Seniors living in care homes, such as assisted living or supported housing, have unique rights and protections under British Columbia’s Residential Tenancy Act. Navigating these tenancies can feel overwhelming, but understanding your legal protections ensures peace of mind and helps prevent common issues.

What is a Care Home Tenancy in British Columbia?

Care home tenancies are for seniors and adults who receive personal care and accommodation in the same place. This includes help with daily activities—like bathing, mobility, or medication reminders—provided alongside your rental accommodation. In British Columbia, these tenancies are regulated by the Residential Tenancy Act (RTA)¹, with additional rules for care homes to protect vulnerable tenants.

Key Rights and Responsibilities of Seniors in Care Homes

While many rules are similar to regular rentals, care home tenancies in BC offer extra protections for seniors:

• Written agreements: Landlords must provide written tenancy agreements outlining fees, services, and care details.
• Comprehensive Service Disclosure: Landlords must give a prescribed “disclosure statement” listing all care services, meals, and activities included in your tenancy, including their costs.
• Notice periods for termination: Residents must receive at least 30 days’ written notice if the landlord is ending the tenancy due to care needs changing.
• Rent and service fee protections: Increases and changes must follow set legal rules and notice periods.
• Dispute resolution access: Seniors can seek help from the Residential Tenancy Branch if issues arise.

To learn more about specific obligations, see Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained.

Deposits and Fees in Care Home Tenancies

Security deposits and pet damage deposits are allowed in care homes, but they must not exceed half a month’s rent. Service deposits are only permitted where services are clearly outlined in your agreement. For details on protection of your deposit, read Understanding Rental Deposits: What Tenants Need to Know.

Health, Safety, and Maintenance in Care Homes

Your landlord must ensure the care home is safe and sanitary. This includes working fire alarms, elevators, accessible facilities, and prompt repairs. If a health or safety issue arises, you have the right to request repairs or contact authorities. This is especially important for seniors who may be at higher risk.

Find out more about these protections in Health and Safety Issues Every Tenant Should Know When Renting.

Notice to End Tenancy and Your Protections

Ending a care home tenancy in BC involves specific rules:

• Your landlord can end your tenancy only for reasons permitted by the RTA (like care needs changing).
• They must give at least 30 days’ written notice using official forms and a clear explanation.
• Extra time is often allowed for vulnerable seniors to relocate.

If you wish to end your tenancy, you must also provide proper written notice. Explore step-by-step advice under “How to Properly End Your Rental Agreement as a Tenant.”

How to Address Issues or Make a Complaint

If you believe your rights have been violated, you can file a dispute with the Residential Tenancy Branch. This includes problems with health and safety, eviction, or disputes about deposits.

Key Forms for Seniors in Care Home Tenancies

• Residential Tenancy Agreement Form: Used at move-in, outlines your rental terms. Keep a signed copy for your records. Download from the official government website.
• Notice to End Tenancy for Landlord Use – Form RTB-12: Required for any eviction. Landlords must specify permitted reasons (like care changes) and give proper notice. More info at the official link.
• Application for Dispute Resolution – Form RTB-12L-CT: Tenants can use this to request a hearing with the Residential Tenancy Branch if they want to challenge a notice or resolve an issue. Access the form here.

For a full overview of seniors' and all tenants' rights in the province, visit Tenant Rights in British Columbia.

You can also Find rental homes across Canada on Houseme if you're exploring other housing options or supportive living choices.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can my landlord increase my rent or service fees without notice?
   No. Rent and service fees in BC care homes can only be increased once a year, and must follow strict notice rules—at least three months’ written notice is required.
2. What if I disagree with my eviction notice?
   You can apply for a dispute resolution hearing with the Residential Tenancy Branch. Act quickly, as there are deadlines to challenge a notice (typically within 10 days of receiving it).
3. Who enforces tenancy rights for care homes in BC?
   The Residential Tenancy Branch oversees care home tenancies. They provide dispute resolution and enforce the BC Residential Tenancy Act.
4. What is included in a care home tenancy agreement?
   The agreement must list all accommodation, meals, and services provided, plus costs and schedules for care activities.
5. Are security deposits refundable in care home tenancies?
   Yes. At the end of your tenancy, your security deposit must be returned with interest, provided you meet the move-out conditions and complete the inspection process.

Key Takeaways for BC Seniors in Care Homes

• BC’s Residential Tenancy Act provides extra protections for seniors in care homes, including strict rules for notice and health standards.
• Always use required government forms and keep copies for your records.
• Dispute resolution is available through the Residential Tenancy Branch if you face challenges with your landlord.

Staying informed helps you maintain safe, stable, and fair housing in your later years.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Residential Tenancy Branch (RTB): Main provincial body for disputes, forms, and complaints. Phone: 1-800-665-8779
• Tenant Resource & Advisory Centre (TRAC): Free education and advocacy for BC tenants
• SeniorsBC – Housing Resources: Support on seniors’ housing options and subsidies
• Tenant Rights in British Columbia: Provincial fact page for tenant and care home resident rights

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1. British Columbia Residential Tenancy Act, R.S.B.C. 2002, c. 78: link to legislation
2. Residential Tenancy Branch: official government page
3. Residential Tenancy Forms: forms and instructions

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