforceable in writing, under BC tenancy law, they are generally considered unreasonable and likely unenforceable.
Tenants’ Right to Host Guests
According to the Residential Tenancy Regulation (RTR), tenants have the legal right to host guests, including overnight visitors, without facing unreasonable restrictions or additional charges. These rights cannot be waived or overridden by a tenancy agreement, even if the tenant signs off on it.
BC’s tenancy policy guidelines further clarify that restrictions on guests — including annual caps — are likely to be found unreasonable or unconscionable if challenged. Legal support organizations and the provincial government consistently advise that a landlord cannot impose an arbitrary time limit on how often a tenant may have overnight visitors.
When Landlords May Have Grounds to Act
Although blanket restrictions on guests are not enforceable, landlords can take action in specific circumstances:
A guest becomes an occupant: If someone starts living in the unit full time — for example, by staying continuously, keeping personal belongings in the unit, or contributing to rent or bills — they may be considered an unauthorized occupant rather than a guest.
The guest causes problems: If a guest causes damage, excessive noise, or interferes with the quiet enjoyment of others, the landlord may have grounds to intervene.
Occupancy or bylaw issues: If the presence of guests results in too many people living in the unit, in violation of building bylaws, strata rules, or health and safety regulations, the landlord may address the issue accordingly.
Dispute Resolution Through the RTB
If a landlord tries to enforce a 14-day guest limit by issuing warnings, fines, or eviction threats, the tenant can apply for dispute resolution through the Residential Tenancy Branch (RTB). An arbitrator will review the situation to determine whether the clause in question is reasonable, unconscionable, or invalid under BC tenancy law.
In most cases, an arbitrator is likely to find that a strict numerical limit on guest stays, like a 14-day annual cap, constitutes an unreasonable restriction on the tenant’s rights and is therefore unenforceable.
Exceptions and Special Cases
Supportive housing: As of 2024, certain supportive housing arrangements are exempt from the usual protections related to guests and privacy. In these contexts, operators may implement specific guest policies or conduct wellness checks, which would not be allowed in standard tenancies.
Reasonable restrictions: While arbitrary caps are not enforceable, this does not mean tenants have unlimited freedom to host guests indefinitely. Each situation is assessed based on its own facts, and landlords can still address genuine issues.
Tenancy agreements cannot override the law: Even if a lease contains a guest restriction, such a clause cannot lawfully override the tenant protections provided by the RTA or RTR.
While some landlords may include guest restrictions in tenancy agreements, a hard limit like “14 days per year” is unlikely to stand up if challenged. Tenants in BC have a protected right to host visitors, and unreasonable or overly strict limitations are typically unenforceable.
This article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. The Residential Tenancy Act, Residential Tenancy Regulation, and related policies are subject to change. How these laws apply can vary based on individual circumstances. For current information or personalized legal guidance, contact the Residential Tenancy Branch or speak with a qualified legal professional.
