Residential Tenancies Branch

Telephone Jacks/Inside Wiring

s. 59(1), 72(1), The Residential Tenancies Act

Definitions

Inside wiring: the portion of wiring between a grounding protection device or a Network Interface Device and a telephone jack; the landlord or building owner owns the inside wiring and is responsible to maintain it.

Tenancy agreement: a contract between a landlord and a tenant that sets out the basic rules for living in a rental unit. It can be written, oral or implied.

It’s customary for a landlord to provide inside wiring and a jack or outlet for one telephone.

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A landlord is responsible for repairing the jack and the inside wiring, unless the tenant damages the equipment.

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If a tenant has problems with the jack or the wiring, they should tell the landlord.

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If a tenant wants to install a jack, they must get the landlord’s written permission. If the landlord allows the installation, the tenant must arrange for it and pay the cost.

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Problems with the telephone, and the cord to the jack, are the tenant’s responsibility.

Procedure

Overview

This policy is included as information for landlords, tenants and officers. If a tenant and landlord aren’t able to solve a problem with telephones or telephone jacks on their own, they can ask the Branch for help.

Steps ▼

1.The officer encourages the landlord and tenant to share information, and to discuss the problem, to try to come to an agreement.

2.If the landlord and tenant can’t agree on a request involving a jack or inside wiring, the officer determines if the request is reasonable. If the officer decides the request is not reasonable, the officer issues a decision denying the request.

3.If the officer decides the request is reasonable, the officer follows the procedures under Landlord’s Responsibility for Repairs.

Forms & Form Letters

X-Referencing

For procedures on mediation, see Section 1.

Policy Developed

September, 1992

Last Revision

July, 2023

Other Resources

None

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