Housing & Tenancy (British Columbia)
Housing & Tenancy (British Columbia) judgments from Canadian courts and tribunals, with a plain-English summary, the legal holding and frequently asked questions.
Tenant Loses Application to Cancel 10 Day Notice for Unpaid Rent in Surrey
The Tenant did not pay overdue rent or dispute a notice within five days, resulting in the dismissal of their application. The Landlord was granted an order to take possession of the property and a monetary order for unpaid rent.
Landlord Granted $4,827.30 for Tenant Damage in Burnaby
A landlord won a case against a tenant who left their rental property in an extremely dirty state with damaged furnishings. The court ordered the tenant to pay for damages and allowed the landlord to keep the security deposit as compensation.
Tenant wins $4,525.47 in double deposit refund + interest for failed return within 15 days
A tenant won a dispute at the Residential Tenancy a person, recovering double their security and pet damage deposits plus interest from the landlord for failing to comply with the required timeframe under the Act.
Tenant Wins Rent Increase Dispute Over Improper Service in Surrey
A tenant successfully had their eviction notice cancelled because they did not receive proper notification about a rent increase. However, the court allowed the landlord to take unpaid rent from the tenant's security deposit. This case highlights the need for clear communication between tenants and landlords regarding service of notices.
Tenant Awarded $2,704 for Non-Functioning Oven Damage in Vancouver
A tenant won a case at the Residential Tenancy Branch (RTB BC) for a rent reduction and recovery of filing fees after the landlord failed to promptly fix a broken oven. The RTB found that the malfunctioning oven was an essential facility, leading to a breach of contract.
Landlord Granted $1,197.91 Unpaid Rent Order in Surrey
The landlord won a case against a tenant for unpaid rent in March 2026 after the tenant vacated without paying. The court ordered the tenant to pay $1,197.91, including part of their security deposit and filing fees.
Landlord's Request for Early Termination Rejected in Vancouver Tenancy Case
In a case before the Residential Tenancy Branch, a landlord's request for an order of possession and recovery of filing fees was denied. The court ruled that the tenant's behavior did not meet the strict criteria needed to end the tenancy early under section 56 of the Act.
Tenant Wins Compensation and Rent Reduction for Water Leaks in Vancouver
The claimant successfully argued that they were entitled to compensation and a rent reduction due to water leaks affecting their rental unit's habitability. However, their request for tenancy termination or recovery of filing fees was denied.
Tenant Loses Application to Cancel 10 Day Notice for Unpaid Rent in BC
A tenant who did not attend their hearing lost their application to cancel a notice to end tenancy due to unpaid rent. The arbitrator granted an order of possession and a monetary order for the outstanding rent, plus interest on the security deposit.
Tenant's Application Dismissed Due to Improper Service of Proceeding Package
A tenant's application was dismissed because they did not properly serve the necessary documents according to legal requirements. This highlights the importance of following correct procedures in tenancy disputes.
Tenant Wins Challenge Against Incomplete 10 Day Notice for Unpaid Rent
The Tenant won their case against a Landlord's notice to end tenancy because the notice did not specify how much rent was owed. The decision supports tenant rights under BC law and allows recovery of filing fees.
Tenant Not Owing Rent for Unformed Tenancy Agreement in Surrey
In this case, the Residential Tenancy Branch ruled that the tenant did not have to pay rent or compensate the landlord for unpaid rent because no formal tenancy agreement was established between them. The decision highlights the importance of clear and agreed-upon terms in rental agreements.
Landlord Partially Wins Rent and Damage Claim in BC Tenancy Case
In a dispute between a landlord and tenant over unpaid rent, cleaning costs, and property damage, the Residential Tenancy Branch ruled in favour of the landlord for some but not all claims.
Tenant's Claim for Compensation and Filing Fees Dismissed in BC RTB Decision
A tenant sought compensation from their landlord for damage to their right to enjoy their rental unit quietly. However, the a person a person a person ruled against the tenant because previous disputes had been settled with an agreement between a person.
Tenant Wins Double Security Deposit in BC Tenancy Case
A tenant won a case against their landlord in the Residential Tenancy Branch (BC) for double the amount of their security deposit. The decision was based on the landlord's failure to comply with legal requirements regarding the return or dispute resolution claim within fifteen days after receiving the forwarding address.
Landlord Granted $751.52 Unpaid Rent Order in Surrey
In this case, the landlord successfully obtained a monetary order for unpaid rent from the tenant. They were also permitted to use part of the tenant’s security deposit towards the outstanding balance. This decision was made by the a person in British Columbia.
Tenant's Assault Justifies Early Termination of Tenancy in BC
In this case, a tenant was found guilty of physically assaulting their landlord. As a result, the arbitrator ordered an early termination of the tenancy agreement and allowed the landlord to recover filing fees from the security deposit.
Tenant Successfully Challenges 10-Day Notice for Unpaid Rent and Utilities in BC
A tenant won their case against a landlord’s notice to end the tenancy for unpaid rent and utilities. The judge ruled in favour of the tenant because the landlord did not prove that the claimed amounts were owing when the notice was issued.
Landlord's Claim for Unpaid Rent of $1,345 Dismissed in BC
In this case, a landlord attempted to recover unpaid rent from a tenant but was unsuccessful. The court found that the landlord did not provide sufficient proof of taking steps to re-rent the property in a timely manner.
Landlord Obtains Order of Possession for Unpaid Rent in Surrey
A landlord successfully obtained an order from the a person to take possession of a rental unit because the tenant did not pay overdue rent or challenge the notice within the required timeframe. However, the landlord's request for additional financial compensation was denied.