British Columbia Residential Lease Agreement

A complete written residential tenancy agreement compliant with the *Residential Tenancy Act*, SBC 2002, c 78 (RTA) and the standard form expectations of the Residential Tenancy Branch (RTB). This Agreement may be used as the required written tenancy agreement. Security deposits are capped at one-half of one month's rent; pet deposits (if applicable) are capped separately at one-half of one month's rent. The landlord must provide a copy of the signed agreement to the tenant within 21 days. Entry notice is 24 hours (except emergencies). Fixed-term tenancies convert to month-to-month unless the parties agree otherwise in writing., -

This Residential Tenancy Agreement (the "Agreement") is made on [[Agreement Date]] between:

Landlord: [[Landlord Full Legal Name or Company Name]] ("Landlord")
Address for notices and service: [[Landlord Mailing Address, City, BC, Postal Code]]
Phone: [[Landlord Phone]] | Email: [[Landlord Email]]

Tenant(s): [[Tenant Full Legal Name(s)]] (jointly and severally, "Tenant")
Current address before move-in: [[Tenant Current Address]]
Phone: [[Tenant Phone]] | Email: [[Tenant Email]]

Landlord rents to Tenant and Tenant rents from Landlord the Premises described below on the terms of this Agreement and the *Residential Tenancy Act*, SBC 2002, c 78 (the "RTA")., -

1. Premises

Landlord leases to Tenant the residential premises at:

[[Full Street Address, Unit Number, City, British Columbia, Postal Code]] (the "Premises").

The Premises include: [[Parking space(s), numbers or "none"]], [[Storage locker, number or "none"]], and the following appliances and furnishings: [[List or "refrigerator, stove, dishwasher (if present), standard light fixtures, and window coverings"]].

The Premises shall be used only as a private residence for Tenant and the permitted occupants listed in Section 5. No business, commercial, or illegal use is permitted., -

2. Term

The tenancy begins on [[Move-In / Commencement Date]] and ends on [[Lease End Date or "month-to-month"]] (the "Term").

If the Term is a fixed period, at the end of the fixed term the tenancy converts to a month-to-month periodic tenancy on the same terms unless both parties have agreed in writing to a new fixed term or other arrangement permitted under the RTA.

Either party may end a month-to-month tenancy by giving written notice of one full rental month, ending on the last day of a rental month., -

3. Rent

Monthly Rent: $[[Monthly Rent Amount]], due and payable in advance on the [[Rent Due Day, e.g. the 1st]] day of each month.

Payment method: [[e.g. e-transfer to [[Landlord Email]], pre-authorized debit, or cheque payable to Landlord mailed to [[Address]]]].

First month's rent (prorated if move-in date is not on the rent due day): $[[First Month or Prorated Amount]] is due on signing of this Agreement.

Rent increases are permitted only in accordance with the RTA (once per 12 months with proper written notice using the RTB-7 form and not exceeding the annual guideline)., -

4. Security Deposit and Pet Deposit

4.1 Security Deposit

Tenant shall pay a security deposit of $[[Security Deposit Amount, maximum one-half of one month's rent]] on or before the commencement date.

The security deposit secures Tenant's performance of obligations under this Agreement and the RTA. It may be applied only to unpaid rent, damage beyond ordinary wear and tear, or cleaning required to restore the Premises to the move-in condition (reasonable wear and tear excepted).

4.2 Pet Deposit

If pets are permitted, Tenant shall pay a separate pet deposit of $[[Pet Deposit Amount, maximum one-half of one month's rent]].

The pet deposit secures performance of pet-related obligations and may be applied only to pet-related damage beyond ordinary wear and tear or additional cleaning required because of the pet.

4.3 Deposit Rules

1. The combined security deposit and pet deposit cannot exceed one month's rent in total.

2. Landlord must deposit the funds in a trust account in British Columbia and pay interest at the rate prescribed under the RTA (currently the rate set by regulation).

3. Landlord must return the deposit(s) plus interest or provide an itemized statement of deductions with supporting receipts within 15 days after the later of (a) the end of the tenancy and (b) the date the Landlord receives the tenant's forwarding address in writing.

4. Tenant may not apply the deposit as last month's rent., -

5. Occupants and Guests

Permitted occupants: Tenant and [[Additional Occupant Full Names or "no other occupants"]].

A guest may stay a maximum of [[e.g. 14 consecutive days or 30 total days in any 6-month period]] without Landlord's prior written consent. Longer stays require written consent and may be treated as a breach or unauthorized occupant., -

6. Use of Premises

Tenant shall use the Premises lawfully and only as a residence. Tenant shall not:

1. Create a nuisance or unreasonably disturb other occupants or neighbours.

2. Allow any illegal activity on the Premises.

3. Make alterations or additions without Landlord's prior written consent.

4. Sublet or assign this Agreement without Landlord's prior written consent (which may not be unreasonably withheld)., -

7. Rent Increases

Landlord may increase rent only once every 12 months and only after giving Tenant at least three full months' written notice using the prescribed RTB-7 form. The increase may not exceed the annual Rent Increase Guideline in effect at the time the notice is given. The notice must state the exact new amount and effective date., -

8. Utilities and Services

Tenant shall pay for: [[List tenant-paid utilities, e.g. electricity, gas, internet, cable, telephone]].

Landlord shall pay for: [[List landlord-paid utilities, e.g. water, sewer, garbage, property taxes]].

Tenant shall not allow any utility in Tenant's name to be disconnected while this Agreement is in force., -

9. Maintenance, Landlord

Landlord shall maintain the Premises in a habitable condition and comply with all health, safety, and housing standards required by law. Landlord shall keep in good repair:

1. The structure, roof, exterior, and common areas (if any).

2. All electrical, plumbing, heating, and ventilation systems supplied by Landlord.

3. All appliances and fixtures supplied by Landlord., -

10. Maintenance, Tenant

Tenant shall:

1. Keep the Premises reasonably clean, sanitary, and safe.

2. Properly use and operate all electrical, plumbing, heating, and appliances.

3. Promptly notify Landlord in writing of any needed repairs or unsafe conditions.

4. Not intentionally or negligently damage the Premises.

5. Be responsible for damage caused by Tenant, occupants, or guests beyond ordinary wear and tear., -

11. Landlord's Right of Entry

Landlord may enter the Premises only in the following circumstances and with proper notice (except emergency):

1. To inspect, make repairs, or show the Premises to prospective tenants, buyers, lenders, or contractors, with at least 24 hours' written notice between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m. (or other reasonable hours agreed).

2. In case of emergency (no notice required).

3. If Tenant consents to entry with less notice or at other times.

Landlord shall not abuse the right of entry or use it to harass Tenant., -

12. Pets

Pets are: [[permitted / not permitted / permitted with conditions]].

If permitted, Tenant agrees to:

1. Comply with any strata bylaws or building rules regarding pets.

2. Keep the pet under control and clean up after it.

3. Be responsible for all damage or nuisance caused by the pet.

4. Pay the pet deposit as set out in Section 4., -

13. Smoking

Smoking (including cannabis) is: [[not permitted anywhere on the Premises / permitted only in designated outdoor areas / other rules]].

Tenant is responsible for any damage or odour caused by smoking., -

14. Insurance

Landlord recommends (and may require) that Tenant obtain renter's insurance for Tenant's personal property and liability. Landlord's insurance does not cover Tenant's belongings or liability., -

15. Assignment and Subletting

Tenant shall not assign this Agreement or sublet the Premises or any part of it without Landlord's prior written consent. Consent may not be unreasonably withheld. Any approved sublet does not release Tenant from obligations under this Agreement., -

16. Default and Termination

Tenant is in default if Tenant:

1. Fails to pay rent when due.

2. Repeatedly pays rent late.

3. Breaches a material term of this Agreement or the RTA and fails to cure after notice.

4. Causes significant damage or unreasonable interference.

On default, Landlord may issue the appropriate notice to end tenancy under the RTA (10-day for unpaid rent, one-month for cause, etc.) and apply to the RTB for an order of possession and/or monetary order., -

17. Ending the Tenancy

To end a month-to-month tenancy, the terminating party must give written notice of one full rental month ending on the last day of a rental month.

For fixed-term tenancies, the tenancy ends on the date specified unless converted or renewed.

Tenant must vacate, remove all personal property, return all keys and access devices, and leave the Premises reasonably clean and in the condition received (ordinary wear and tear excepted)., -

18. Deposit Return

Within 15 days after the end of the tenancy and receipt of Tenant's written forwarding address, Landlord will either:

1. Return the full security deposit and pet deposit plus accrued interest, or

2. Provide Tenant with an itemized written statement of any deductions together with copies of receipts or invoices for amounts over the permitted threshold.

If Landlord does not comply, Tenant may apply to the RTB for an order for double the amount wrongfully withheld plus interest and costs., -

19. Notices

Notices to Tenant may be delivered to the Premises or by the methods in RTA s. 88.

Notices to Landlord shall be sent to the address in the preamble or as updated in writing., -

20. Severability

If any provision of this Agreement is held invalid or conflicts with the RTA, the remaining provisions remain in full force and the invalid provision is severed or modified to the minimum extent necessary to comply with law., -

21. Entire Agreement

This Agreement (including any attached schedules, rules, and the move-in inspection report) constitutes the entire agreement between the parties and supersedes all prior discussions. Amendments must be in writing and signed by both parties (or as otherwise permitted by the RTA)., -

22. Governing Law and Dispute Resolution

This Agreement is governed by the laws of British Columbia. Disputes are resolved primarily through the Residential Tenancy Branch (RTB) at rtb.gov.bc.ca or 1-800-665-8779. Either party may apply to the RTB for orders concerning termination, possession, rent, deposits, repairs, and other matters under the RTA., -

23. Joint and Several Liability

Each Tenant signing this Agreement is jointly and severally liable for all obligations of Tenant., -

24. Additional Terms

[[Insert any additional lawful terms agreed by the parties, or state "None."]], -

SCHEDULES AND ATTACHMENTS

Schedule A, Move-In / Move-Out Condition Inspection Report (recommended, use RTB form or equivalent)

Schedule B, Rules and Regulations (if any, including strata bylaws)

Schedule C, Inventory of Furnishings and Appliances (if furnished)

Schedule D, Additional Terms or Addenda, -

MOVE-IN INSPECTION

Tenant acknowledges that Tenant has inspected the Premises (or had the opportunity to inspect) and accepts the Premises in its current condition except as noted on the attached Move-In Condition Inspection Report.

Tenant Initials: _______ Date: _______

Landlord Initials: _______ Date: _______, -

SIGNATURES

LANDLORD

Signature: ______________________________ Date: ___________

Print Name / Title: [[Landlord Signatory Name]]

TENANT(S)

Signature: ______________________________ Date: ___________

Print Name: [[Tenant 1 Full Legal Name]]

Signature: ______________________________ Date: ___________

Print Name: [[Tenant 2 Full Legal Name]], -

LANDLORD DELIVERY OF AGREEMENT

Landlord must provide Tenant with a copy of this signed Agreement within 21 days of the date Tenant signs (RTA s. 19). Failure to do so may affect enforcement of certain terms.

Date copy provided to Tenant: ________________, -

*Template, not legal advice. British Columbia residential tenancies are governed by the Residential Tenancy Act, SBC 2002, c 78 and Residential Tenancy Regulation, BC Reg 477/2003. Deposit caps, notice periods, entry rules, and dispute procedures are current as of June 2026. Download the official RTB standard form tenancy agreement and current forms from rtb.gov.bc.ca. Verify any local bylaws or strata rules. This template does not constitute legal advice and should be reviewed by the parties and, where appropriate, their advisors before signing.*