Understanding your maintenance responsibilities as a tenant is essential for a smooth rental experience in British Columbia. This guide explains what is expected of tenants under BC's Residential Tenancy Act, clarifies the difference between tenant and landlord duties, and shares resources for help if disputes arise.

What Are Tenant Maintenance Responsibilities in British Columbia?

As a tenant, you have important obligations to help keep your rental home safe and in good repair. The law requires you to:

• Keep the rental unit reasonably clean during your tenancy
• Repair any damage you (or your guests) cause, intentionally or accidentally
• Not significantly damage the property or allow it to deteriorate beyond normal wear and tear
• Let the landlord know right away about problems that could become worse if not fixed quickly (like a leaking pipe)

Tenants aren’t required to handle major repairs or structural issues. Those are the landlord’s responsibility, unless damage was caused by the tenant or their guests.

What Is “Reasonably Clean”?

This means maintaining hygienic living spaces—regularly cleaning floors, appliances, and keeping garbage under control—for the health and safety of everyone in the building.

Normal Wear and Tear vs. Tenant-Caused Damage

• Normal wear and tear: Minor fading of paint, gentle carpet wear, or aging blinds—landlord is responsible.
• Tenant-caused damage: Broken windows, holes in walls, damage from misuse—tenant must repair or pay for repairs.

You can read more about common problems and resolution tips in Common Issues Tenants Face and How to Resolve Them.

How to Report Problems and Request Repairs

Under the law, tenants must tell the landlord promptly about any required repairs the landlord is responsible for. If something urgently needs fixing (like no heat or water), the landlord must address it quickly. Learn more about your rights and immediate steps in Emergency Situations and Repairs: Tenant Rights and Responsibilities.

Official Forms for Maintenance and Repairs

• Request for Repairs (RTB-26-Repair):
  • Use this form to officially request repairs from your landlord if verbal or email requests go unanswered.
  • Practical Example: If your landlord isn’t fixing a leaking sink, fill in this form, keep a copy, and deliver it to your landlord to trigger a formal response timeline.
  • Access the Request for Repairs form on the BC government site
• Application for Dispute Resolution (RTB-12):
  • If repairs aren’t done after a formal request, you can apply to resolve the issue through the Residential Tenancy Branch.
  • Practical Example: If your landlord refuses to repair a broken heating system, you can submit this form for a tribunal hearing.
  • Find the Application for Dispute Resolution here

Routine Maintenance Tasks

Typical tasks tenants handle:

• Cleaning and basic upkeep
• Changing light bulbs
• Replacing smoke detector batteries (if stated in your agreement)
• Yard care for some rental homes (if written in your lease)

Major repairs, pest control, and anything required by building or fire codes are usually up to the landlord. For more, see Routine Repairs in Rental Units: Tenant and Landlord Responsibilities.

Moving In and Out: Condition Inspections

Both you and your landlord must complete a Condition Inspection Report at move-in and move-out. This protects you against being unfairly charged for damages you didn’t cause. For a step-by-step on what’s involved, see the Guide to the Initial Rental Property Inspection for Tenants.

Your Rights and Tribunal Resources

Disagreements can be resolved through BC’s Residential Tenancy Branch (RTB). This government body handles tenant-landlord disputes and provides official information about rules and processes.

Review the law directly in the Residential Tenancy Act for clear guidance on everyone’s obligations.

For a quick overview of tenant and landlord regulations, visit Tenant Rights in British Columbia.

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. What repairs am I responsible for as a tenant in BC?
   Tenants must keep their rental homes reasonably clean and repair any damage they or their guests cause, but landlords are responsible for major repairs and anything caused by wear and tear.
2. What should I do if my landlord doesn't complete necessary repairs?
   First, send a written request or use the Request for Repairs form. If the problem isn't fixed, apply to the Residential Tenancy Branch for dispute resolution using the RTB-12 form.
3. Can my landlord make me pay for fixing things that broke due to normal use?
   No. Tenants are not liable for normal wear and tear items, such as old carpeting or faded paint. Only damage beyond regular use should be charged to you.
4. Do I need to be present for inspections?
   Yes, you should be present for move-in and move-out condition inspections to ensure all existing damage is properly recorded and to avoid security deposit disputes.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• BC Residential Tenancy Branch (official government portal)
• Tenant Resource & Advisory Centre (TRAC), for tenant advocacy and free legal information
• Information and complaint forms at RTB Dispute Resolution Portal
• For detailed fact sheets and support, see Tenant Rights in British Columbia

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1. Keep your unit clean and fix any damage you cause—this is your duty as a tenant and helps avoid disputes.
2. Landlords must do major repairs and maintain the property; report issues quickly and use formal forms if needed.
3. Always document inspections and communication to protect your rights and security deposit.

1. Residential Tenancy Act (British Columbia): View the full legislation
2. BC Residential Tenancy Branch: Official information and forms
3. Tenant Resource & Advisory Centre (TRAC): Free BC tenant support

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