The Residential Tenancy Act in British Columbia outlines the legal framework for the rental housing market in the province. The act provides a set of rules and regulations for both landlords and tenants, covering a wide range of topics such as:

• • Rent Increases: Rules for rent increases, including the maximum amount of rent that can be charged, the notice required for rent increases, and the procedures for challenging rent increases.

• • Security Deposits: Regulates the use of security deposits by landlords and sets out the conditions under which a security deposit may be returned to the tenant.

• • Evictions: Outlines the grounds for eviction and sets out the procedures that a landlord must follow to end a tenancy, including providing proper notice and obtaining a court order.

• • Maintenance and Repairs: Requires landlords to keep rental units in good repair and habitable condition and sets out the procedures for tenants to request repairs.

• • Tenant Rights: Outlines the rights of tenants, including the right to quiet enjoyment of the rental unit, the right to privacy, and the right to make changes to the rental unit (with the landlord’s permission).

• • Landlord Obligations: Outlines the obligations of landlords, including the obligation to provide a safe and habitable rental unit, the obligation to comply with building and housing codes, and the obligation to provide a receipt for rent paid.

The Residential Tenancy Act provides a fair and neutral way to resolve disputes between landlords and tenants and helps to enforce the rights and responsibilities of both parties.