Residential Tenancies Branch

Responsibilities of Landlords and Tenants

• A landlord must
• A tenant must

A landlord must:

• make the rental unit available for the tenant on the date the tenant is to move in;
  
  
• provide a written receipt when rent is paid in cash (automatic debit or pre-authorized remittance are considered cash payments); the receipt must show the amount of rent received, the date it is received and the address of the rental unit and the residential complex;
   
• maintain the appearance of the rental unit in proper condition considering the length of time of the tenancy;
   
• do repairs and keep the unit in good condition;
   
• ensure the supply of essential services such as heat, gas, electricity, hot and cold water or other public utilities that the landlord is required to provide;
   
• not interfere with the supply of essential services;
   
• allow a tenant or a member of a tenant's household to enjoy the use of the rental unit and the residential complex for all usual purposes;
   
• investigate complaints of disturbance or endangering of safety as soon as possible and try to resolve the problem;
   
• provide and maintain sufficient doors and locks to make a rental unit reasonably secure.
   

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A tenant must:

• pay the rent on time;
   
• keep the rental unit and the residential complex clean;
   
• redecorate the rental unit or residential complex only with the written consent of the landlord;
   
• take reasonable care not to damage the rental unit and the residential complex, and if damage does occur, repair the damage properly within a reasonable period of time;not disturb others in the residential complex or neighbouring property;
   
• not endanger the safety of others in the building;
   
• make sure that the people they allow into the rental unit or residential complex do not cause damage or disturb or endanger the safety of others;
   
• obey the landlord's reasonable rules and regulations;
   
• notify the landlord of necessary repairs

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For more information

This fact sheet is only a brief explanation. For more information contact:

The Residential Tenancies Branch

For Branch offices click here