Tenancy laws and rules
Last updated on March 4, 2026Learn about important laws and rules to follow during a tenancy.
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Tenancy laws and regulations
The following acts and regulations support and protect the rights of both landlords and tenants, ensuring that all tenancy business is conducted properly and fairly.
- Residential Tenancy Act
- Residential Tenancy Regulation
- Manufactured Home Park Tenancy Act
- Manufactured Home Park Tenancy Regulation
Residential Tenancy Branch rules of procedure
The Rules of Procedure sets out the rules and expectations for a hearing. They also ensure a fair, efficient and consistent process for resolving disputes for landlords and tenants.
- Current Residential Tenancy Branch Rules of Procedure (PDF, 431KB) effective starting September 16, 2025, 8 am
Past rules of procedure
- Residential Tenancy Branch Rules of Procedure (PDF, 539KB) prior to September 16, 2025, 8 am
- Residential Tenancy Branch Rules of Procedure (PDF, 401KB) prior to June 6, 2025, 8 am
- Residential Tenancy Branch Rules of Procedure (PDF, 535KB) prior to April 3, 2025, 8 am
- Residential Tenancy Branch Rules of Procedure (PDF, 461KB) prior to February 5, 2025, 8 am
- Residential Tenancy Branch Rules of Procedure (PDF, 416KB) prior to July 23, 2024, 8 am
- Residential Tenancy Branch Rules of Procedure (PDF, 336KB) prior to July 18, 2024, 8 am
- Residential Tenancy Branch Rules of Procedure (PDF, 344KB) prior to May 6, 2024, 9 am
- Residential Tenancy Branch Rules of Procedure (PDF, 337KB) prior to April 8, 2024, 8 am
- Residential Tenancy Branch Rules of Procedure (PDF, 338KB) prior to October 3, 2023, 7 am
- Residential Tenancy Branch Rules of Procedure (PDF 340KB) prior to September 13, 2023, 10 am
- Residential Tenancy Branch Rules of Procedure (PDF, 336KB) prior to February 17, 2023
Other laws
Other laws that influence tenancy agreements and processes include:
- Human Rights Code
- Makes sure everyone can fully and freely take part in all aspects of life in British Columbia, like the economy, society, politics, and culture
- Encourages a friendly and respectful atmosphere where everyone is treated equally and with the same rights and dignity
- Says discrimination is not allowed
- Blocks unfair treatment connected to discrimination
- Helps people who have been treated unfairly by offering ways to make things right, like compensation
- Administrative Tribunals Act
- Regulates government procedures for resolving disputes
- Outlines remedies that are available, including judicial review of a Residential Tenancy Branch (RTB) decisions
- Judicial Review Procedure Act
- ​This legislation provides the authority, process and recognized grounds for applications to the B.C. Supreme Court for a judicial review of an RTB decision
- Personal Information Protection Act
- This legislation provides rules around the use of personal information, such as collection a tenant's information when starting a tenancy
- Guidance Document: Private sector landlords and tenants (PDF, 324KB)
Contact us
Contact the Residential Tenancy Branch for information, education, resources and dispute resolution services for tenants and landlords.