Renters and landlords in British Columbia are about to see major improvements in how tenancy issues are handled—bringing more clarity, fairness, and quicker resolutions to the often complex world of rental housing. For years, the balance between protecting renters and enabling landlords to manage their properties has been a delicate one. But with a significant $15.6-million investment and upcoming regulation changes set for 2025, the province is reshaping this relationship to work better for everyone.
It started with a backlog. Renters and landlords alike were waiting nearly three months for hearings to resolve issues like unpaid rent or utilities. Since November 2022, thanks to targeted investments in the Residential Tenancy Branch (RTB), average wait times have dropped by 70%. That means hearings are now typically being scheduled and heard in about one month—a record low compared to other provinces and territories in Canada. B.C. has become a national leader in timely dispute resolutions, removing a significant layer of stress for tenants worried about housing security and landlords trying to enforce tenancy rules.
But faster hearings are just the beginning. Several regulation updates are rolling out that reflect the evolving needs of the rental housing sector:
- Starting summer 2025, notice periods for landlords ending a tenancy for personal use will change from four months to three months. This aligns with the recent rule requiring homebuyers to provide tenants with three months’ notice before eviction, creating fairness and consistency across the board.
- In an effort to promote transparency, the RTB will begin publishing the outcomes of monetary orders from hearings. These monetary orders include decisions on issues like rent arrears, illegal evictions, or property damage. Making these public will allow both tenants and landlords to verify financial orders and check the rental history of parties before entering into a tenancy agreement.
- Storage obligations for landlords dealing with abandoned property are being revised. As of April 9, 2025, landlords will only be required to store abandoned items for 30 days (instead of 60), and only if the items are worth more than $1,000 (up from $500). This change aims to reduce burdens on landlords while aligning with best practices across other provinces.
- The RTB is also stepping up educational outreach. A newly launched public-education team has created a suite of online resources, including multilingual information sheets, step-by-step guides to enforce evictions or collect money owed, and a preparation tool kit for hearings. These materials aim to empower both parties with the tools and knowledge to navigate tenancy issues before they escalate into formal disputes.
These changes come after years of progressive policy-making in British Columbia. Since 2017, the province has introduced strict limits on rent increases (now tied to inflation), rules to combat illegal renovictions, and protections against bad-faith evictions. The goal has always been to keep rental units on the market while making it possible for renters to stay in their communities—and for landlords to have the means to manage their investments responsibly.
As more renters and landlords benefit from a faster, fairer, and clearer tenancy system, these enhancements will help foster a more stable and confident rental housing market.
