Renting a home in British Columbia looks simple — but one wrong move can lead to fraud, identity theft, or a lost deposit. The checklist below covers what to do before and after you sign.
Don't share sensitive personal information
A landlord or property manager cannot ask you for your SIN number, credit card information, or banking passwords at the application stage. If a credit check is needed, the landlord pulls a report through Equifax or TransUnion with your consent — no SIN required. A listing that demands excessive personal information is almost certainly a scam.
Don't pay any deposit before viewing the property and signing the agreement
Under no circumstances send money — especially via e-Transfer or cash — before you have viewed the property in person and a written tenancy agreement is signed. By law, the security deposit is capped at half month's rent for regular deposit and for pet deposit each. The "out-of-town landlord" who demands a deposit before you see the unit or get the keys is a classic scam template.
Read the standard tenancy agreement (RTB-1) carefully
The legal tenancy agreement in BC is the RTB-1 form. Read every amount, date, payment method, rent-increase rule, and especially the addendum section from start to finish. Clauses that contradict the Residential Tenancy Act (e.g. above-cap rent increases or illegal eviction terms) are not enforceable — but catching them upfront is always better. If the property is in a strata building, also request and read the strata bylaws and rules, and check restrictions carefully — particularly on pets, short-term rentals, and (for 55+ buildings) age requirements.
Verify who is signing the agreement
Confirm that the person signing the agreement is either the actual property owner or an authorized property management firm. You can verify the true owner through the Land Title and Survey Authority (LTSA). If a management firm is involved, ask them to confirm they have a valid Property Management Agreement with the owner. Signing with someone who has no authority can void your tenancy down the line.
Do a condition inspection before move-in (RTB-27)
By law, the landlord must walk through the unit with you on or before move-in day and complete the RTB-27 Condition Inspection Report. Document every room (walls, ceiling, floors, windows, appliances etc) in detail and back it up with photos. Failing to complete this report — or failing to give you a copy — legally eliminates the landlord's right to make deductions from your damage deposit.
Keep copies
Save copies of the signed RTB-1 agreement, and the RTB-27 inspection report. By law, the landlord must give you copies of these documents within 21 days. Add explanation in the e-Transfer memos; it serves as evidence in future RTB proceedings. When you move out, request the return of your security and/or pet damage deposit, together with any interest payable. You can calculate the applicable interest using this calculator.
If something goes wrong: Residential Tenancy Branch
For any dispute — deposit return, unauthorized rent increase, eviction notice, repair requests — the official body to contact is the Residential Tenancy Branch (RTB). The RTB provides free information and, when needed, issues binding decisions through dispute resolution.
Information current as of publication; accuracy and currency are not guaranteed. Confirm with the official sources below or consult a qualified professional.