Landlord 101

A plain-English guide for BC landlords. This is general information, not legal advice — for the official rules see the Residential Tenancy Branch (RTB). When you need a notice served, we handle it for $150.

1. Know the notice you need

BC tenancy ends through specific RTB forms. Using the wrong one can void your timeline. Always download the current form directly from the Residential Tenancy Branch — form numbers and versions change. Common notices:

• RTB-30 — 10 Day Notice — unpaid rent or utilities
• RTB-33 — One Month Notice — end tenancy for cause
• RTB-32L — Three Month Notice — landlord's or purchaser's use of property (generated through the RTB web portal since July 18, 2024)
• RTB-29 — Four Month Notice — demolition, renovation, or conversion
• RTB-8 — Mutual Agreement to End a Tenancy — both parties agree to end it

All RTB forms (official list) →

2. Serve it correctly

Service is where landlords slip up. A notice is only effective once it's properly delivered. You can hand it to the tenant personally, leave it with an adult at the residence, or post it on the door (with specific rules). We serve RTB notices with a documented attempt record and an optional notarized affidavit (+$50) so your file is airtight.

Serve an eviction notice →

3. Respect the timeline

Each notice has a notice period the tenant gets before possession is owed. If the tenant disputes by applying for dispute resolution, the clock can pause — you cannot change the locks or remove belongings unilaterally. Only the RTB (or court) can order possession.

4. Dispute resolution

If the tenant doesn't leave or pays late, file with the RTB. You'll need your served notice and proof of service. Keep everything. We return commission-ready affidavits so filing is smooth.

5. Common mistakes

• Serving the wrong form for the reason
• Counting days wrong (exclude the day of service)
• Self-help eviction — changing locks, cutting utilities (illegal)
• No proof of service on file