British Columbia Residential Tenancy Agreement Standard Lease

RESIDENTIAL TENANCY AGREEMENT (BRITISH COLUMBIA)

DOCUMENT CONTROL

• Effective Date: [Date]
• Version: 1.0 (BC-RTA-Standard)
• Jurisdiction: Province of British Columbia, Canada
• Governing Statute: Residential Tenancy Act, SBC 2002, c 78

1. LEGAL DISCLAIMER

NOTICE: This document is provided for informational purposes as a template. It is designed to align with the Residential Tenancy Act (RTA) of British Columbia. However, landlord-tenant laws are subject to specific amendments and regional bylaws. This document does not constitute legal advice. Parties are strongly advised to review the mandatory "Residential Tenancy Branch (RTB) Standard Terms" and ensure compliance with any localized requirements before execution.

2. PARTIES

• Landlord: [Full Legal Name of Landlord], of [Landlord Address] ("Landlord").
• Tenant(s): [Full Legal Name of Tenant 1], [Full Legal Name of Tenant 2], of [Current Mailing Address] ("Tenant").

3. PREMISES & TERM

• Address: [Full Civic Address of Rental Unit, including Postal Code].
• Term: Commencing on [Start Date] and ending on [End Date].
• Conversion: Upon expiration, the tenancy shall [ ] continue on a month-to-month basis / [ ] require the Tenant to vacate.

4. FINANCIAL TERMS

• Rent: $[Amount] CAD, payable on the [Day] of each month via [Payment Method].
• Security Deposit: $[Amount] (Not to exceed 50% of one month's rent per RTA).
• Pet Damage Deposit: $[Amount] (If applicable, not to exceed 50% of one month's rent).
• Utilities: [ ] Included in Rent / [ ] Tenant Responsibility.

5. OPERATIVE CLAUSES

1. Compliance: Both parties agree to be bound by the Residential Tenancy Act and the Residential Tenancy Regulation.
2. Use of Premises: The premises shall be used for residential purposes only. No unauthorized sub-letting or assignment without Landlord’s written consent.
3. Maintenance: Tenant shall maintain the unit in a reasonably clean condition and notify the Landlord immediately of any necessary repairs. Landlord shall maintain the unit in a state of decoration and repair that complies with health, safety, and housing standards.
4. Access: Landlord must provide 24 hours' written notice for entry, except in cases of emergency.
5. Termination: Notice to end tenancy must be served in accordance with Section 45-47 of the RTA.

6. EXECUTION & ACKNOWLEDGMENT

The parties hereby execute this agreement as of the Effective Date.

Landlord Signature: ___________________________ Date: [Date] Printed Name: [Name]

Tenant Signature: ____________________________ Date: [Date] Printed Name: [Name]

Tenant Signature: ____________________________ Date: [Date] Printed Name: [Name]

7. EXECUTION & ENFORCEMENT GUIDE

• Mandatory Addendum: In British Columbia, you must attach the "Residential Tenancy Branch Standard Terms" (Schedule of the Residential Tenancy Regulation) to this document. The RTA requires these specific terms to be included in all written tenancy agreements.
• Condition Inspection Report: You are legally mandated to conduct a "Move-in Inspection" with the Tenant on the day possession is transferred. Complete the RTB Form RTB-27 and provide a copy to the Tenant immediately; failure to do so forfeits the Landlord's right to claim against the security deposit.
• Delivery/Service: Ensure a signed copy is provided to the Tenant within 21 days of signing. Digital signatures are legally binding in BC under the Electronic Transactions Act, provided the parties consent to electronic communication.
• Storage: Retain the original signed copy and the Move-in Inspection Report for a minimum of two years following the termination of the tenancy for audit or dispute resolution purposes via the RTB.