If you’re renting in British Columbia, being locked out by your landlord is a deeply distressing—and potentially illegal—situation. Whether you’re worried about eviction, missed a rent payment, or have landlord–tenant conflict, knowing your rights under BC law is crucial. This article covers what the Residential Tenancy Act says about lockouts, the legal eviction process, and the steps you can take if you come home to locked doors.

Your Rights: Illegal Lockouts and the Law in BC

In British Columbia, landlords are not allowed to change your locks or restrict your access to your rental unit without a proper order. The Residential Tenancy Act specifically protects tenants against illegal lockouts or evictions except by following legal procedures.^[1]

• Lockouts are illegal unless there is an official Order of Possession granted by the Residential Tenancy Branch (RTB).
• Landlords must use the correct forms and allow you due process.

As a tenant, you have the right to remain in your home until the proper legal process is completed, even if you are behind on rent or there is a dispute. Want a bigger overview of your regional rights? See Tenant Rights in British Columbia for more details.

What Is a Legal Eviction in British Columbia?

An eviction in BC isn’t as simple as a landlord giving notice or changing the locks. There’s a formal process governed by the Residential Tenancy Branch, meant to protect both landlords and tenants and ensure fairness.

• Notice must be given using official RTB forms (see below for details).
• If you don’t leave by the specified date, the landlord can apply for an Order of Possession from the RTB.
• The only time your landlord can lawfully change the locks is after the Order of Possession is granted, and typically only with the support of a court bailiff.

When Can a Landlord Change the Locks?

Landlords can only change the locks and deny you access when:

• The RTB has granted an Order of Possession.
• You have been physically removed by a court-authorized bailiff, if necessary.

Changing the locks without following this procedure is illegal under the Residential Tenancy Act.^[1]

Common Reasons for Eviction (That Do Not Permit Lockouts)

• Non-payment of rent
• Repeated late rent payments
• Significant property damage
• Illegal activity

Even if any of these apply, your landlord must serve the proper notice and obtain an RTB order before changing locks.

Never accept a verbal eviction or removal of your belongings as “official.” You always have the right to written notice and the chance to dispute any eviction through BC's legal process.

What to Do If You’re Locked Out Illegally

If you discover you’ve been locked out without the appropriate legal steps followed:

• Contact your landlord in writing immediately and request access back to your unit.
• Document the lockout (take photos, save communications).
• Apply to the Residential Tenancy Branch for an order to regain possession of your unit.
• For urgent or emergency situations, contact local authorities (non-emergency police number) if your safety or access to essential property is at risk.

Forms You May Need

• Application for Dispute Resolution (Residential Tenancy Branch Form): Use this to file a complaint, request an order for re-entry, or formally dispute the lockout.
• RTB-12: Application for Dispute Resolution – File this online or in-person as soon as possible.

Practical example: If you come home and find you can't access your rental unit and the landlord hasn’t served you a formal Order of Possession, complete the RTB-12 and request an urgent hearing to regain entry.

Tenants’ and Landlords’ Duties Under BC Law

Both landlords and tenants are required to respect the terms of the rental agreement and follow the law. Learn more at Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained.

If you are unsure about your lease or the responsibilities you and your landlord share after signing, check out What Tenants Need to Know After Signing the Rental Agreement for a deeper breakdown of your next steps and rights.

Need a New Place Fast?

No tenant expects a lockout, but if you need to move or are searching for a new rental in BC, you can Find rental homes across Canada on Houseme—Canada’s trusted rental listings site for every city and budget.

FAQ: Lockouts and Tenant Rights in British Columbia

1. Can my landlord lock me out without a court order?
   No. Your landlord must follow BC’s official eviction process and get an Order of Possession from the RTB before changing your locks or restricting your access.
2. What if I haven’t paid rent? Can I be locked out?
   Not immediately. Even if you fall behind on rent, the landlord must serve you with a formal notice and go through the proper dispute and eviction procedures.
3. How quickly can I get back in if I’ve been locked out illegally?
   You should file an Application for Dispute Resolution with the RTB as soon as possible. If urgent, request an expedited hearing.
4. Who do I contact if I’m locked out and need legal help?
   Contact the BC Residential Tenancy Branch and consider reaching out to a local tenants’ advocacy group for urgent assistance.
5. Can police help me if I’m locked out?
   Police may intervene if there is a breach of peace or safety, but typically, tenant–landlord lockouts are handled through civil procedures with the RTB.

Conclusion: What Tenants in BC Need to Know About Lockouts

• Lockouts by landlords are illegal in BC without an official Order of Possession.
• Always respond to official notices and keep written records of all communications.
• Use the RTB-12 form and contact the Residential Tenancy Branch if you experience an unlawful lockout.

Stay informed about your rights and take action quickly to protect your home and security.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Residential Tenancy Branch (RTB), Government of British Columbia
  604-660-1020 (Greater Vancouver) or 1-800-665-8779 (toll-free in BC)
• Download official forms and review provincial tenant rights at the BC Residential Tenancy Branch website
• B.C. Tenant Resources & Advocacy Centre: https://tenants.bc.ca/
• Tenant Rights in British Columbia

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1. Residential Tenancy Act, British Columbia. Official legislation: Read the Residential Tenancy Act of BC
2. Residential Tenancy Branch (RTB), BC Government: BC RTB official site
3. RTB-12: Application for Dispute Resolution: Download the form

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