Running a rental property in British Columbia isn’t just about collecting rent — it also means following the rules of the Residential Tenancy Act (RTA). The Residential Tenancy Branch (RTB) is where landlords and tenants go when disagreements can’t be resolved.
Every year, thousands of cases go before the RTB, and many of them could have been prevented with the right paperwork, clear communication, or a better understanding of landlord responsibilities. Below are five common types of dispute cases that every BC landlord should know about — and how to avoid ending up in a similar situation.
1. Disputes Over Security Deposits
The issue: Tenants frequently dispute deductions from their security deposit, especially when landlords don’t complete a proper move-in/move-out condition inspection.
Lesson for landlords: Always complete and keep signed copies of your Condition Inspection Report. Without it, you’ll likely lose at arbitration, even if the tenant caused damage.
👉 Tip: Our Rental Forms Bundle includes deposit receipts and a cleaning checklist to help protect your investment.
2. Claims of Illegal Rent Increases
The issue: Some landlords raise rent without following the rules — such as giving proper notice, staying within the annual allowable increase, or using the correct RTB form.
Lesson for landlords: Rent increases in BC are tightly regulated. Even small mistakes (like miscounting notice days) can result in your rent increase being cancelled.
👉 Keep a calendar reminder and use proper documentation to stay compliant.
3. Disputes Over Repairs and Maintenance
The issue: Tenants often file disputes when they believe repairs weren’t completed, or essential services (like heat or hot water) weren’t maintained.
Lesson for landlords: Landlords are legally obligated to maintain rental units in a state that meets health, safety, and housing standards. Failing to do so can result in rent reductions or compensation awards to tenants.
👉 Having a Maintenance Agreement or Addendum in place clarifies tenant responsibilities vs. landlord duties.
4. Ending Tenancies Without Proper Notice
The issue: Landlords sometimes end tenancies incorrectly — for example, using the wrong form, giving too little notice, or citing a reason that doesn’t meet RTB requirements.
Lesson for landlords: The RTB is strict on eviction notices. If your paperwork isn’t perfect, you risk delays, disputes, or having to start the process over.
👉 Double-check the RTB’s official forms and keep your own addendums or agreements clear and signed.
5. Unauthorized Pets and Property Damage
The issue: Landlords frequently bring disputes over pet-related damage, or tenants dispute fines or eviction for unauthorized pets.
Lesson for landlords: A simple Pet Agreement can save major headaches. It clarifies pet rules, responsibilities for cleaning, and damages. Without one, it’s your word against the tenant’s.
👉 Our Rental Forms Bundle includes a ready-to-use Pet Agreement so you don’t get caught unprepared. We also have a single add-on Pet Agreement available.
Researching Past RTB Decisions
If you’d like to dig deeper, you can search past RTB decisions online. Reviewing how arbitrators ruled in cases similar to yours can give valuable insight into what evidence carries the most weight and how to prepare if you ever end up in a dispute.
Final Thoughts
RTB disputes can be stressful and time-consuming. The good news? Most of them can be avoided with clear agreements, proper documentation, and consistent record-keeping. By learning from these five common RTB cases, you can protect your rental business, avoid disputes, and maintain better landlord–tenant relationships.
Need ready-to-use forms? The BC Rental Forms Bundle gives you 10 essential landlord tools to stay organized and compliant — from applications to move-out receipts.
