Here is some information about the basics of tenancy you should know

Being a student usually means at some point you’re going to be renting a place during your studies. It’s important to know your rights when you’re a renter, for many students simply aren’t informed about what should happen when they’re renting.

1. Your Rental Agreement / Lease

You must make an agreement in writing. Make sure you get a copy within 21 days of moving into your suite. Changes to the lease can only be made by mutual agreement between you and your landlord.

You should ensure you know what is in your lease that allows you certain rights and responsibilities. This might be the first legal document you’ve signed, so read it carefully and ask questions if you’re not sure what something means!

2. Your rent payment

Your rent is due on or before the “rental due date.” If you do not pay your rent, your landlord can give you a 10-day notice for non-payment after this date. Make sure you know what day your rent is due every month!

If your landlord wants to increase the amount of rent, he/she can only do so after three rental periods – i.e., if you pay your rent monthly, your landlord must give you written notice three months before an increase. Also, the rent may only be raised once in any 12-month period.

3. Security / Damage and Pet Deposits

Your security / damage deposit can be no more than ½ of your monthly rent rate. If your landlord allows pets, the same goes for a pet deposit: no more than ½ of the monthly rent. No matter how many pets you have, your landlord cannot require more than one pet deposit.

You get your security and pet deposits back when you move out. The deposit is to make sure your place is kept in good condition. Your landlord must apply to the Residental Tenancy Office to file a dispute to keep all or part of the deposit, or get your written consent to keep all or part of it.

4. Your unit is under your control

Your landlord must provide written notice to enter your unit unless you agree to a verbal request for your landlord to enter. Written notice must be provided at least 24 hours in advance. Your landlord cannot enter your suite without this permission unless in the event of an emergency.

5. Guests

Your landlord cannot prevent you from having guests over under reasonable circumstances. The landlord cannot impose restrictions on guests and must not require or accept any extra charge for daytime visits or overnight accommodation of guests. This doesn’t mean you can have your whole extended family move into your suite, because your landlord may dispute an unreasonable number of guests. The basic premise is that your landlord cannot prevent reasonable accommodation of guests.

6. Maintenance

Your landlord is responsible for the maintenance of your suite complying with health and safety standards, such as fixing appliances or problems with plumbing. You as the tenant are responsible for clean and sanitary maintenance of your unit. Any damages you or a guest inflicts upon the suite are yours to maintain. If you need repairs, you should inform your landlord in writing.

7. Safety

You are entitled to a safe and secure unit. If you require, your landlord must change the locks when your tenancy starts. Neither you nor your landlord can change the locks unless you agree in writing to do so.

8. Dispute resolution

If you have any disputes with your landlord, there is a process to help you! Contact the Residential Tenancy Office of BC at 604.660.1020 or visit their website at www.rto.gov.bc.ca for help with any disputes.

Contact Information

Tenant Resource and Advisory Centre
604.255.0546
1.800.665.1185
www.tenants.bc.ca

BC Government – Residental Tenancy Branch
1.800.665.8779
250.387.1602
604.660.1020
www.rto.gov.bc.ca

SFSS Free Legal Clinic
778.782.3870
Lawyer Referral (free)
1.800.663.1919
www.sfss.ca/freelegalclinic.html

BC Human Rights Coalition
604.689.8474
1.877.689.8474
www.bchrcoalition.org

BC Human Rights Tribunal
604.775.2000
Fax: 604.775.2020
TTY: 604.775.2021
www.bchrt.bc.ca