6 New BC Rental Rules for Landlords and Renters

Written in August 2024. Some details have changed since, so check current numbers before you act on this.

BC's new rental rules give tenants more time and give landlords more paperwork. You're looking at three months' notice instead of two, no rent hikes for added under-19 occupants, online eviction notices, 30 days to dispute instead of 15, a one-year stay for new tenants instead of six months, and faster dispute resolution planned by 2025. Whether you're renting or you're a landlord, these rules are going to shake things up a bit. If you own a rental, run it through the investor calculator with these rules in mind, and if you're buying one with tenants in it, my buyer page lays out how I work.

Why did BC change its rental rules?

The NDP government has rolled out some new rules that are meant to make renting fairer. But let’s be honest, these changes come with their own set of challenges, especially if you’re managing properties. Here’s what’s different and why it matters.

1. More Time to Move Out

What’s New?
Used to be that if your landlord needed you out, they had to give you two months' notice. Now, that’s changed to three months (they tweaked it from four months down to three in August 2024).

Why This Matters:
This longer notice period could make things tricky for buyers who need to close a deal within a 120-day mortgage rate hold. It might even discourage some first-time buyers who are already cautious about properties with tenants.

2. No Rent Hikes for Extra Young Ones

What’s New?
If you had kids or added under-19 occupants to your rental, landlords used to be able to raise the rent. Now, that’s off the table.

Why This Matters:
For landlords, this means more people could be living in your rental without extra rent to cover the added wear and tear. It’s another thing to think about if you’re managing a property.

3. New Eviction Notice Rules

What’s New?
Eviction notices are getting a tech upgrade—they’ve moved online. Now, landlords have to submit detailed info, like names and birthdates, through a web portal.

Why This Matters:
While it’s great for transparency, there are some privacy concerns here. Landlords might not be thrilled about sharing so much information online, especially details from the purchase contract.

4. More Time to Dispute an Eviction

What’s New?
If you got an eviction notice, you used to have 15 days to dispute it. Now, you’ve got 30 days.

Why This Matters:
This gives tenants more breathing room to figure out their next steps if they think the eviction isn’t fair. For landlords, it means a longer wait before things get resolved.

5. Longer Stay Required for New Tenants

What’s New?
If a landlord kicks a tenant out for personal use, the new tenant has to stay for a year—up from the old six-month rule.

Why This Matters:
Landlords need to make sure they’re following the rules to a tee, or they could end up paying back a full year’s worth of rent. And remember, the new tenant must be a direct family member.

6. Faster Dispute Resolutions in the Works

What’s Coming?
Right now, settling rental disputes can be slow and expensive. But by 2025, they’re planning to speed things up and make it cheaper for everyone.

Why This Matters:
Landlords currently face a tough process when they need to file a complaint. The new system should make things smoother and quicker, which is a win for everyone.

What do the new rules mean for landlords and renters?

These new rules are set to change how things work for both renters and landlords. It’s important to stay on top of these changes so you’re not caught off guard. If you’ve got any questions or need some advice on how these rules might affect you, I’m just a call away. Let’s make sure you’re ready for whatever comes next.

Need More Details?

I also covered what landlords and renters can't ignore in a later post. For a more in-depth look, check out my latest video: 6 New BC Rental Rules You Must Know 🤬🤯 | Vancouver Real Estate.