Roommates & Shared Housing FAQ for BC Tenants

Sharing a rental home or apartment with roommates is common in British Columbia, but it comes with unique questions about rights, responsibilities, and legal protections. Whether you're moving in with friends, subletting, or joining an established shared house, understanding the rules helps ensure a positive experience and avoid disputes. This guide answers the most frequent questions about roommates and shared housing in BC under the Residential Tenancy Act ^[1] and outlines what every tenant should know.

Who Is Legally Responsible for the Rental Agreement?

In shared housing, two main arrangements are possible:

• Co-tenancy: Everyone signs the rental agreement with the landlord. Each person (co-tenant) is jointly responsible for the entire rent and following the terms of the lease.
• Subtenancy: One person (the "head tenant") signs with the landlord. Additional roommates are subtenants renting from the head tenant, not directly from the landlord. Subtenants have some rights, but their agreement is with the head tenant, not the landlord.

Always ask to see and, if possible, sign the official lease to help protect your rights as a co-tenant.

Are Roommates Entitled to Deposit Money Back?

When moving into a shared rental, the landlord may require a security or damage deposit. Only those named on the lease can ask for the return of a deposit. If a roommate leaves, it's up to the remaining tenants to agree on how to handle their share—landlords only return deposits to the tenants listed on the agreement. Read more in Understanding Rental Deposits: What Tenants Need to Know.

What Are Roommate Rights for Repairs and Maintenance?

All tenants have the right to a safe and well-maintained home. If you're a co-tenant, you can request repairs directly from the landlord. Subtenants should ask the head tenant, who then contacts the landlord. Issues like pest infestations, unsafe conditions, or broken heating should be reported promptly. See our overview of Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained for both tenants and landlords.

What Happens If a Roommate Leaves or Breaks the Lease?

If one roommate wants to move out:

• Co-tenants: Remaining tenants are responsible for the full rent. The departing roommate may be able to sublet with landlord permission.
• Subtenants: The head tenant must follow proper procedures to end subtenancies.

Use the Notice to End Tenancy—Form RTB-29 if ending a tenancy agreement (find it on the official BC government website). This form is used when a tenant wishes to legally end their tenancy, giving the required notice period. For example, if you want to move out after your fixed-term lease ends, submit the RTB-29 to your landlord yourself if you're named on the lease.

How Are Disputes Between Roommates Handled?

Disputes between roommates over issues like bills, cleaning, or rules are usually not covered by the Residential Tenancy Act ^[1]. The BC Residential Tenancy Branch (RTB) generally only deals with landlord-tenant disputes. For roommate disagreements, try resolving issues through clear written agreements and respectful discussion.

What Legal Forms Are Used in Roommate Situations?

• Form RTB-29 (Notice to End Tenancy): To end a month-to-month tenancy, a tenant must provide written notice using this form. Download it and instructions from the official Residential Tenancy Branch site ^[2].
• Form RTB-26 (Agreement to Assign or Sublet): If a tenant wishes to sublet their part of the premises, they must complete this form and obtain the landlord's written consent. See instructions at the RTB Forms page.

Example: If you're moving out but want to transfer your lease to a new person, you and the landlord must complete RTB-26. If simply ending your tenancy, use RTB-29.

Can the RTB Help with Roommate Problems?

The Residential Tenancy Branch (RTB) ^[2] is the official body handling residential tenancy matters in British Columbia. They primarily resolve issues between landlords and tenants. They will not intervene in personal disputes between roommates (unless the dispute impacts the tenancy).

For further information, visit Tenant Rights in British Columbia to explore protections specific to BC tenants.

Looking for new shared accommodation or moving to a different city? Find rental homes across Canada on Houseme.

FAQ: Roommates & Shared Housing in British Columbia

1. Are all roommates automatically protected under the BC Residential Tenancy Act?
   No—only those who sign the rental agreement with the landlord (co-tenants) are protected under the Act. Subtenants and informal roommates may have separate agreements.
2. Can a landlord evict only one roommate?
   If all roommates are co-tenants, the landlord must follow the legal process for eviction that affects the entire tenancy. If you are a subtenant, only your agreement with the head tenant can be ended under certain rules.
3. How is the damage deposit divided when a roommate leaves?
   The landlord only returns the deposit to the tenants listed on the agreement, so roommates must work together to divide the deposit among themselves if one leaves.
4. What can I do if my roommate refuses to pay their share of rent or bills?
   All co-tenants are legally responsible for the full rent; if a roommate doesn't pay, the others must cover the shortfall. Disputes over bills and expenses are not managed by the RTB and may require legal advice or mediation.
5. Can I add a new roommate without the landlord’s permission?
   In most cases, you must obtain the landlord’s written approval before adding a new roommate to the lease, especially for fixed-term tenancies.

How To: Ending a Tenancy or Adding Roommates in BC Shared Rentals

1. How do I properly end my tenancy if I share with roommates?
   Submit a written notice using Form RTB-29; follow required timelines. If you're not on the lease, notify the head tenant.
2. How can I legally add a new roommate?
   Speak to your landlord and request the new roommate be added to the lease. Both must sign an updated agreement. Never add someone without written consent.
3. What steps do I take to sublet my rented room?
   Complete Form RTB-26 (Agreement to Assign or Sublet) with the proposed subtenant. Get your landlord’s written approval and keep copies of documents.
4. Where can I apply if I have a dispute with my landlord?
   Start an application using the RTB’s Dispute Resolution process. Forms and information are on the official website.

Key Takeaways for BC Tenants in Shared Housing

• Only tenants named on the rental agreement have legal standing with landlords.
• Know which forms to use: RTB-29 for ending tenancies, RTB-26 for sublets.
• Roommate disputes are best handled by written agreements, open communication, and, if needed, third-party mediation.
• Visit the RTB or Tenant Rights in British Columbia for official resources.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Residential Tenancy Branch (RTB) — Resources, forms, and dispute resolution for tenants and landlords
• Tenant Resource & Advisory Centre (TRAC) — Free legal information and advocacy for BC tenants
• Tenant Rights in British Columbia — Up-to-date info on tenant protections and BC law

---

1. BC’s key law for rental housing: Residential Tenancy Act
2. Forms & official guidance: BC Government RTB Forms

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