Roommate and Shared Accommodation Checklist for BC Tenants

Living with roommates or sharing a rental home in British Columbia can help save money and build community. However, shared housing also brings extra responsibilities and potential challenges. This guide provides tenants with a comprehensive checklist to set up a successful shared living experience in accordance with British Columbia law.

Roommate and Shared Housing Basics in BC

Shared accommodations are common, especially in cities like Vancouver and Victoria. If you're renting with others, it's important to understand:

• Who is named on the official tenancy agreement (all roommates or just one tenant as the 'head tenant')
• How rent, deposits, and utility payments are divided
• What rules and rights apply under the Residential Tenancy Act of British Columbia^[1]

To understand your protections and basic obligations, review Tenant Rights in British Columbia.

Before Moving In: Essential Roommate Checklist

• Discuss Expectations: Agree on guest policies, cleaning duties, and quiet hours.
• Check Tenancy Agreement: Make sure all roommates’ names are included for equal legal protection.
• Inspect the Rental: Complete an initial inspection together and document the condition of the unit.
• Clarify Financial Responsibilities: Set out who pays how much for rent, deposits, and bills.
• Create a Roommate Agreement: While not legally binding like a tenancy agreement, a roommate agreement helps prevent disputes by outlining shared responsibilities.

Initial Inspection Report (Form RTB-27)

In British Columbia, tenants must complete a Condition Inspection Report (Form RTB-27) when moving in and out. This form documents the state of the rental and is crucial if disputes arise over damage or deposits. For shared rentals, all tenants—and the landlord—should sign.

• When to use: On move-in and move-out days
• How to use: Walk through each room with your landlord and roommates, noting damage or wear. Everyone should sign and keep a copy.
• Download the RTB-27 Condition Inspection Report here

Understanding Deposits in Shared Housing

Landlords in BC can collect a security deposit (no more than half a month’s rent) and, if you have a pet, a pet damage deposit (also up to half a month’s rent). Clarify among roommates:

• Who pays what portion of each deposit
• How deposits are returned if one roommate leaves before others

For a deeper dive, see Understanding Rental Deposits: What Tenants Need to Know.

While Living Together: Shared Responsibilities

Once settled, communication and cooperation are key. BC tenancy law expects all named tenants to uphold their duties. This includes:

• Paying rent on time—all tenants are usually jointly responsible.
• Abiding by the terms of the tenancy agreement and the law.
• Reporting necessary repairs or safety issues to your landlord.

You can also consult Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained for clarity on who handles what.

Dealing with Common Issues in Shared Rentals

• Keep copies of written communication with both roommates and your landlord
• Address conflicts early and respectfully
• Know the process for submitting complaints or maintenance requests

If health concerns, pests, or safety hazards arise, see Health and Safety Issues Every Tenant Should Know When Renting.

What If a Roommate Wants to Move Out?

Whether you’re the head tenant or are on a joint lease, the process depends on your tenancy agreement and situation:

• On a shared lease: All tenants may be responsible if rent isn’t paid or damage occurs—even after one leaves.
• Head/subtenant arrangement: If you rent from another tenant, you may not have full protections under the Residential Tenancy Act. 'Subtenants' may have different rights.
• Deposits: Decide in advance how to handle returns. Only the person(s) who paid the deposit to the landlord may be entitled to get it back.

Always provide proper written notice (at least one month in BC) to vacate. Use Form RTB-31 (Tenant’s Notice to End Tenancy) available at: Tenant’s Notice to End Tenancy (RTB-31)

• How to use: Give this form to your landlord with at least one month's notice if you wish to move out.

Roommate Checklist: Wrap Up

• Get all agreements in writing whenever possible
• Read and understand the Residential Tenancy Act—and your rights as a tenant
• Communicate openly with roommates and landlords
• Use official forms for move-in, move-out, and notices

Finding the right home to share? Browse apartments for rent in Canada on a trusted, map-based platform.

1. Who is responsible for damages in shared housing?
   Usually, all tenants named on the tenancy agreement are jointly responsible for rent and damages. This means if one roommate causes damage, the landlord can seek compensation from any or all tenants. That’s why it’s important to trust who you live with and conduct a proper inspection at move-in.
2. Can a roommate be evicted from a shared rental in BC?
   If all roommates are on the tenancy agreement, only the landlord (not your fellow tenants) can formally end your tenancy. Head tenants in a sublet scenario may be able to give notice to subtenants, but procedures differ. For all, BC law still protects basic tenant rights.
3. What if my roommate leaves and doesn’t pay their share?
   You may still be legally responsible for the full rent if you’re on a joint lease. Communicate with your landlord early and try to find a replacement roommate if needed. Arrange in advance how final bills and deposits will be handled if someone leaves.
4. Should I have a written roommate agreement?
   Yes, it’s highly recommended. While not enforceable by the Residential Tenancy Branch, a roommate agreement helps clarify responsibilities for bills, chores, and other shared matters.
5. Where can I find official information on my rights as a BC tenant?
   Start with Tenant Rights in British Columbia and visit the Residential Tenancy Branch of British Columbia for forms, guides, and contact help.

1. How do I complete the initial Condition Inspection Report (Form RTB-27)?
   Arrange a walkthrough with your landlord and all roommates on move-in day. Use the official form, note the condition of each area, and have everyone (including the landlord) sign. Keep a copy for your records.
2. How do I properly give notice if I want to move out?
   Fill out Form RTB-31 (Tenant’s Notice to End Tenancy). Provide this to your landlord with at least one full month’s notice before your rental period ends. Notify your roommates as well.
3. How can I get my security deposit back?
   Schedule a move-out inspection with your landlord, use Form RTB-27 again, and ensure any damages beyond normal wear are repaired. If there’s a dispute, you may apply for dispute resolution at the Residential Tenancy Branch.
4. How do I split rent and deposit fairly?
   Before moving in, agree in writing how much each roommate pays toward rent and deposits. Clarify what happens if someone leaves early.

Key Takeaways for BC Roommates & Shared Housing

• Use official BC government forms for move-in, move-out, and notices
• All named tenants share legal responsibilities for rent, damages, and rules
• Having a written roommate agreement helps prevent disputes
• Always know your rights—see Tenant Rights in British Columbia for more

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Residential Tenancy Branch of British Columbia — The official body for disputes, forms, and guides
• Condition Inspection Report (RTB-27)
• Tenant’s Notice to End Tenancy (RTB-31)
• Tenant Resource & Advisory Centre (TRAC) — Free information and support for BC renters

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1. Residential Tenancy Act of British Columbia

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