British Columbia Notice to Vacate

A legally compliant notice to vacate under British Columbia's *Residential Tenancy Act*, SBC 2002, c 78 (RTA), administered by the Residential Tenancy Branch (RTB). Select the correct notice type based on your reason for ending the tenancy, BC law prescribes specific forms, notice periods, compensation rules, and dispute rights for each scenario., -

Notice Type Selection Guide

Select the applicable notice before completing the form. Using the wrong notice type or an incorrect notice period voids the notice.

> Important, computing BC notice periods: Notices must end on the last day of a rental month (except 10-day notices). A "rental month" is the period from the rent-due date to the day before the next rent-due date. For a tenancy where rent is due on the 1st, a one-month notice served June 5 ends effective July 31. For service by registered mail, add 5 days to the notice period (RTA s. 88(2)).

> Official RTB forms: BC landlords must use the prescribed RTB forms for notices under ss. 46, 49. Forms are available at the Residential Tenancy Branch website (gov.bc.ca/landlordtenant). Using a non-prescribed form may void the notice., -

NOTICE TO VACATE, OPTION A ### 10-Day Notice to End Tenancy for Unpaid Rent or Utilities (RTA s. 46)

Date of Notice: [[Date of Notice]]

FROM (Landlord / Agent):
[[Landlord Full Name or Company Name]]
[[Landlord Mailing Address]]
[[City, BC, Postal Code]]
[[Landlord Phone Number]]
[[Landlord Email Address]]

TO (Tenant):
[[Tenant Full Name(s), all adults on tenancy agreement]]

RE: Rental Unit at: [[Full Civic Address, City, BC, Postal Code]] (the "Rental Unit"), -

Pursuant to section 46 of the *Residential Tenancy Act*, SBC 2002, c 78, you are hereby notified that your tenancy of the Rental Unit is ended effective 11:59 p.m. on [[Date, 10 calendar days from date of service]] (the "Effective Date"), for the following reason:

> ☐ Non-payment of rent. As of [[Date of Default]], the amount of [[Amount Owing]] in rent for the rental period [[Period Start Date]] to [[Period End Date]] is unpaid.

> ☐ Non-payment of utilities. As of [[Date of Default]], the amount of [[Amount Owing]] for [[Utility Type, e.g., electricity, heat, water]] for the period [[Period Start Date]] to [[Period End Date]] is unpaid.

Payment or dispute within 5 days: You have 5 days from the date of this notice to pay the full amount owing to the address or method below, or to apply to the RTB to dispute this notice. If you pay the full amount within 5 days, this notice is cancelled and your tenancy continues. If you neither pay nor dispute within 5 days, you must vacate by the Effective Date. If you dispute, a hearing will be scheduled by the RTB.

Rent payment address/method: [[Landlord's Rent Payment Address or E-Transfer Details]]

To dispute: Apply online at rtb.gov.bc.ca or call 1-800-665-8779., -

NOTICE TO VACATE, OPTION B ### One-Month Notice to End Tenancy for Cause (RTA ss. 47, 48)

Date of Notice: [[Date of Notice]]

FROM (Landlord / Agent):
[[Landlord Full Name or Company Name]]
[[Landlord Mailing Address]]
[[City, BC, Postal Code]]
[[Landlord Phone Number]]
[[Landlord Email Address]]

TO (Tenant):
[[Tenant Full Name(s), all adults on tenancy agreement]]

RE: Rental Unit at: [[Full Civic Address, City, BC, Postal Code]] (the "Rental Unit"), -

Pursuant to section [[47 / 48]] of the *Residential Tenancy Act*, SBC 2002, c 78, you are hereby notified that your tenancy of the Rental Unit is ended effective 11:59 p.m. on [[Last Day of Rental Month, at least 1 full rental month after date of service]] (the "Effective Date"), for the following reason:

Reason for Notice (select one):

> ☐ Material breach, lease or RTA violation (s. 47(1)(a)). You have significantly breached a material term of the tenancy agreement or the RTA. The specific breach is:
>
> [[Describe the breach in detail, e.g., "You have kept an unauthorized pet on the Rental Unit contrary to clause 8 of the tenancy agreement, which prohibits pets without prior written consent of the Landlord."]]

> ☐ Unauthorized occupant(s) (s. 47(1)(b)). You have permitted a person to occupy the Rental Unit without the written consent of the Landlord, contrary to the tenancy agreement and RTA s. 34.

> ☐ Health or safety hazard (s. 47(1)(c)). You or a person permitted by you on the Rental Unit have significantly interfered with or unreasonably disturbed another occupant, neighbour, or the landlord, or have caused extraordinary damage to the unit or building:
>
> [[Describe the incident(s), e.g., "On [date], a fire was started in the Rental Unit due to an improperly maintained makeshift heating device, creating a health and safety hazard for other occupants of the building."]]

> ☐ Repeated late rent payment (s. 48). You have paid rent late on three or more occasions within 12 months. Rent was due on the [[Rent Due Day, e.g., "1st"]] of each month. Late payments occurred on: [[Date 1]], [[Date 2]], and [[Date 3]] (and other dates).

You must vacate and surrender possession of the Rental Unit by the Effective Date. You may dispute this notice by applying for dispute resolution with the RTB within 15 days of receiving this notice.

To dispute: Apply online at rtb.gov.bc.ca or call 1-800-665-8779., -

NOTICE TO VACATE, OPTION C ### Two-Month Notice to End Tenancy for Landlord's / Purchaser's Use (RTA s. 49(5))

Date of Notice: [[Date of Notice]]

FROM (Landlord / Agent):
[[Landlord Full Name or Company Name]]
[[Landlord Mailing Address]]
[[City, BC, Postal Code]]
[[Landlord Phone Number]]
[[Landlord Email Address]]

TO (Tenant):
[[Tenant Full Name(s), all adults on tenancy agreement]]

RE: Rental Unit at: [[Full Civic Address, City, BC, Postal Code]] (the "Rental Unit"), -

Pursuant to section 49 of the *Residential Tenancy Act*, SBC 2002, c 78, you are hereby notified that your tenancy of the Rental Unit is ended effective 11:59 p.m. on [[Last Day of Rental Month, at least 2 full rental months after date of service]] (the "Effective Date"), for the following reason:

Reason for Notice (select one):

> ☐ Landlord's personal use. The Landlord ([[Landlord Name]]) intends to occupy the Rental Unit as their primary residence.

> ☐ Close family member's use. The Landlord intends the Rental Unit to be occupied by [[Relationship, e.g., "the Landlord's spouse/child/parent"]], [[Family Member's Name]], as their primary residence.

> ☐ Purchaser's use (s. 49(5)(c)). The property has been sold and the purchaser, [[Purchaser's Name]], requires the Rental Unit for their own or a close family member's occupation as a primary residence.

Mandatory compensation: As required by RTA s. 51, the Landlord will pay you compensation equivalent to one month's rent ([[Monthly Rent Amount]]) on or before the Effective Date or by moving the compensation to your last month's rent account. Written confirmation of the payment method is attached / will be provided by [[Date]].

You may dispute this notice by applying for dispute resolution with the RTB within 15 days of receiving this notice.

> Important for landlords: If you issue a two-month notice under s. 49 and do not use the unit for the stated purpose, you may be ordered to pay the tenant 12 months' compensation under RTA s. 51(2). The person named must occupy the unit as their primary residence. Keep evidence (e.g., change of address, utility hookup) in case of RTB review.

To dispute: Apply online at rtb.gov.bc.ca or call 1-800-665-8779., -

NOTICE TO VACATE, OPTION D ### Four-Month Notice to End Tenancy for Demolition, Conversion, or Extensive Renovation (RTA s. 49(6))

Date of Notice: [[Date of Notice]]

FROM (Landlord / Agent):
[[Landlord Full Name or Company Name]]
[[Landlord Mailing Address]]
[[City, BC, Postal Code]]
[[Landlord Phone Number]]
[[Landlord Email Address]]

TO (Tenant):
[[Tenant Full Name(s), all adults on tenancy agreement]]

RE: Rental Unit at: [[Full Civic Address, City, BC, Postal Code]] (the "Rental Unit"), -

Pursuant to section 49(6) of the *Residential Tenancy Act*, SBC 2002, c 78, you are hereby notified that your tenancy of the Rental Unit is ended effective 11:59 p.m. on [[Last Day of Rental Month, at least 4 full rental months after date of service]] (the "Effective Date"), for the following reason:

Reason for Notice (select one):

> ☐ Demolition. The Landlord intends to demolish the Rental Unit / residential property and has obtained the required permit(s): Permit No. [[Permit Number]], issued [[Date Issued]] by [[Issuing Authority]].

> ☐ Conversion to non-residential use or strata. The Landlord intends to convert the Rental Unit to [[strata lot / non-residential use, describe]]. Evidence of approval: [[Approval No. / Reference]].

> ☐ Extensive renovation or repair requiring vacant possession. The Landlord intends to carry out extensive renovations or repairs that require the Rental Unit to be vacant for a period of [[Estimated Duration]]. Required permits: [[Permit No.]]. The work cannot reasonably be done while the unit is occupied.

Mandatory compensation: As required by RTA s. 51, the Landlord will pay you compensation equivalent to one month's rent ([[Monthly Rent Amount]]) on or before the Effective Date.

Right of first refusal: If the reason is renovation and the unit is re-offered for rent after completion, you have the right of first refusal to re-rent at the previous rent amount (RTA s. 49(7)). The Landlord will notify you in writing when the unit is available.

You may dispute this notice by applying for dispute resolution with the RTB within 15 days of receiving this notice.

To dispute: Apply online at rtb.gov.bc.ca or call 1-800-665-8779., -

NOTICE TO VACATE, OPTION E ### Tenant's One-Month Notice to End Periodic Tenancy (RTA s. 44)

*(Use when the TENANT is ending the tenancy and giving this notice to the Landlord.)*

Date of Notice: [[Date of Notice]]

FROM (Tenant):
[[Tenant Full Name(s)]]
[[Rental Unit Address, City, BC, Postal Code]]
[[Tenant Phone Number]]
[[Tenant Email Address]]

TO (Landlord):
[[Landlord Full Name or Property Management Company]]
[[Landlord Mailing Address]]
[[City, BC, Postal Code]], -

Pursuant to section 44 of the *Residential Tenancy Act*, SBC 2002, c 78, I/we, [[Tenant Full Name(s)]], the current occupant(s) of the Rental Unit located at [[Full Civic Address, City, BC, Postal Code]], hereby give notice of my/our intention to end the tenancy.

My/our tenancy is a month-to-month periodic tenancy. Rent is due on the [[Rent Due Day, e.g., "1st"]] of each month. This notice ends the tenancy effective [[Last Day of Rental Month, at least 1 full rental month after date of notice]] (the "Vacate Date").

I/we will vacate and surrender possession of the Rental Unit on or before 11:59 p.m. on [[Vacate Date]], leaving it clean and in the same condition as at commencement, ordinary wear and tear excepted.

Please forward the security deposit accounting to my/our forwarding address:

[[Tenant Forwarding Address, City, Province, Postal Code]]

The Landlord must return the security deposit and/or a written statement of any deductions within 15 days after the tenancy ends and the Landlord receives written notice of the tenant's forwarding address, as required by RTA s. 38., -

Demand Upon Vacating (All Options)

Upon vacating the Rental Unit, the tenant must:

1. Remove all personal property and effects from the Rental Unit.

2. Return all keys, fobs, access cards, garage remotes, and any other access devices to the Landlord.

3. Leave the Rental Unit in a clean and undamaged condition, reasonable wear and tear excepted, and in the same condition as at commencement of the tenancy.

4. Cancel or transfer all utilities, subscriptions, and services registered in the tenant's name, effective the Vacate Date.

5. Provide the Landlord with a forwarding address in writing for security deposit accounting.

Security deposit accounting: The Landlord will account for the security deposit and/or pet damage deposit of [[Security Deposit / Pet Deposit Amount]] within 15 days after the later of (a) the date the tenancy ends, or (b) the date the Landlord receives written notice of the tenant's forwarding address (RTA s. 38). Any deductions will be itemized in writing., -

Legal Consequences of Non-Compliance

If the tenant remains in possession of the Rental Unit after the Effective Date without the Landlord's written consent:

• The Landlord may apply to the RTB for an Order of Possession directing the tenant to vacate.
• Upon receiving an Order of Possession, the Landlord may request a Writ of Possession, which BC court bailiffs can enforce to restore possession.
• The Landlord may seek a monetary order for compensation for each day the tenant holds over.

BC law prohibits self-help eviction. The Landlord may not change locks, remove the tenant's belongings, or shut off utilities to force a vacate. All disputes and possession orders must proceed through the RTB., -

Method of Service

*Complete for proof of service. Check all methods used.*

> Service note (RTA s. 88): For service by registered mail, add 5 days to the notice period to account for delivery. For a 10-day notice served by mail, the effective date is 15 days from the mailing date. Personal service or door-slot delivery is preferred for time-sensitive notices., -

Signature

Signed: _______________________

[[Sender Printed Name]]

Title: [[Owner / Property Manager / Authorized Agent for Landlord / Tenant]]

Date Signed: [[Date Signed]]

Phone: [[Sender Phone Number]]

Email: [[Sender Email Address]], -

Proof of Service Declaration

I, [[Server's Full Name]], confirm that I served the above Notice on [[Recipient Name(s)]] at the Rental Unit located at [[Full Civic Address, City, BC, Postal Code]] as follows:

Date of Service: [[Date of Service]]

Time of Service: [[Time of Service]]

Method of Service:

☐ In person, I delivered the notice directly to [[Recipient Name]] at the Rental Unit.

☐ Substituted service, I left the notice with [[Name and description of person, 19 or older]] at the Rental Unit.

☐ Door slot / attached to door, I slipped/attached the notice at [[Time]] on [[Date]] after attempting personal delivery.

☐ Registered mail, I deposited the notice in a sealed envelope, sent by registered mail, addressed to [[Recipient Name(s)]] at [[Mailing Address]], Canada Post Tracking No. [[Tracking No.]], on [[Date Mailed]].

☐ Email, sent to [[Tenant Email Address]] at [[Time]] on [[Date]] pursuant to written agreement to accept service by email.

Signed: _______________________

[[Server's Printed Name]]

Date: [[Date of Declaration]], -

BC Statutory Reference Summary

BC-specific notes:

• No provincial rent control (rent increase limits apply): BC does not prohibit rent increases, but landlords may only increase rent once per 12 months with 3 months' written notice, and the increase is capped at the amount allowed by the annual RTB Rent Increase Guideline (typically linked to CPI). Verify the current guideline at gov.bc.ca/landlordtenant before issuing any rent increase.

• No-fault compensation is mandatory: For ss. 49(5) and 49(6) notices, failure to pay one month's rent as compensation makes the notice void (RTA s. 51). Payment must occur on or before the effective date.

• Landlord must occupy, or face penalties: If a landlord issues a two-month personal-use notice under s. 49 and fails to occupy (or allow the named family member to occupy) the unit in good faith for a reasonable period, the tenant may apply to the RTB for 12 months' compensatory rent. Keep evidence of occupancy.

• Fixed-term tenancy: At the end of a fixed-term lease, the tenancy converts to month-to-month unless the parties enter a new fixed-term agreement. A landlord cannot force a fixed-term tenant to leave before the lease expires using a no-cause notice. However, parties may agree in the tenancy agreement that the tenancy ends on the lease end date (this is only permitted in limited circumstances under RTB policy).

• Right of first refusal after renovation: Under RTA s. 49(7), if a landlord ends a tenancy for extensive renovation (s. 49(6)(c)), the landlord must offer the tenant the right to rent the unit again once the renovation is complete, at the same rent they were paying, before offering it to anyone else.

• Dispute resolution deadlines: Tenants must apply for dispute resolution within 10 days of a 10-day notice (s. 46(4)), or within 15 days of a one-month, two-month, or four-month notice. Missing the deadline forfeits the right to dispute the notice through the RTB.

• Local bylaws: Metro Vancouver municipalities (Vancouver, Burnaby, Surrey, Richmond, and others) may have additional tenant protections (e.g., Vancouver's tenant relocation and protection policy for redevelopment projects). Verify applicable local bylaws at the municipality's website before serving notice under s. 49(6)., -

*Template, not legal advice. BC residential tenancy law is governed by the Residential Tenancy Act, SBC 2002, c 78, and the Residential Tenancy Regulation, BC Reg 477/2003. Notice periods, forms, compensation requirements, and dispute procedures cited are current as of June 2026. Statutes are subject to amendment; verify with the Residential Tenancy Branch (1-800-665-8779 or rtb.gov.bc.ca) or a licensed BC lawyer or paralegal before use. This template does not constitute legal advice and does not create a solicitor-client relationship.*