Rent control helps ensure housing stays affordable for thousands of tenants in British Columbia. However, not every rental home is protected. Understanding if your unit is covered or exempt is essential, especially when it comes to rent increases and your long-term housing plans. This article explains the rules, covers common exemptions, and what you can do if you discover your unit isn't protected by BC rent control laws.

Which Rentals Are Covered by Rent Control in BC?

In BC, most residential tenancies (including apartments, condos, and basement suites) are covered by rent control, meaning landlords can only increase rent once per year by the provincially-set limit. Rent control laws apply to both fixed-term and month-to-month tenancies under the Residential Tenancy Act^[1].

Provincial Body for Residential Tenancies

The tribunal handling tenancy matters is the Residential Tenancy Branch (RTB). The RTB oversees rent increases, disputes, and general rental rights in BC.

What Are the BC Rent Control Exemptions?

While most rentals are protected, certain types of housing are exempt. If your unit falls into one of these categories, the landlord can set or raise rent outside the annual cap.

• Units first occupied after November 15, 2018
  New rental buildings, additions, or secondary suites first used as a residential rental after this date are not exempt – BC eliminated the 'new construction' exemption in 2018. All units, regardless of age, are now covered unless they meet a separate exemption below.
• Non-profit housing and co-op housing
  Some forms of subsidized, non-profit, or cooperative housing may be exempt, depending on their structure and funding. Always check your agreement or with the provider.
• Short-term rentals and hotels
  If you are renting for less than one month and the unit offers services like daily cleaning (similar to a hotel), or it is a vacation rental, rent control does not apply.
• Assisted living, care homes, and institutional housing
  Units where services like nursing care or meals are mandatory often fall outside typical rent control laws.

It's important to note: Standard residential tenancies in condos, apartments, single-family homes, and basement suites ARE covered by rent control regardless of when they were built or first rented.
For more BC-specific details, see Tenant Rights in British Columbia.

How to Tell if Your Unit Is Rent Control Exempt

If you are unsure whether your tenancy is protected, ask your landlord to confirm in writing. Review your rental agreement and look for any mention of exemptions, subsidized housing, or special arrangements.

Visit the official Residential Tenancy Branch website for information or call their helpline to verify coverage. When in doubt, official forms and procedures can help protect your rights.

Rent Increase Process in BC

Landlords must use the official 'Notice of Rent Increase (RTB-7)' form to increase the rent. This form:

• Must be delivered at least three full months before the rent increase takes effect
• May only raise rent once every 12 months
• Must follow the annual rent increase limit, unless the unit is exempt

Example for tenants: If your landlord gives you a rent increase notice with less than three months' notice, or without using the correct RTB-7 form, it is not valid. You can download the RTB-7 form here and check whether your notice is correct.^[2]

Common Issues with Rent Control Exemptions

Tenants often face confusion about whether their unit is actually exempt. Always double-check with the Residential Tenancy Branch, and keep records of all communication. For disputes over rent increases or exemption status, you can apply for dispute resolution through the RTB.

Learn more about your rights and how rent increases work in the guide Understanding Rent Increases: What Tenants Need to Know.

What to Do if You Think a Rent Increase Is Illegal

If you get a rent increase you believe is not allowed:

• Check your rental agreement and confirm your exemption status
• Contact the landlord (preferably in writing) asking for clarification
• Use the Application for Dispute Resolution (RTB-12) to dispute the rent increase with the RTB^[3]
• Gather evidence (copies of your lease, communication, rent increase notice, etc.)

Action Steps: Challenging an Illegal Rent Increase

Below are practical steps you can follow if you suspect your rent increase is not permitted:

• Review the "Notice of Rent Increase (RTB-7)" to confirm whether it meets all legal requirements.
• Contact the Residential Tenancy Branch for advice on your specific situation.
• If needed, complete and submit the RTB-12 form to formally dispute the increase. Be sure to provide all supporting documentation.

Curious about finding a new rental? Explore Houseme for nationwide rental listings and compare your options across British Columbia and Canada.

FAQ: Rent Control Exemptions in BC

1. How do I know if my rental is exempt from BC rent control?
   Most tenancies are covered, but units in institutional care, hotels, or some non-profit housing may be exempt. If you are unsure, check with the Residential Tenancy Branch or review your agreement.
2. Can a landlord raise my rent by any amount if I am not covered by rent control?
   If your unit is exempt, the landlord is not subject to the annual cap but must still provide legal notice using the correct forms and timelines.
3. Do new rental buildings have rent control in BC?
   Yes. Since 2018, all newly built rental units are covered under rent control rules. There is no exemption for new construction.
4. What should I do if I get an illegal rent increase notice?
   Contact the landlord and the Residential Tenancy Branch right away. You can contest invalid increases using the RTB-12 dispute resolution process.
5. Where can I find help with a rent control dispute?
   Contact the Residential Tenancy Branch or a local tenant advocacy service for support and resources.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• BC Residential Tenancy Branch (RTB) — Info, forms, helpline, and dispute resolution (1-800-665-8779)
• Official RTB Forms and Notices — Download rent increase forms, dispute forms, tenancy agreements
• Tenant Resource & Advisory Centre (TRAC) — Free advice and online resources for BC tenants
• See Tenant Rights in British Columbia for your comprehensive guide to BC rental laws

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1. [1] See the Residential Tenancy Act of British Columbia for the complete law
2. [2] Download official RTB forms and notices for tenants and landlords from the BC government site
3. [3] Dispute rent increases or other tenancy concerns through the dispute resolution process at the RTB

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