Are Rental Application Fees Legal in BC? Tenant Rights Explained

Applying for a new rental home in British Columbia comes with many questions—especially about upfront costs. One common concern is whether landlords can legally require tenants to pay rental application fees when submitting an application for a unit. Understanding your rights under BC law is essential before you hand over any money.

Rental Application Fees: Are They Legal in British Columbia?

In British Columbia, rental application fees are not permitted for residential tenancies. Landlords cannot charge a fee simply for applying to rent a property, regardless of whether you are eventually selected as a tenant.

This protection is set out in the Residential Tenancy Act of British Columbia and is enforced by the Residential Tenancy Branch (RTB), which handles tenancy matters across the province.^[1]

If a landlord asks for money when you submit your application for a rental unit, you have the right to refuse and report the request to the RTB.

What Fees Are Permitted?

While rental application fees are not allowed, some other fees or deposits may be collected legally under BC law:

• Security deposit: Often required once you are approved for a rental (maximum: half a month’s rent)
• Pet damage deposit: Only when you have a pet, and again, maximum is half a month’s rent

To avoid confusion, learn more about deposit rules and eligible charges in Understanding Rental Deposits: What Tenants Need to Know.

Why Are Application Fees Prohibited?

The BC government aims to ensure that tenants are not unfairly burdened with costs that don’t guarantee a home. Protecting applicants from unnecessary financial barriers helps keep the rental market accessible for everyone. Landlords are not allowed to charge fees to simply cover the cost of screening or processing applications.

What If a Landlord Requests an Application Fee?

If a landlord asks you for a rental application fee, this violates the Residential Tenancy Act. You are not legally required to pay; if you have already paid, you can take action to get the money back.

Practical Steps for Tenants:

• Politely decline to pay any application fee and inform the landlord it is not legal in BC.
• Keep records: Save any communication showing the request for a fee, and keep receipts if you paid.
• File a complaint with the Residential Tenancy Branch if the landlord does not refund the money or continues to insist on the fee.

To help you navigate your rights as a tenant in the province, review Tenant Rights in British Columbia for an overview of key protections.

Forms and Tenant Complaints

If you've wrongly paid an application fee or wish to dispute an unauthorized charge, the Residential Tenancy Branch offers an official process:

• Residential Tenancy Branch – Application for Dispute Resolution (RTB-12)
  • Use when: Seeking a monetary order to recover an illegal fee or resolve disputes over charges.
  • How: Complete and submit the Application for Dispute Resolution (RTB-12) via mail, in person, or online. Attach any evidence such as receipts or written requests from the landlord.

The Residential Tenancy Branch will review your application, may hold a hearing, and has the authority to order refunds where fees were collected in contravention of the Act.^[2]

For tenants wondering about next steps after securing a tenancy, see What Tenants Need to Know After Signing the Rental Agreement for guidance on your rights and responsibilities once your rental is approved.

Want to simplify your next home search? Find rental homes across Canada on Houseme, the all-in-one platform for apartments and houses nationwide.

FAQ: Rental Application Fees and Tenant Rights in BC

1. Can a landlord in BC charge me for a rental application?
   No. It is illegal for landlords to collect rental application fees in British Columbia.
2. What should I do if I’ve already paid a rental application fee?
   Request a refund from the landlord. If they refuse, file a complaint through the Residential Tenancy Branch using the Application for Dispute Resolution (RTB-12) form.
3. Are there any circumstances where a landlord can require payment before I rent?
   Only permitted deposits (security or pet deposits) can be collected—but only after you have been approved and are entering into a tenancy agreement.
4. Where can I learn more about other tenant rights?
   Visit Tenant Rights in British Columbia for an overview of your legal protections, or contact the Residential Tenancy Branch for guidance.
5. Who enforces these rules in BC?
   The Residential Tenancy Branch administers tenancy law in BC and handles disputes involving illegal fees.

Key Takeaways for Tenants

• Rental application fees are not allowed in BC—you cannot be charged to apply for a rental home.
• Only security deposits and pet deposits may be collected, and only after approval.
• Dispute illegal fees through the Residential Tenancy Branch and keep written records of all transactions.

Knowing your rights helps protect your finances and makes renting in BC less stressful.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Residential Tenancy Branch, Government of BC: Official information, dispute resolution forms, and tenant resources.
• Application for Dispute Resolution (RTB-12): For tenants seeking a refund of illegal fees or other monetary orders.
• Tenant Resource & Advisory Centre (TRAC): Advocacy, advice, and support for tenants in British Columbia.
• Review Tenant Rights in British Columbia for a summary of laws and protections.

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1. Residential Tenancy Act, British Columbia. Read the full text here.
2. Residential Tenancy Branch BC. Official site and resources.

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