How to Apply for Rental Housing in British Columbia

Finding a Place to Rent in British Columbia

Finding rental housing is one of the first and most important tasks when you arrive in British Columbia. The rental market, especially in cities like Vancouver, Surrey, and Victoria, can be competitive. Understanding how the process works will help you find a good home and protect your rights as a tenant.

At WelcomeAide, we know that housing is a top concern for newcomers. This guide covers everything you need to know about renting in BC, from searching for a unit to signing a tenancy agreement and understanding your legal rights.

Where to Search for Rental Housing

There are several ways to find rental housing in BC. Using multiple sources will give you the best chance of finding a suitable home.

• Online listings: Websites like Craigslist Vancouver, Facebook Marketplace, Kijiji, Rentals.ca, PadMapper, and liv.rent are commonly used in BC.
• Property management companies: Many rental buildings are managed by companies like Hollyburn Properties, Concert Properties, or Wesgroup. Check their websites directly for available units.
• Word of mouth: Ask friends, coworkers, and community members. Many rentals are filled before they are listed publicly.
• Settlement agencies: Local settlement organizations may have housing workers who can help you search and apply.
• BC Housing: If you have a low income, you may qualify for subsidized housing through BC Housing.

Average Rental Costs in BC

Rental costs vary significantly across BC. As of early 2026, here are approximate average monthly rents:

• Vancouver: One-bedroom apartment $2,300 to $2,800. Two-bedroom apartment $3,200 to $3,800.
• Surrey: One-bedroom apartment $1,700 to $2,200. Two-bedroom apartment $2,400 to $3,000.
• Victoria: One-bedroom apartment $1,800 to $2,300. Two-bedroom apartment $2,500 to $3,200.
• Kelowna: One-bedroom apartment $1,500 to $2,000. Two-bedroom apartment $2,000 to $2,600.

The Rental Application Process

When you find a place you are interested in, you will usually need to submit a rental application. Here is what to expect.

What Landlords Can Ask

Landlords in BC can ask for certain information to assess your application. This typically includes:

• Proof of identity (government-issued photo ID).
• Proof of income (pay stubs, employment letter, bank statements).
• References from previous landlords.
• A credit check (the landlord must get your written consent first).
• Contact information for your employer.

What Landlords Cannot Ask

Under BC's Human Rights Code, landlords cannot discriminate based on race, colour, ancestry, place of origin, religion, marital status, family status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, or source of income. They cannot ask about your immigration status beyond confirming you are legally entitled to reside in Canada.

If you believe you have been discriminated against, you can file a complaint with the BC Human Rights Tribunal.

Tips for a Strong Application

The rental market in BC is competitive. Here are tips to strengthen your application:

• Have all your documents ready before you view units.
• Bring a reference letter from your employer.
• If you have no Canadian credit history, offer to provide additional references or proof of savings.
• Be polite and professional during viewings. First impressions matter.
• Respond quickly when you find a suitable unit. Good rentals go fast.

Understanding the Tenancy Agreement

In British Columbia, all residential tenancies must have a written tenancy agreement. The standard form is called the RTB-1, which is the Residential Tenancy Agreement form approved by the BC Residential Tenancy Branch (RTB).

The RTB-1 Form

The RTB-1 form is a standard tenancy agreement that covers the key terms of your rental arrangement. It includes:

• Names of the landlord and tenant.
• Address of the rental unit.
• Start date of the tenancy.
• Whether the tenancy is fixed-term or month-to-month.
• Amount of monthly rent and when it is due.
• What is included in the rent (utilities, parking, storage, etc.).
• Amount of any security deposit or pet damage deposit.
• Rules about pets, smoking, and guests.

Both the landlord and tenant must sign the agreement. You should receive a copy of the signed agreement. Keep it in a safe place. You can download a blank RTB-1 form from the RTB website.

Fixed-Term vs. Month-to-Month Tenancies

A fixed-term tenancy has a specific end date (for example, a one-year lease). A month-to-month tenancy continues indefinitely until either party gives proper notice. In BC, a fixed-term tenancy automatically converts to a month-to-month tenancy at the end of the term unless the landlord and tenant agree otherwise in writing, or the landlord has a permitted reason to end the tenancy.

Damage Deposits and Pet Deposits

Landlords in BC can ask for a security deposit (also called a damage deposit) when you move in. Here are the rules:

• The maximum security deposit is half of one month's rent. If your rent is $2,000, the maximum deposit is $1,000.
• If you have a pet, the landlord can also charge a pet damage deposit of up to half of one month's rent.
• The total of both deposits cannot exceed one full month's rent.
• The deposit must be returned within 15 days of your tenancy ending, unless the landlord applies for permission to keep some or all of it for damages beyond normal wear and tear.

The landlord must complete a condition inspection report when you move in and when you move out. This report documents the condition of the unit. Make sure you attend both inspections and keep copies of the reports.

Your Rights Under the Residential Tenancy Act

The Residential Tenancy Act (RTA) protects tenants in British Columbia. Knowing your rights will help you deal with issues that may come up during your tenancy.

Rent Increases

Landlords in BC can only increase rent once per year, and they must give you three full months of written notice. The maximum allowable rent increase is set by the provincial government each year. For 2026, the maximum increase is tied to inflation (typically 2% to 3%). Your landlord cannot increase your rent by more than the allowed amount unless they get approval from the RTB for an additional increase.

Repairs and Maintenance

Your landlord is responsible for keeping the rental unit in good repair and meeting health and safety standards. If something needs to be fixed, submit a written repair request to your landlord. If they do not respond within a reasonable time, you can apply to the RTB for dispute resolution.

Privacy and Entry

Your landlord cannot enter your unit without proper notice, except in emergencies. They must give you at least 24 hours written notice and can only enter between 8:00 AM and 9:00 PM. The notice must state the reason for entry.

Ending a Tenancy

If you want to move out, you must give your landlord written notice. For a month-to-month tenancy, you must give at least one full month of notice, effective on the last day of a rental period. For example, if you pay rent on the first of the month and want to leave at the end of March, you must give notice on or before February 28.

Your landlord can only end your tenancy for specific reasons allowed under the RTA, such as:

• Non-payment of rent (with a 10-day notice to end tenancy).
• Cause (such as repeated late payments, disturbing other tenants, or damaging the property).
• Landlord's use of the property (with two months notice and one month's rent as compensation).
• Major renovations requiring the unit to be empty (with specific notice requirements).

Dispute Resolution

If you have a dispute with your landlord that you cannot resolve directly, you can apply to the Residential Tenancy Branch for dispute resolution. This is a formal process similar to going to court, but less formal and less expensive.

The application fee for dispute resolution is $100 for tenants. If you cannot afford the fee, you can apply for a fee waiver. Hearings are usually conducted by phone or video conference.

You can contact the RTB at 1-800-665-8779 (toll-free in BC) or visit their website for more information and to file an application.

Subsidized and Affordable Housing Options

If you have a low income, you may qualify for subsidized housing in BC. BC Housing manages several programs:

• Subsidized housing: Rent is based on your income (typically 30% of gross household income).
• Rent supplements: Financial assistance to help pay rent in the private market.
• Homeless prevention programs: Emergency and transitional housing for people at risk of homelessness.

Wait times for subsidized housing can be long, especially in Vancouver. Apply as early as possible through the BC Housing registry.

Tips for Newcomers Renting in BC

Here are additional tips specifically for newcomers navigating the BC rental market:

• Start your search before you arrive in Canada, if possible. Many landlords accept applications by email.
• Be cautious of rental scams. Never send money before seeing a unit in person or through a trusted video tour. If a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is.
• Read your entire tenancy agreement before signing. Ask questions about anything you do not understand.
• Take photos and videos of the unit when you move in. This protects you during the move-out inspection.
• Get tenant insurance. It is not required by law, but many landlords require it. Tenant insurance costs $20 to $50 per month and covers your belongings, liability, and additional living expenses if your unit becomes uninhabitable.

How WelcomeAide Can Help

Finding housing as a newcomer can be stressful, especially when you are unfamiliar with local laws and customs. WelcomeAide is here to help you understand the process.

Use our AI chat assistant to ask questions about renting, tenant rights, and housing resources in your preferred language. Visit our programs page to see what settlement services are available, or check our blog for more guides on settling in Canada.

You can also learn more about our organization and see the impact we are making in newcomer communities across British Columbia and beyond. Everyone deserves a safe and affordable place to call home.