BC Tenant Rights When Moving: Security Deposits, Notice Periods & the RTB

Moving in British Columbia means navigating the Residential Tenancy Act (RTA) — the provincial law that governs your rights as a renter before, during, and after a move. Whether you're giving notice, expecting your deposit back, or dealing with a renoviction, understanding these rules protects your money and your timeline. This guide covers everything BC tenants need to know when moving, sourced directly from the Residential Tenancy Branch (RTB) and provincial legislation.

How Much Notice Do You Need to Give in BC?

The notice period depends on who is ending the tenancy and why. Here are the key timelines under BC's Residential Tenancy Act:

Tenant Ending the Tenancy

• Month-to-month tenancy: at least 1 full month's notice. The effective date must be the last day of a rental period. For example, if you pay rent on the 1st, your notice must be received by the last day of the month before you want to leave.

• Fixed-term lease: In BC, fixed-term leases now automatically convert to month-to-month at the end of the term (unless both parties sign a new lease). You cannot be forced to move out simply because a fixed-term lease expired. Give 1 month's notice as above.

Landlord Ending the Tenancy

• Landlord or family member moving in: 3 months' notice (updated June 18, 2025). Tenants have 21 days to dispute. The landlord must pay 1 month's rent as compensation.

• Demolition, renovation, or conversion: 4 months' notice. Requires city permits to be valid. Tenants have 30 days to dispute.

• Non-payment of rent: 10 days' notice. If you pay the full amount within 5 days of receiving notice, the eviction is cancelled.

Source: Province of BC — End a Tenancy

BC Security Deposit Rules: What You're Owed When You Move

Security deposits are one of the biggest sources of disputes when moving. Here's exactly what BC law says:

• Maximum deposit: Half of one month's rent. Your landlord cannot charge more, regardless of the property value.

• Pet damage deposit: An additional half month's rent (so the total with security deposit is one full month's rent maximum).

• Return deadline: Landlord must return the deposit within 15 days of the tenancy end date or receiving your forwarding address in writing, whichever is later.

• Interest: For 2026, the interest rate on deposits is 0%. Your landlord does not owe interest this year.

• Condition inspection: Both move-in and move-out inspections are critical. If your landlord doesn't do a move-out inspection, they cannot claim against your deposit. Take photos and keep copies of the inspection report.

• Landlord can't just keep it: Your landlord needs either your written permission or an RTB order to keep any portion of your deposit. If they haven't returned it or applied for dispute resolution within 15 days, you can file with the RTB to get it back.

Source: Province of BC — Deposits and Fees

Renovictions in BC: Your Protection When a Landlord Wants to Renovate

"Renoviction" — evicting tenants to renovate, then re-renting at a higher price — has been a major issue across BC, particularly in Vancouver, Victoria, and Kelowna. The province has strengthened protections significantly:

• 4 months' notice required — the landlord must provide a formal notice to end tenancy for renovation/demolition.

• City permits required — the landlord must have valid building permits to prove the renovation is genuine. Without permits, the notice is not valid.

• Compensation: The landlord must pay the equivalent of one month's rent as compensation.

• Right of first refusal: In many cases, you have the right to move back in at the same rent after renovations are complete.

• Bad-faith penalties: The RTB can award up to 12 months' rent in compensation if a landlord issues a bad-faith eviction notice.

• 30 days to dispute: You have 30 days after receiving the notice to file a dispute with the RTB.

Vancouver also has its own Tenant Relocation and Protection Policy that provides additional protections and relocation assistance for tenants displaced by redevelopment.

Fixed-Term Leases: The Loophole That No Longer Exists

BC closed a significant loophole that landlords used to force tenants out and reset rents:

• Fixed-term leases automatically convert to month-to-month at the end of the term, unless both parties agree to a new lease.

• Vacate clauses are no longer enforceable — a clause requiring you to move out at the end of a fixed term is not legally valid.

• Rent increases between fixed terms are capped at the maximum annual allowable amount (2.3% for 2026), even if you sign a new lease.

This means you cannot be pressured into moving out simply because your lease term ended. If your landlord wants you to leave, they need a valid legal reason and must follow the proper notice process.

Rent Increases: What to Expect in 2026

• 2026 maximum allowable increase: 2.3% (down from 3.0% in 2025). This is tied to the Consumer Price Index.

• 3 full months' notice required before any rent increase takes effect.

• One increase per year: Rent can only be increased once every 12 months.

• If you just moved in, your landlord cannot raise rent until at least 12 months into your tenancy.

Source: Province of BC — Rent Increases

Landlord Access During Your Move: What's Allowed

During the weeks before your move, your landlord may want to show the unit to prospective tenants. Here's what the RTA allows:

• 24 hours' written notice is required before entering your unit for any reason, including showings.

• Entry only between 8 AM and 9 PM unless you give written permission for other times.

• You don't have to leave during showings. You can be present, and the landlord cannot require you to leave.

• Pro tip: If you're packing for a move and the unit is in disarray, negotiate showing times that work for both parties. Most landlords will be flexible if you communicate.

How to File a Dispute with the RTB

If your landlord is withholding your deposit, issued a bad-faith eviction, or violated any part of the RTA, you can file with the Residential Tenancy Branch (RTB):

1. Apply online through the RTB's dispute resolution portal at gov.bc.ca.

2. Filing fee: $100 (may be waived in cases of financial hardship).

3. Gather evidence: Condition inspection reports, photos, lease agreement, written correspondence, and any receipts.

4. The hearing is conducted by phone or video — you don't need to appear in person.

5. Decisions are legally binding and enforceable through the courts.

Move-Out Checklist: Protect Your Deposit and Your Rights

Use this checklist to make sure you're covered legally when moving out of a BC rental:

1. Give written notice at least 1 full month before your intended last day (effective the last day of a rental period).

2. Request a move-out condition inspection — the landlord must offer one. If they don't, they lose the right to claim against your deposit.

3. Take dated photos of every room, closet, and appliance on your last day.

4. Provide your forwarding address in writing — your landlord has 15 days from receiving it to return your deposit. Email is fine.

5. Return all keys and access devices on your last day. Get a receipt or confirmation.

6. Cancel or transfer utilities — BC Hydro, FortisBC, internet (Telus/Rogers). See our BC Utility Setup Guide for the full process.

7. Set up mail forwarding with Canada Post (from $64.75 for 4 months).

8. Keep copies of everything: lease, notice letter, inspection report, photos, and any communication with your landlord.

Free Resources for BC Tenants

• Residential Tenancy Branch (RTB) — Official provincial resource for tenancy law, forms, and dispute resolution.

• TRAC (Tenant Resource & Advisory Centre) — Free legal information and advocacy for BC tenants. Call their helpline or use their online resources.

• Clicklaw — Free legal information for British Columbians, including detailed tenancy law guides.

Planning Your Move?

Once you've sorted out your notice period and deposit, let us handle the heavy lifting. Two Small Men With Big Hearts has been moving British Columbians for over 40 years — from Vancouver to Victoria, Kelowna, and everywhere in between. Get a free moving quote and we'll take care of the rest.