Renting out property in British Columbia
British Columbia caps annual rent increases at an amount the province sets each year, tied to inflation. Landlords may take a security deposit and a separate pet damage deposit, each up to half a month's rent, and must follow strict condition inspection and return rules. The Residential Tenancy Branch (RTB) provides information and resolves disputes.
Rent increases
- Rent control
- Rent control: annual maximum allowable increase set by the province
- How often
- Once every 12 months, counted from when rent was set or last legally increased. An unused increase from a past year cannot be banked.
- Written notice
- At least three full months' written notice on the Notice of Rent Increase (Form RTB-7), stating the dollar amount and the effective date.
- Current guideline
- 2.3% for 2026. The province has set 2.2% for increases taking effect in 2027.
Security deposits
- Maximum
- Half of one month's rent, payable within 30 days of signing the tenancy agreement.
- Who holds it
- The landlord
- Interest
- Owed on the full deposit at rates set by the province: 0% for 2026 (0.95% in 2025, 2.7% in 2024). Calculate it before returning the deposit or proposing deductions.
- Returning it
- Within 15 days after the tenant provides a forwarding address in writing (and the tenancy has ended), return the deposit with interest or apply for dispute resolution. You may keep any part only with the tenant's written agreement or an RTB order. Missing the deadline can lead to an order to pay double the deposit.
- Pet deposits
- Allowed: up to half a month's rent, no matter how many pets. Monthly pet fees are not allowed, and no pet deposit can be charged for a guide or service dog.
Other essentials in British Columbia
- Entry: written notice at least 24 hours and no more than 30 days ahead, stating the date, a time between 8 a.m. and 9 p.m., and a reasonable purpose. No notice is needed in an emergency, with an RTB or court order, or if the unit is abandoned.
- Condition inspections: inspect with the tenant at move-in and move-out (Form RTB-27), offering at least two opportunities. Skipping this can cost you the right to claim against the deposit.
- Fees: no application fees. Late-rent fees are capped at $25 and must be in the agreement. Extra keys can be charged at replacement cost and must be refunded on return.
- Landlord's own use: since July 2024 these notices must be generated through the RTB's Landlord Use web portal and must name the people moving in. Notice periods and dispute windows have changed more than once since then, so check the RTB's current rules before serving.
- Increase exclusions: the annual limit does not apply to non-profit rent-geared-to-income housing, housing co-ops or some assisted-living facilities.
How Propvara helps BC landlords
- Track both the security deposit and the pet damage deposit on each tenancy in tenancies and deposits, with alerts for any deposit that has no holder recorded.
- Rent change history with effective dates shows when the 12-month clock restarts. Province-aware rent increase checks and RTB-style notices will compare a proposed increase against the current limit.Coming soon
- Timestamped photos and history on every repair case give you evidence for RTB dispute resolution.
- Owners can approve repair spending through owner approvals, and co-owners can split costs automatically.
British Columbia landlord questions
How much can I raise the rent in BC in 2026?
Up to 2.3% for increases taking effect in 2026, and 2.2% for increases taking effect in 2027, with at least three full months' notice on Form RTB-7.
Do I owe interest on deposits in 2026?
The 2026 rate is 0%, but interest earned in earlier years (for example 0.95% in 2025 and 2.7% in 2024) is still owed. The RTB publishes a deposit interest calculator.
Can I charge both a security deposit and a pet deposit?
Yes. Each can be up to half a month's rent, so together they can total one month's rent. You cannot charge a monthly pet fee.
What happens if I miss the 15-day deposit deadline?
The tenant can apply to the RTB, and you may be ordered to pay double the deposit.
Can I enter the unit at 8 p.m.?
Yes, if you gave written notice at least 24 hours ahead. Entry with notice is allowed between 8 a.m. and 9 p.m.
Official sources
- BC: Rent increases
- BC Gov News: 2027 rent increase limit
- BC: Tenancy deposits and fees
- BC: Landlord access to rental units
- BC Gov News: Landlord Use web portal (2024)
This guide is general information, not legal advice. Rules change; confirm with the Residential Tenancy Branch (RTB) or a lawyer before acting.
Related reading
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