Short-Term Rental Repair Rules in British Columbia

Tenants who rent short-term in British Columbia need clear, simple steps when repairs are required. This guide explains what landlords must fix, how tenants should report problems, expected timelines for responses, and official routes for resolving disputes a renter can use. It covers emergency repairs, routine maintenance, privacy and entry rights, and the documentation a tenant should keep to support a request. Practical examples and links to the province's tenancy rules and forms make it easier for renters to follow their rights and responsibilities and to take the correct next steps when a short-term rental problem arises.

Responsibility for repairs in short-term rentals

In British Columbia, landlords are generally responsible for maintaining a rental unit in a state of repair that complies with health, safety and housing standards under the Residential Tenancy Act^[1]. That means basic systems—heat, plumbing, hot water, and major structural issues—are the landlord's responsibility unless the tenancy agreement says otherwise and local laws permit a different arrangement.

How to report a repair

Follow these steps to make a clear, effective repair request:

• Report the problem to your landlord or property manager in writing, describe the issue, include the date, and attach photos or video as evidence.
• If the issue is an emergency (no heat, no water, major leak), call the landlord immediately and then follow up in writing.
• If the landlord does not act within a reasonable time or within specific deadlines set by law, apply for dispute resolution or follow the official complaint steps.

Emergency vs routine repairs

Know the difference so you can act quickly:

• Emergency repairs: situations that risk safety, health, major property damage, or make the unit uninhabitable (for example, major water leaks, no heat in winter, or gas leaks).
• Routine repairs: non-urgent maintenance such as a slow drain, minor appliance faults, or cosmetic issues that should be fixed within a reasonable timeframe.

For additional practical guidance on routine maintenance responsibilities, see Routine Repairs in Rental Units: Tenant and Landlord Responsibilities. For urgent and emergency protocols, see Emergency Situations and Repairs: Tenant Rights and Responsibilities.

When to involve the Residential Tenancy Branch or apply for dispute resolution

If your landlord does not complete necessary repairs within a reasonable time after you report them in writing, you can use the province's dispute resolution process to request an order requiring the landlord to act. The Residential Tenancy Branch explains the steps and required documentation^[2]. When filing, include all dated communications, photos, and a clear timeline of events.

Official forms and when to use them

Common official items tenants may use in British Columbia:

• Application for dispute resolution: used when a tenant asks the Residential Tenancy Branch to resolve a repair dispute after trying to work with the landlord. Example: you reported a major leak in writing, the landlord did not fix it within a reasonable time, so you file the application with photos and communication records.^[3]
• Notice to End Tenancy forms: used only in specific circumstances; do not use to pressure a landlord into repairs. These forms set out formal tenancy endings and have strict rules about timing.

Documentation and evidence

Good documentation strengthens your case if you need to escalate:

• Keep dated photos, videos, repair requests, and any receipts for emergency repairs you paid for.
• Save messages and logs of phone calls (date, time, who you spoke to) and copies of any responses from the landlord.

FAQ

Who is responsible for repairs in a short-term rental?

Landlords are generally responsible for maintaining basic services and safety unless a written agreement and local law say otherwise; tenants must report problems promptly.

What counts as an emergency repair?

An emergency repair affects safety or habitability, such as major water leaks, gas leaks, no heat in cold weather, or loss of essential services.

Can I withhold rent if repairs are not done?

Withholding rent is risky and rarely allowed; instead, document issues and use the dispute resolution process or apply other lawful remedies described by the Residential Tenancy Branch.

How-To

1. Write a clear repair request that states the problem, the date it started, and the action you want the landlord to take.
2. Attach dated photos or video and keep copies of all communications for your records.
3. If it is an emergency, call the landlord immediately and follow up in writing the same day.
4. Allow a reasonable time for the landlord to respond; if no response within the expected timeframe, prepare your evidence package.
5. File an Application for dispute resolution with the Residential Tenancy Branch including your documents and a clear timeline of events.

Help and Support / Resources

• Residential Tenancy Branch - official BC tenancy information
• Residential Tenancy Act (British Columbia)
• Dispute resolution process (how to apply and what to include)

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1. [1] Residential Tenancy Act (British Columbia)
2. [2] Residential Tenancy Branch - official BC tenancy information
3. [3] Dispute resolution process (how to apply and what to include)

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