If you're a tenant in British Columbia and facing health or safety issues in your rental home—such as mold, pests, unsanitary conditions, or lack of essential repairs—your landlord is responsible for addressing these problems. When informal requests don’t resolve the matter, you have the right to report your landlord to your local public health authority. This guide explains when, why, and how to report health concerns, and what protections exist for tenants under BC law.

Understanding Your Rights: Health and Safety in Your Rental

BC's Residential Tenancy Act clearly states that landlords must provide a rental home that is fit for occupancy, meets health standards, and is safe for living^[1]. Common issues justifying a public health complaint include:

• Mold or persistent dampness
• Infestations of rodents or insects
• Lack of heat, running water, or working plumbing
• Unsafe or unsanitary common areas
• Structural hazards (e.g., broken stairs, exposed wires)

Tenants should always communicate issues in writing first and keep records of all interactions. For more information about typical health concerns, visit Health and Safety Issues Every Tenant Should Know When Renting.

When to Involve Public Health Authorities

If your landlord does not address significant health or safety concerns within a reasonable time, you may need to contact the Environmental Health Office with your local health authority. Examples that warrant a report:

• The presence of black mold not properly remediated
• No access to potable water or proper sewage disposal
• Ongoing pest infestations despite repeated notice

Which Authority to Contact?

In BC, concerns about health and habitability often fall under the responsibilities of your regional Health Authority’s Environmental Health Office. You can find your local office on the BC Health Authority directory.

How to Report: Key Steps and Required Information

Before escalating your concern, gather the following:

• Details of the problem (e.g., type of hazard, location, length of time ongoing)
• Records of requests made to your landlord (e.g., dated letters, emails, texts)
• Photos or videos of the issue (if safely possible)
• Your address and contact information

You can submit a complaint to the Environmental Health Officer in your region by phone, email, or online. Some authorities may have a specific Environmental Health Complaint Form—check your local authority’s website for details. For example, Vancouver Coastal Health provides an online complaint portal.

Example: Using a Health Authority’s Complaint Form

• Name: Environmental Health Complaint Form
• When to Use It: If you have tried to resolve a health risk (e.g., mold, pest infestation) with your landlord but they have not fixed the problem within a reasonable timeframe.
• How to Use: Access the form via your local authority’s website (e.g., Vancouver Coastal Health). Complete the required fields and provide supporting evidence (photos, correspondence with the landlord).
• Official Link: Vancouver Coastal Health Environmental Health Complaint

What Happens Next: After Filing a Complaint

Once your complaint is received:

• An Environmental Health Officer may contact you for more details.
• An inspection is scheduled if necessary.
• The officer may issue an order to your landlord to address the hazard.
• Failure to comply may result in fines or legal action against the landlord.

Your Rights and Protections as a Tenant in BC

You cannot be evicted or punished for reporting your landlord to a health authority. Retaliatory action (such as a rent increase or eviction) is prohibited under the Residential Tenancy Act.^[1] For a full overview of your protections, visit Tenant Rights in British Columbia.

Additional Steps if Health Issues Persist

If conditions do not improve, you have the option to:

• Apply to the Residential Tenancy Branch (RTB) for an order requiring repairs, rent reduction, or permission to end your tenancy early.
• Refer to internal guidance like Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained to understand shared duties.
• For severe pest issues, consult Dealing with Pests in Your Rental: Tenant Rights and Effective Solutions.

You may need to use the RTB's Application for Dispute Resolution (Form RTB-26) if health orders are ignored or your tenancy is impacted.

Reporting to the Residential Tenancy Branch

• Tribunal Name: Residential Tenancy Branch of British Columbia
• Relevant Legislation: Residential Tenancy Act

This independent tribunal resolves disputes between tenants and landlords. You can use their online forms to escalate unresolved health issues if the public health order is insufficient or ignored.

For an easy way to look for safer, healthier homes, Find rental homes across Canada on Houseme.

FAQs About Reporting a Landlord to Public Health in BC

1. What health problems should I report to public health?
   Serious issues such as mold, infestations, lack of heat, or major structural hazards. Everyday minor repairs should be discussed with your landlord first.
2. Can my landlord evict me for filing a health complaint?
   No. Under BC law, retaliation for reporting health or safety issues is not allowed.
3. What happens after a public health complaint is filed?
   An environmental health officer may inspect your unit, and the landlord can be ordered to fix problems. If the landlord ignores these orders, penalties can apply.
4. Should I contact the Residential Tenancy Branch before reporting to public health?
   You should try to resolve issues directly with your landlord first. For urgent health risks, contact public health right away. If problems continue, you may also apply to the Residential Tenancy Branch.
5. Where can I read more about my rights in BC?
   Visit Tenant Rights in British Columbia for an overview.

Key Takeaways for Tenants

• BC landlords must maintain healthy, safe rental properties per the Residential Tenancy Act.
• Report unaddressed health or safety hazards to your local health authority using their official process.
• You are protected from retaliation—know your rights and escalate if needed to the Residential Tenancy Branch.

Addressing concerns early protects your health and tenancy. Document all communication and act if your living conditions are unsafe.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Residential Tenancy Branch – BC Government (information, forms, dispute resolution)
• Tenant Resource & Advisory Centre (TRAC) (free legal education and advocacy)
• Find Your Regional Health Authority – HealthLink BC (to locate environmental health contacts)
• Tenant Rights in British Columbia (for full provincial tenant rights overview)

---

1. Residential Tenancy Act (British Columbia)
2. Residential Tenancy Branch – Government of British Columbia

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