Being a guarantor (also called a co-signer) means you can be legally responsible if a tenant breaks a lease in British Columbia. This guide explains what guarantor liability typically covers — unpaid rent, damage beyond normal wear and tear, and some legal costs — and practical steps tenants and guarantors can take when a breach happens. You will learn how landlords may pursue guarantors, when guarantors can argue they should not be held responsible, and how to use official processes to protect rights under BC tenancy law.
How guarantors are held liable in BC
When a tenant breaches a rental agreement the landlord may pursue unpaid rent, repair costs, or other monetary losses from the tenant and any guarantor named on the lease. The Residential Tenancy Branch sets the rules that govern these claims and how dispute resolution works in BC [1], and the governing legislation is the Residential Tenancy Act [2].
Common breaches that trigger guarantor liability
- Unpaid rent or arrears the tenant does not pay.
- Property damage requiring repair beyond normal wear and tear.
- Eviction or other tribunal-ordered remedies after serious breaches.
- Abandonment or a tenant moving out early without following the lease termination process.
What guarantors and tenants can do
If a guarantor is contacted about a claim, start by collecting the lease, guarantor agreement, rent ledgers, receipts and photos. Ask the landlord for a written, itemized account of claimed losses. If you disagree with the claim, you can seek dispute resolution through the Residential Tenancy Branch using the official application process [3]. For practical tenant steps after signing, see What Tenants Need to Know After Signing the Rental Agreement. If the issue involves unclear responsibilities, review Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained. If you need to look for other housing while a dispute proceeds, Find Vancouver apartments for rent.
Official forms and how to use them
Key official form: the Application for Dispute Resolution is how tenants, landlords and guarantors ask the Residential Tenancy Branch to make a decision about money owed or other tenancy disputes. Use this form when you cannot resolve the issue directly with the landlord; for example, a guarantor who believes charges for alleged damage are overstated can file this application and ask for a hearing [3].
Other relevant forms include notices to end tenancy that landlords may serve; if you are responding to an eviction or termination notice, read the notice carefully and consider filing a dispute if you believe it is unjustified [4]. The Residential Tenancy Branch website explains which form to use and how to submit it online or by mail [1].
FAQ
- Can a guarantor be held responsible for unpaid rent?
- Yes. A guarantor who signed the lease can be legally responsible for unpaid rent and certain damages if the tenant does not pay, and landlords can file for an order through the Residential Tenancy Branch [1].
- Can a guarantor be released from liability?
- Release depends on the wording of the guarantor agreement and the landlord's willingness; in some cases guarantors negotiate release or apply to the RTB for dispute resolution if they can show they should not be liable.
- How do I use RTB forms to dispute a claim?
- Gather evidence, file an Application for Dispute Resolution, pay any filing fee or request a fee waiver if eligible, and attend the hearing in person or by phone as scheduled [3].
How-To
- Gather the lease, guarantor agreement, receipts, photos and any text or email records that show payments or conversations.
- Contact the landlord in writing to request an itemized account and try to resolve the issue informally.
- File an Application for Dispute Resolution with the Residential Tenancy Branch if you cannot agree, and include copies of your evidence [3].
- Attend the hearing on the scheduled date and present your evidence and arguments clearly.
- If a decision is issued in your favour, follow steps to enforce it or obtain a copy for collection or court purposes.
Help and Support / Resources
- Residential Tenancy Branch - BC Government
- Residential Tenancy Act - BC Laws
- Apply for dispute resolution - RTB
