If you’re a tenant in British Columbia and your rental needs an emergency repair—like a broken furnace in winter, major plumbing leak, or dangerous electrical fault—you may wonder: can your landlord charge you for urgent fixes? Understanding your rights and responsibilities under BC law helps you avoid unexpected costs and ensures your rental stays safe and livable.

Who Pays for Emergency Repairs in BC Rentals?

In most situations, landlords are responsible for repairs that maintain health, safety, and the habitability of the property. The Residential Tenancy Act of British Columbia states that tenants should not be charged for emergency repairs unless the tenant or their guest caused the damage deliberately or through negligence^[1].

What Qualifies as an Emergency Repair?

• Serious plumbing leaks (e.g., burst pipes or flooding)
• Failure of heat in winter
• Electrical hazards
• Broken locks or doors posing a security risk
• Major appliance failures essential to health/safety (like a fridge or stove)

For a full overview of tenant health and safety concerns, see Health and Safety Issues Every Tenant Should Know When Renting.

Landlords’ and Tenants’ Responsibilities in Emergencies

BC law divides repair duties. Landlords must ensure rentals meet minimum health and safety standards at all times. Tenants should promptly report problems and avoid actions that cause damage.

• Landlord’s duty: Make repairs quickly to maintain a safe, functional home.
• Tenant’s duty: Notify the landlord as soon as a problem arises and avoid causing preventable damage.

To learn about broader tenant and landlord roles, see Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained.

If Your Landlord Won’t Act Quickly

If you alert your landlord of an emergency and they don’t respond or act quickly, you have the right to arrange the repair yourself—but only for true emergencies. You can then ask your landlord to reimburse the reasonable cost.

Important: Always try to reach your landlord (in writing, if possible) and keep records or receipts for all expenses.

Can a Landlord Bill You for Emergency Repairs?

Landlords in BC can only charge you for emergency repairs if you, your guests or pets (or anyone else permitted by you) caused the damage on purpose or by carelessness. For example, if you accidentally break a window, you could be responsible. But if the furnace fails through wear and tear, that's not your bill.

If you are unfairly charged, you can dispute the cost through the Residential Tenancy Branch (RTB).

Disputing Emergency Repair Charges

• Collect evidence (receipts, correspondence, photos)
• Communicate clearly and calmly with your landlord
• If unresolved, file a dispute with the BC Residential Tenancy Branch

To understand the full process for emergencies, read Emergency Situations and Repairs: Tenant Rights and Responsibilities.

Official Forms and How to Use Them

If you and your landlord disagree about repair responsibility, you may need to start a formal dispute process with the RTB.

• Form: Application for Dispute Resolution (RTB-12)
  When to use: If your landlord charges you for repairs you believe are not your responsibility.
  How to use: Fill out the RTB-12, describing your situation and evidence. Submit online or at a Service BC centre.
  Example: Your landlord bills you $1,000 for a burst pipe that you reported immediately and did not cause. You file an RTB-12 to have the Residential Tenancy Branch decide who must pay.
  Get the RTB-12 form

What the Law Says (Relevant Legislation)

The Residential Tenancy Act (sections 32 and 33) covers repair and maintenance duties, protection from retaliation, and dispute options.^[1]

For a summary, visit Tenant Rights in British Columbia.

How to Protect Yourself as a Tenant

• Read and understand your tenancy agreement
• Always report repairs in writing
• Keep communication records
• Take photos of the issue before and after repair
• File an RTB-12 if you’re unfairly billed

If you need to find a new rental property or want to compare alternatives, Canada’s best rental listings platform can simplify your search.

For a thorough summary of BC tenant and landlord rights, see Tenant Rights in British Columbia.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can my landlord make me pay for an emergency repair I didn’t cause?
   No, if the issue was not caused by you or your guests and was due to normal wear and tear, your landlord cannot require you to pay.
2. If my landlord doesn’t fix something urgent, can I arrange repairs myself?
   Yes, but only for true emergencies and after attempting to contact your landlord. Keep all records and receipts.
3. Who decides if a repair is an "emergency"?
   Emergencies are issues that affect health, safety, or prevent the rental from being liveable. The Residential Tenancy Branch can resolve disagreements.
4. What should I do if my landlord refuses to reimburse me for emergency repairs?
   Collect evidence of your attempts to communicate and repair receipts, then file an Application for Dispute Resolution with the RTB.
5. Where can I get help with a landlord-tenant dispute in BC?
   Contact the Residential Tenancy Branch or a local tenant advocacy group for support.

Summary: What Tenants Should Remember

• Landlords generally cannot charge tenants for emergency repairs unless the tenant caused the problem.
• If your landlord won’t act quickly in an emergency, you can arrange repairs—but must follow the correct process.
• Always keep documentation and use official channels, like the RTB, if charged unfairly.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• BC Residential Tenancy Branch (RTB) – Government dispute resolution and information
• Tenant Resource & Advisory Centre (TRAC) – Support and information for BC tenants
• Find rental homes across Canada on Houseme – Browse current listings quickly and easily

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1. Residential Tenancy Act, RSBC 2002, c 78 (Sections 32–33)

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