Do Tenants Have a Right to Internet in British Columbia?

Many renters in British Columbia wonder whether landlords are legally required to provide internet in their rental units. With internet access being so central to daily life—whether for work, education, or staying connected—it's important for tenants to know their rights, who is responsible for paying for internet, and what to do if there are problems with connectivity.

Is Internet Service a Legal Requirement for Rentals in British Columbia?

In British Columbia’s Residential Tenancy Act^[1], landlords are required to provide "essential services and facilities"—such as heating, electricity, water, and, in some cases, garbage collection. However, internet is not considered an essential service under this law. This means landlords do not have a legal obligation to provide or pay for internet unless the tenancy agreement specifically states otherwise.

What Is an "Essential Service"?

• Heat
• Electricity
• Gas
• Hot and cold water

Internet and cable are typically “amenities,” not essentials, under provincial laws.

When Might a Landlord Provide Internet?

Some landlords offer internet as a part of the rental package, especially in multi-unit buildings or furnished apartments. If internet is included, it must be clearly stated in the written rental agreement. Always review your agreement to see if internet is mentioned.

• If included, rent may be higher to reflect this added service.
• If not included, tenants are generally responsible for setting up and paying for their own internet.

If you rely on internet for work or remote learning, clarify with your landlord before signing whether it's included. If it's not part of the agreement, plan on arranging your own service.

Who Handles Installation and Billing?

Unless otherwise stated in your rental agreement, tenants are responsible for:

• Choosing their own internet provider
• Arranging installation and paying the monthly bill
• Ensuring permission for installation if modifications to the property are needed

Landlords should not unreasonably prevent tenants from accessing internet services in the unit, as long as the property is not damaged and safety is preserved.

What to Do If You Can't Get Internet Service

Issues can sometimes arise in older buildings or basement suites where wiring is outdated, or if landlords restrict access. In these cases:

• Discuss your concerns with the landlord and request permission for installation or upgrades if needed.
• Check your lease—if it promises "high-speed internet available," you may be able to request reasonable cooperation for installation.
• If the landlord refuses unnecessarily, you may apply to the Residential Tenancy Branch of British Columbia for dispute resolution.

For a broader overview of your legal rights as a renter, consult Tenant Rights in British Columbia. If you want to understand how internet, utilities, or amenities fit within your overall obligations and landlord responsibilities, the article Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained is a useful resource.

Rental Agreements, Internet, and Your Rights

The specifics around internet are governed by your individual tenancy agreement. If you signed a lease that includes "utilities," ask for clarification about which utilities this covers. Some landlords list utilities as "heat, hydro, water," while others specify "internet included." If you're unsure, request that the landlord define which services are covered, and get it in writing.

A written agreement protects both tenants and landlords from disagreements down the road. Learn more about what to check once your lease is signed in What Tenants Need to Know After Signing the Rental Agreement.

What Can You Do If Promised Internet Is Not Provided?

If your rental agreement states internet is included and it is not provided, you can:

• Document your request for service in writing (email or letter).
• Contact the landlord for a solution.
• If unresolved, apply for dispute resolution through the Residential Tenancy Branch.

Official Forms and When to Use Them

• Application for Dispute Resolution (RTB-12) - If a landlord is not upholding the rental agreement (e.g., not providing internet as promised), you may file this form with the Residential Tenancy Branch. See the RTB-12 form here. Use this form if informal requests don’t resolve your issue.

Step-by-step instructions on how to complete this process are included at the end of this article.

Key Points for Tenants: Internet and Your Rental

• Internet is not an essential service under BC law, so landlords are only responsible if your agreement promises it.
• Always clarify before moving in whether internet is included.
• If you run into problems, document your communications and know you can seek support from the Residential Tenancy Branch.

If you're searching for a new rental where internet is included or high-speed service is available, Find rental homes across Canada on Houseme for easy filtering by amenities.

Frequently Asked Questions: Internet in BC Rentals

1. Is my landlord required by law to provide internet?
   No, landlords in British Columbia are not legally required to provide internet unless it is specified in your rental agreement.
2. What should I do if the landlord blocks access to internet installation?
   Try communicating your needs in writing. If access is still refused unreasonably, you may seek assistance through the Residential Tenancy Branch using the dispute resolution process.
3. Can my landlord increase rent for adding internet service?
   Yes, if both parties agree to a new service being added, the rent can be adjusted, but notice and agreement are required. Regular rent increase rules also apply.
4. Who pays for internet in a shared house?
   Typically, unless the lease says otherwise, tenants make arrangements to split and pay for internet among themselves.
5. What if the advertised internet is too slow or unreliable?
   If the rental was advertised with "high-speed internet included," you can ask your landlord to address quality issues. Document conversations and seek help from the Residential Tenancy Branch if necessary.

How to Apply for Dispute Resolution on Internet Issues

• Communicate with your landlord in writing about the issue.
• If unresolved, download the Application for Dispute Resolution (RTB-12).
• Fill out the form, explain your situation, and gather evidence (such as emails, lease copies, or ads).
• Submit the application to the Residential Tenancy Branch online, by mail, or in person. Pay the required fee (fee waivers are available based on financial need).
• Prepare for your dispute resolution hearing with all supporting documents.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Residential Tenancy Branch of British Columbia: Main government agency for tenant-landlord disputes and information.
• Tenant Resource & Advisory Centre (TRAC): Advocacy, legal info, and education for BC renters.
• For more details on your provincial rights, see Tenant Rights in British Columbia.

---

1. Residential Tenancy Act (British Columbia)
2. BC Residential Tenancy Branch - Official Website
3. RTB-12 Application for Dispute Resolution Form (PDF)

Categories

Tenant Rights & Responsibilities Rent & Deposits Leases & Agreements Moving In / Out Maintenance & Repairs Evictions Roommates & Shared Housing Discrimination & Accessibility Utilities & Services Affordable Housing & Subsidies Dispute Resolution & LTB Safety & Security Privacy & Entry by Landlord Special Tenancy Situations Tenant Insurance & Liability Post-Eviction Resources Landlord Compliance & Penalties Legal Precedents & Case Summaries Mental Health & Tenancy