Canadian renter rights
Published Oct 29, 2026
What are your rights as a renter in Canada? Tenant rights are set by each province, so they’re different in BC, Ontario, Alberta and Quebec. This guide covers renter rights in British Columbia, under the Residential Tenancy Act, in plain words.
The right to privacy and quiet enjoyment
You have the right to enjoy your home peacefully, without interference. Your landlord can’t just walk in:
- they must give you written notice at least 24 hours (and no more than 30 days) before entering
- the notice must give the date, a time between 8 a.m. and 9 p.m., and a reason
- they can enter without notice only in an emergency, with your permission, or with an order
- you have the right to be there when they enter
The right to repairs
Landlords are responsible for most repairs, including heating, plumbing, common areas and normal wear and tear. Ask for repairs in writing and keep a copy. If your landlord won’t fix things, you can apply to the Residential Tenancy Branch. You usually can’t withhold rent: read can renters not pay rent?
The right to fair rent increases
Your landlord can raise the rent only once a year, by no more than the yearly limit, with written notice on the official form. See the BC rent increase rules and check your notice with our rent increase checker.
Rights about deposits and fees
- No fee to apply for a rental.
- A security deposit and a pet damage deposit can each be at most half of the first month’s rent.
- Your landlord must return deposits within 15 days if there are no issues.
More in how rent works in BC.
The right not to be discriminated against
BC’s Human Rights Code bans landlords from refusing to rent to you because of your race, colour, ancestry, place of origin, religion, marital status, family status, disability, sex, gender identity or expression, age, sexual orientation or lawful source of income. The Code has some exceptions; the BC Human Rights Tribunal can tell you more.
The right to privacy of your information
Landlords can only collect the personal information they need. Credit checks need your consent, and a landlord shouldn’t make you give your SIN. Read how landlords do credit checks.
Rights when you’re evicted
Your landlord can only end your tenancy for reasons the law allows, using the right notice and form. You can dispute a notice through the Residential Tenancy Branch, and the deadlines are short. See the government’s evictions page, and contact TRAC quickly if you get a notice.
Your responsibilities as a tenant
Rights come with duties: pay rent on time, take care of basic upkeep, tell your landlord in writing when something needs fixing, pay for damage you, your guests or your pets cause, and get written permission before you sublet.
Where to get help
More for BC renters
- Should I rent here? A checklist
- Can renters claim rent on taxes?
- Should renters get insurance?
- Average rent by city in BC
This is legal information, not legal advice.