5 Key Facts Tenants Should Know About Roommates in BC

Shared housing can be a rewarding, affordable way for tenants to rent in British Columbia. But before you commit to living with roommates, understanding your rights and obligations is crucial. This guide covers the five most important things tenants should know about roommates and shared housing in BC, helping you avoid disputes and feel secure in your home.

Understanding Your Rental Agreement and Who Is Considered a Tenant

Before signing a lease, clarify whether you are a tenant, subtenant, or licensee. In BC, tenants named on the rental agreement have the legal relationship with the landlord under the Residential Tenancy Act^[1]. Others may be considered subtenants or unofficial roommates (sometimes called "occupants" or "guests"), depending on how they moved in and how rent is paid.

• Tenants: Named on the lease, legally responsible for rent and following rental rules.
• Subtenants: Someone a tenant rents to (with landlord's permission); the main tenant acts like a landlord to their subtenant.
• Roommates/Occupants: Share space but are not officially on lease; they may have fewer rights against the landlord.

All Tenants Have Rights and Responsibilities

Whether you are living with friends, family, or strangers, all tenants are expected to follow BC’s tenancy regulations. These include:

• Paying rent on time
• Keeping your unit clean and undamaged
• Respecting your neighbors and roommates
• Following house rules about noise, guests, and shared space

Disputes between roommates are common—about cleaning, bills, or noise. When a conflict cannot be resolved, it’s helpful to review your rights and obligations in shared housing. Our Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained covers these rules in more depth.

Deposits and Payments: What You Need to Know

Typically, each tenant pays a share of the security (damage) deposit, but the law treats the group as a unit. That means:

• The landlord can return the deposit in one lump sum, usually to whoever is listed on the lease or provides the original receipt.
• If a roommate moves out before the tenancy ends, the departing roommate may need to recover their portion from other tenants—not from the landlord.
• Any damage caused by one roommate can affect everyone’s deposit return.

For more detailed information, see Understanding Rental Deposits: What Tenants Need to Know.

When moving out, BC’s ‘Condition Inspection Report’ form is required. Use the Condition Inspection Report (RTB-27) both at move-in and before move-out to document the rental unit’s condition (official form). This helps prevent disputes about damage or cleanliness between tenants or with the landlord.

What to Do About Health, Safety, and Repairs

All tenants deserve a safe, healthy space. If repairs are needed in shared housing, anyone can request them from the landlord. If a landlord does not address issues, tenants can use BC’s Request for Repair or Maintenance (RTB-12) form to document their request (official form). Persistent issues can be taken to BC's Residential Tenancy Branch, which oversees rental disputes.

• Common problems in shared rentals: broken appliances, heating failures, pests, or mold.
• All named tenants can submit maintenance requests or applications for dispute resolution if repairs are neglected.

Learn more about keeping your rental safe in Health and Safety Issues Every Tenant Should Know When Renting.

Ending Tenancy or Changing Roommates: Forms and Procedures

If a roommate wishes to leave or new people want to move in, notify the landlord in writing. In most cases, all tenants should provide written notice for ending the tenancy.

• Notice to End Tenancy (Form RTB-33): Used by tenants when ending the entire tenancy. All current tenants listed should sign. Get the form here.
• To add a roommate, ask the landlord for written approval and a lease amendment.
• If only some roommates move out, work with the landlord to update the lease before anyone new moves in.

Terminating or transferring a tenancy without consent may put everyone at risk of eviction, so always communicate changes. For a full overview, visit Tenant Rights in British Columbia.

If you’re looking for a new place or need more space, Explore rental homes in your area using interactive tools and up-to-date listings.

1. What happens if only one roommate wants to move out?
   If you are both on the lease, speak with the landlord and remaining roommates. The departing tenant may need to provide official written notice. If there is no change to the legal tenancy, the remaining tenants are typically responsible for the full rent and deposit.
2. Can roommates split rent or bills unevenly?
   Yes, but legal responsibility to the landlord is usually shared unless specified. Agree in advance and put arrangements in writing between roommates.
3. What if a roommate refuses to pay?
   If they're on the lease, all tenants are usually jointly responsible for the entire rent. The landlord can pursue any or all named tenants for missed rent.
4. How can I add or remove a roommate legally?
   Contact the landlord for written approval and have the lease amended. Never sublet without permission—doing so may violate the lease.
5. Does a landlord have to approve every roommate?
   In most cases, yes. Adding occupants often requires landlord consent and may involve updating the lease.

1. How do I file a repair request with my landlord?
   Fill out the BC Request for Repair or Maintenance (RTB-12) form and provide a copy to your landlord. Keep records of all communication and photos if possible.
2. How to recover my portion of the deposit if moving out early?
   Ask your roommates for your share, as the landlord will usually only return the deposit at the end of the tenancy. Provide written notice to both your roommates and landlord.
3. How can tenants apply for dispute resolution?
   Submit an Application for Dispute Resolution to the Residential Tenancy Branch (online or by mail) with all supporting documents and fees. Reference the official guide.

Key Takeaways

• Always get your name on the lease if possible for full legal protection.
• Make roommate agreements in writing to avoid misunderstandings.
• Follow legal procedures and use the right forms for deposits, repair requests, and ending a tenancy.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• BC Residential Tenancy Branch – information, forms, and dispute resolution
• Contact the Tenant Resource & Advisory Centre (TRAC) for advocacy and tenant support in BC
• Check out Tenant Rights in British Columbia for a province-specific overview

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1. Residential Tenancy Act (British Columbia)
2. BC Residential Tenancy Branch Forms
3. BC Residential Tenancy Branch – Housing & Tenancy

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