The Residential Tenancy Agreement is a written contract that spells out the terms and conditions regarding the tenancy between the landlord.

Both the landlord and the renter must sign the Rental Agreement Form with a date to finalize. It becomes legally effective when it is signed.

Not complying with the tenancy agreement can have negative results, such as loss of rent or eviction. Therefore, it is essential to be clear about what is

and is not acceptable when negotiating the agreement and understand

each term.

The landlord should provide a copy of the signed and dated tenancy

agreement to the tenant within 21 days of signing.

For a sample of the BC Residential Tenancy Agreement, click here.

The RTB-1 Form should be downloaded and opened with the most recent version of Adobe Reader.

Responsibilities of the Tenant and the Landlord After Signing the  RTB1 Form Residential Tenancy Agreement

When entering into a BC tenancy agreement, both parties have a number of duties, some of which are as follows:

• The landlord must follow BC rental agreement laws, and the tenant must pay rent and fees on time.
• The landlord should ensure that the building and the rental unit are maintained per health, safety, and housing standards. The tenant must maintain appropriate health and cleanliness standards in the rental property.
• The landlord is responsible for repairing and maintaining the unit or building in good condition. The renter ensures their pets and visitors do not harm the property. If the tenants, guests, or pets cause harm to the property, the tenant is responsible for repairing them.
• If utility bills are included in the rent, the landlord is liable for paying them on time.
• The tenant must refrain from bothering other tenants or neighbours. The landlord has responsibility for investigating any reports of noise disturbances, and the tenant is responsible for not endangering the safety of others on the property.
• The tenant must also respect the landlord’s and other tenants’ rights. The owner must also respect the renter’s rights to quiet enjoyment and peaceful occupation.

What Informations are Required for the Tenant and the Landlord to complete the RTB1 Form Residential Tenancy Agreement?

A few mandatory items must be included in the RTB1 Form Residential Tenancy Agreement, British Columbia, which are:

• The legal names
• Addresses and signatures of both the landlord and the tenant
• The address of the rental unit
• The agreement terms of the lease
• The rent amount and due date
• The services or facilities included in the tenancy
• The security or pet deposit amount and its due date
• The landlord’s mailing address and phone number
• The date that the agreement was signed

Can I add an Addendum to the BC Standard Tenancy Agreement?

Yes, you can add as many pages as you wish, but the number of pages of the Addendum must be mentioned. However, your clauses in the Addendum should be consistent with the standard clauses provided by the Residential Tenancy Branch (RTB).

The RTB1 Form Residential Tenancy Agreement must contain standard terms outlining the landlord’s and tenant’s rights and responsibilities. Those are:

• Payment Of Rent
• Locks & Landlords Access Of The Unit
• Rent Increases
• Repairs
• Condition Inspections
• Pets
• Occupants And Guests

Be aware that the standard terms still apply, and the tenant is still covered by the Residential Tenancy Act even if there is no written tenancy agreement.

Important Information to Consider with the RTB1 Form Residential Tenancy Agreement

There are two main types of tenancy agreements – (i) month-to-month and (ii) fixed-term. A month-to-month rental agreement has no predetermined end date, and the tenancy will end if one party gives notice. This type of tenancy is flexible but less stable.

A tenant, in turn, can also end a month-to-month tenancy by giving the landlord a one-month notice in a fixed-term tenancy. There is a predetermined end or renewal date. This type of tenancy is not flexible, but it is stable. The landlord cannot use a vacate clause at the end of the lease term; unless it is stated at the beginning that he or an immediate family member will occupy the unit at the end. There are consequences for breaking a fixed-term tenancy, such as owing the other party money for months left in the lease.

A landlord can require security and potentially a pet damage deposit. The two combined cannot be more than one month’s rent. However, a landlord cannot request additional deposits for any additional pets you might have.

A condition inspection is to inspect the rental unit to protect the landlord and is done a few times during the tenancy, i.e., at the beginning, when the tenant gets a new pet and at the end of the tenancy.

The rent is due if it is not paid by midnight of the due date. A landlord does not have to reinstate the tenancy if the entire rent amount is unpaid. The landlord must also provide the tenant with a receipt when the rent is paid in cash. A rent increase can only occur once a year and only by the amount permitted by law.

For more details, kindly check out the Guide for Landlords &

Tenants in British Columbia, published by the Residential Tenancy Branch.

Can you Write or Make your Tenancy Agreement in British Columbia (BC)?

You may create your rental agreement, but you have to verify that it complies legally and doesn’t include any illegal conditions.

It is essential to have a written agreement in place to ensure that the rights and responsibilities of both parties are clearly defined, like the British Columbia Residential Tenancy Agreement RTB-1 Form.

With MiProperty Portal, you can complete the BC Residential Tenancy Agreement Form within a few minutes and without hassle. You can add the Addendum or the additional Terms and Clauses as many pages as you like.  Once the lease is ready, you can send the form to the tenant and landlord for electronic signature. You can automate your entire lease management process.

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