Are renters allowed to sublet?
Published Oct 29, 2026
Yes, renters in BC can sublet, but only with the landlord’s written consent (or an order from the Residential Tenancy Branch). Here’s how subletting works in BC, when a landlord can and can’t say no, and what happens if you sublet your apartment without permission.
Can I sublet my apartment in BC?
Under BC’s Residential Tenancy Act, you need your landlord’s written permission to sublet your rental unit or assign your tenancy agreement. A text saying “sure” is risky: get it in writing.
Sublet vs assignment: what’s the difference?
- Sublet (temporary): you move out for a while, for example for a summer job or a semester abroad, and a subtenant lives in your place under a sublease. You stay the tenant, and you become your subtenant’s landlord.
- Assignment (permanent): you leave for good and transfer your tenancy agreement to a new tenant. They take over your rights and responsibilities under the existing lease.
Which one you choose matters if you want to come back, and for who is responsible for rent and damage.
Can my landlord say no to a sublet?
It depends on your lease:
- Fixed-term lease with six months or more left: your landlord can’t unreasonably refuse. They can refuse if they reasonably believe the new person can’t follow the terms of the agreement.
- Less than six months left: the landlord has more freedom to refuse.
- Month-to-month (periodic) tenancy: the Act doesn’t say. The RTB looks at the circumstances case by case.
- Subsidized housing: subsidized housing providers often don’t allow subletting or assignment.
If you think your landlord refused unreasonably, you can apply to the Residential Tenancy Branch for dispute resolution and ask for an order allowing the sublet or assignment.
Can my landlord charge a fee to approve it?
No. BC landlords must not charge you for considering, investigating or consenting to an assignment.
What happens if I sublet without permission?
Your landlord may give you notice to end the tenancy, and that also ends it for your subtenant, unless they make a new agreement with the landlord. Don’t risk your home for a few months of rent.
Tips before you sublet
- Ask your landlord in writing, and keep their written answer.
- Use a written sublease that covers rent, dates, deposit and who pays for damage.
- Do a walk-through with your subtenant and take photos, like a move-in condition inspection.
- Remember you’re still responsible to your landlord during a sublet.
- Check that your tenant insurance covers the situation. See should renters get insurance?
More for BC renters
- How to break a fixed-term lease in BC
- Renter rights in Canada and BC
- How rent works in Canada and BC
- Can renters not pay rent?
- Average rent by city in BC
- Rent increase checker
This is legal information, not legal advice. For help with your situation, contact TRAC.