BC Rental Rules — the full reference

Maximum allowable rent increase for existing tenancies in 2026 calendar year. Set annually by the Residential Tenancy Branch in November of the prior year, indexed to CPI but capped to mitigate housing affordability pressure. The 2026 value of 2.3% reflects the publicly-reported figure; this fact should be re-verified directly against the BC RTB rent-increase page each calendar year because the cap is one of the most volatile YMYL numbers on the site.

Two notice periods, not one — the distinction matters most to a buyer purchasing a tenanted property. Effective July 18, 2024, a landlord ending a tenancy for their OWN or a close family member's use must give 4 months notice, with a 30-day window for the tenant to dispute. For a PURCHASER'S use — the buyer of the property wants to occupy it — a further amendment effective August 21, 2024 cut that to 3 months notice with a 21-day dispute window. Both were 2 months before July 2024. In either case the new occupant (landlord, close family member, or purchaser) must occupy the unit for at least 12 months; failing to do so entitles the tenant to compensation of 12 months' rent, on top of the one month's rent compensation payable when the notice is served. Notices must be issued through the province's web portal, introduced to combat fraudulent personal-use evictions.

Effective May 1, 2024 in most BC municipalities. Short-term rentals (under 90 consecutive nights) are restricted to the operator's principal residence, plus one secondary suite or accessory dwelling unit on that property. Exempts certain resort-area municipalities (e.g. Whistler) and First Nations land. Provincial registry now mandatory; platforms (Airbnb, VRBO) must validate listings against the registry.