How to set up a rental property in British Columbia
This page is the free British Columbia guide. No sign-in. Read on.
Facts checked September 2026 · See what changed · How we check
A step-by-step guide for first-time landlords in British Columbia, mandatory lease form requirements, deposit rules, inspection obligations, licensing, and rent-increase rules. Free downloadable checklist included.
1
British Columbia at a glance
Open this section ↓Official RTB website →↑ Close this sectionMandatory lease form
No (written lease recommended)
Move-in inspection
Effectively required (Condition Inspection Report (RTB-27))
Deposit
Security deposit: max 1/2 month's rent. Pet damage deposit (if applicable): a separate additional max 1/2 month's rent.
Rent control
Yes
Tribunal
Residential Tenancy Branch (RTB)
Legislation
Residential Tenancy Act
2
Step 1: Written lease
Open this section ↓↑ Close this sectionNo mandatory form required
No prescribed mandatory form. The RTB-1 form is optional; standard Residential Tenancy Act terms apply to any written (or verbal) tenancy agreement regardless.
Optional standard form →3
Step 2: Landlord insurance
Open this section ↓↑ Close this sectionGet a rental-dwelling policy before the tenancy starts
A standard homeowner policy typically excludes rental income and damage caused by tenants. Rental properties are covered by a rental-dwelling (landlord) policy instead.
Partner · Guidepost earns a commissionSquare One quotes landlord insurance online in British Columbia.
Consider requiring your tenant to carry liability insurance as a condition of the lease. This is not required by law in British Columbia but is common practice.
4
Step 3: Municipal licensing
Open this section ↓↑ Close this sectionNo provincial licence required in British Columbia
There is no provincial landlord registration or licence anywhere in Canada. However, some cities and municipalities require a rental or business licence before you can rent a property. Check with your city or municipality before putting a tenant in.
5
Step 4: Move-in condition report
Open this section ↓↑ Close this sectionEffectively requiredCondition Inspection Report (RTB-27)Completing the RTB-27 with the tenant at move-in and move-out is not technically mandatory, but if you skip it, you lose the right to make any damage claims against the security deposit. Treat it as mandatory.
Inspection form / guide →6
Step 5: Security deposit
Open this section ↓↑ Close this sectionMaximum
Security deposit: max 1/2 month's rent. Pet damage deposit (if applicable): a separate additional max 1/2 month's rent.
Interest
2026 interest rate = 0% (confirmed). Verify the current rate at gov.bc.ca before each tenancy.
Verify current rate →Return deadline
Within 15 days of the later of the day the tenancy ends and the day the landlord receives the tenant's forwarding address in writing. Failing to act can mean paying the tenant double the deposit.
Security deposit max 1/2 month's rent; separate pet damage deposit also max 1/2 month. Must be returned within 15 days of the later of the end of the tenancy and the day you receive the tenant's forwarding address in writing, or you can be ordered to pay double.
7
Step 6: Rent increases and notice rules
Open this section ↓↑ Close this sectionNotice required for a rent increase
3 months' written notice before effective date
Full notice & rent rules for British Columbia →Rent control
Annual increases capped at the BC Rent Increase Guideline. Takes effect 12 months after tenancy starts or after the last increase. Above-guideline increases: for major repairs or improvements (capital expenditures) a landlord applies on form RTB-53, filed online in phases; for unforeseeable financing costs on a purchase, or significant repairs to a manufactured home park, the landlord applies on form RTB-52, Application for Additional Rent Increase, with a fee of $300 plus $10 for each affected unit, to a maximum of $600.
8
Step 7: Records and receipts
Complete the RTB-27 Condition Inspection Report at move-in and move-out with the tenant present to preserve your right to claim from the deposit.Open this section ↓↑ Close this sectionComplete the RTB-27 Condition Inspection Report at move-in and move-out with the tenant present to preserve your right to claim from the deposit.
Keep copies of: the signed lease, deposit receipt, condition report(s), rent payment records, notice letters, and all correspondence with your tenant.
Tribunal: Residential Tenancy Branch. https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/housing-tenancy/residential-tenancies
9
Your British Columbia landlord setup checklist
Open this section ↓↑ Close this sectionBritish Columbia: New Landlord Setup Checklist 8 steps to set up your first rental property correctly
Step 1: Written lease
No mandatory lease form in British Columbia, but a written lease is strongly recommended.British Columbia legislation terms apply to any written or verbal tenancy regardless.Optional standard form: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/housing-tenancy/residential-tenancies/starting-a-tenancy/tenancy-agreementsBoth parties sign and keep a copy.Step 2: Landlord insurance
Get a rental-dwelling policy (NOT a homeowner policy) before the tenancy starts.Homeowner policies typically exclude rental income and tenant-caused damage.Consider requiring tenant liability insurance as a lease term.Step 3: Municipal licensing
No provincial landlord licence required in British Columbia.Check with your city or municipality: some require a rental or business licence.Step 4: Tenant screening
Run a credit check and reference check with written consent from the tenant.Handle personal information per privacy law (PIPEDA or provincial equivalent).Human rights law applies: you may not discriminate on protected grounds.Step 5: Move-in condition report
Completing the RTB-27 with the tenant at move-in and move-out is not technically mandatory, but if you skip it, you lose the right to make any damage claims against the security deposit. Treat it as mandatory.Use form: Condition Inspection Report (RTB-27)Step 6: Security deposit
Maximum: Security deposit: max 1/2 month's rent. Pet damage deposit (if applicable): a separate additional max 1/2 month's rent.Interest: 2026 interest rate = 0% (confirmed). Verify the current rate at gov.bc.ca before each tenancy.Return deadline: Within 15 days of the later of the day the tenancy ends and the day the landlord receives the tenant's forwarding address in writing. Failing to act can mean paying the tenant double the deposit.Security deposit max 1/2 month's rent; separate pet damage deposit also max 1/2 month. Must be returned within 15 days of the later of the end of the tenancy and the day you receive the tenant's forwarding address in writing, or you can be ordered to pay double.Step 7: Rent increases & notice rules
Notice required: 3 months' written notice before effective dateAnnual increases capped at the BC Rent Increase Guideline. Takes effect 12 months after tenancy starts or after the last increase. Above-guideline increases: for major repairs or improvements (capital expenditures) a landlord applies on form RTB-53, filed online in phases; for unforeseeable financing costs on a purchase, or significant repairs to a manufactured home park, the landlord applies on form RTB-52, Application for Additional Rent Increase, with a fee of $300 plus $10 for each affected unit, to a maximum of $600.Residential Tenancy Branch: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/housing-tenancy/residential-tenanciesStep 8: Records & receipts
Complete the RTB-27 Condition Inspection Report at move-in and move-out with the tenant present to preserve your right to claim from the deposit.Keep: signed lease, deposit receipt, condition report(s), rent payment records, all correspondence.Dispute body: Residential Tenancy Branch, https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/housing-tenancy/residential-tenanciesGeneral information only, not legal advice. Verify all requirements with your province's Residential Tenancy Branch.
10
Frequently asked questions
Open this section ↓Do I need to use a specific lease form in British Columbia?
No mandatory form is required in British Columbia. No prescribed mandatory form. The RTB-1 form is optional; standard Residential Tenancy Act terms apply to any written (or verbal) tenancy agreement regardless.
What deposit can I collect in British Columbia?
Security deposit max 1/2 month's rent; separate pet damage deposit also max 1/2 month. Must be returned within 15 days of the later of the end of the tenancy and the day you receive the tenant's forwarding address in writing, or you can be ordered to pay double. Maximum: Security deposit: max 1/2 month's rent. Pet damage deposit (if applicable): a separate additional max 1/2 month's rent..
Is a move-in inspection report required in British Columbia?
Completing the RTB-27 with the tenant at move-in and move-out is not technically mandatory, but if you skip it, you lose the right to make any damage claims against the security deposit. Treat it as mandatory.
Do I need a landlord licence in British Columbia?
There is no provincial landlord licence required in British Columbia. However, some municipalities require a rental or business licence. Check with your city or municipality.
What are the rent-increase rules in British Columbia?
Notice required: 3 months' written notice before effective date. Annual increases capped at the BC Rent Increase Guideline. Takes effect 12 months after tenancy starts or after the last increase. Above-guideline increases: for major repairs or improvements (capital expenditures) a landlord applies on form RTB-53, filed online in phases; for unforeseeable financing costs on a purchase, or significant repairs to a manufactured home park, the landlord applies on form RTB-52, Application for Additional Rent Increase, with a fee of $300 plus $10 for each affected unit, to a maximum of $600.
11
Related guides
Open this section ↓↑ Close this sectionLandlord & Tenant: British Columbia
Notice forms, rent-increase rules, repairs, and tribunal filing for British Columbia.
Eviction Guide: British Columbia
Non-payment, cause, and own-use eviction steps in British Columbia.
All Provinces
Compare landlord setup rules across all 10 Canadian provinces.
Facts checked September 2026
More than one unit? The Landlord Pass
Prepare the rent increase notices on this page for every property you hold, with the dates checked against the province rule that governs each one, and an alert when one of them moves.
$16 a month or $149 a year. Single documents stay available without an account.
What the Pass doesGuidepost is not a law firm. This guide is for general information only. Full disclaimer
Informational guide only. Guidepost is not a law firm. This guide explains the typical process and is not legal advice. Requirements can change. Verify current rules with the relevant government authority or a qualified professional before you act.