If your accommodation in British Columbia is provided by your employer—such as farm worker bunkhouses, caretaker apartments, or onsite staff housing—it’s vital to know your rights and responsibilities as a tenant. Employer-provided housing often brings unique challenges, such as concerns about eviction and job security. This article explains the law, your basic protections, and steps you can take if housing and employment become complicated.

Employer-Provided Housing: What Is It?

Employer-provided housing means that your home is directly tied to your employment—for example, if you live onsite for work as a caretaker, agriculture worker, live-in caregiver, or camp supervisor. In British Columbia, these arrangements generally fall under the Residential Tenancy Act^[1], but some exceptions may apply depending on your type of work or specific circumstances.

Are You a Tenant Under the Law?

Most people living in employer-provided housing in BC are considered tenants, but there are exceptions. If your accommodation is truly temporary, or if your job makes you a true "boarder or lodger" (with significant shared living arrangements), you may not have full tenancy rights. For clarity, check the details with the BC Residential Tenancy Branch. If you are a tenant, you have the same fundamental protections as other renters in the province.

Your Rights and Protections in Employer Housing

As a tenant in employer-provided housing, you retain essential rights, including:

• The right to safe and habitable accommodation, even if you lose your job.
• Formal notice of eviction and access to dispute resolution if asked to leave.
• The right to privacy—your employer must respect the rules regarding notice before entering your space.
• Protected limits on rental deposits, rent increases, and more.

It’s important to know that an employer cannot simply evict you instantly if your job ends. In most cases, proper written notice using an official form is required. To learn more about health and safety expectations, see Health and Safety Issues Every Tenant Should Know When Renting.

When Can an Employer Ask You to Leave?

If your employment ends, your landlord (the employer) still needs to follow legal procedures for ending the tenancy. The most common forms are:

• Notice to End Tenancy (Form RTB-33): Used if your employment ends and your right to live in the unit is tied to your job. You must be given at least one month's written notice. Download Form RTB-33
• Notice for Unpaid Rent or Utilities (Form RTB-30): Used for eviction due to unpaid rent, which must be handled separately from employment status. Learn about Form RTB-30 here

Official forms must be filled out and delivered properly for an eviction notice to be valid. If you receive a notice, read it carefully—incorrect forms or missing details may void the notice.

How to Dispute an Eviction from Employer-Provided Housing

If you believe an eviction notice is unfair or was not properly served, you can apply for a hearing with the Residential Tenancy Branch. The process includes:

• Reviewing your notice for accuracy and proper service
• Filing an Application for Dispute Resolution (Form RTB-12) within the specified deadline (usually 10 days for eviction disputes). Access Form RTB-12 here
• Preparing evidence, like emails, the employment contract, or your rental agreement

This protects your right to a fair hearing and postpones eviction until the matter is resolved.

Your Rental Agreement and Deposits

Even when housing is linked to your job, an employer/landlord should provide a written rental agreement outlining:

• Rent amount (even if it’s deducted from your pay)
• Length of occupancy and reasons for ending tenancy
• Duties for both parties

Security deposits, if collected, are subject to the same rules as other rentals. Find out more about your rights regarding deposits in Understanding Rental Deposits: What Tenants Need to Know.

What Happens to My Home If I Quit or Am Fired?

If you lose your job, the right to stay in employer-provided housing does not end immediately. The law requires proper written notice, and you may have the right to dispute the termination if you believe it’s unjustified or retaliatory. Refer to your agreement for details, and remember that the Residential Tenancy Act is your key protection.

Health, Safety, and Privacy Protections

Employer-provided accommodations must meet the same standards as any residential tenancy in British Columbia. This includes adequate heating, maintenance, and personal privacy. For more about your rights after you move in, read What Tenants Need to Know After Signing the Rental Agreement.

Where to Find Housing If You Must Move

If your tenancy legally ends, start early to search for a new place. Find rental homes across Canada on Houseme makes your search easier with access to listings in BC and nationwide, including map-based and pet-friendly options.

Learn More About British Columbia Tenant Law

For a broader overview of rights and responsibilities—covering everything from notice requirements to maintenance—see Tenant Rights in British Columbia for an at-a-glance summary of BC-specific rules and support.

FAQ: Employer-Provided Housing in BC

1. Can my employer evict me without notice if I lose my job?
   No. Your employer must give you proper written notice using the correct government form, even if your housing is tied to your employment.
2. Do I need a written rental agreement for employer-provided housing?
   While not always required, it is highly recommended. A written agreement clarifies your rent, responsibilities, and what happens if your employment ends.
3. What if my employer tries to withhold my security deposit?
   Your deposit rights are protected by law. If your employer fails to return your security deposit, you can apply to the Residential Tenancy Branch for its return.
4. Are there different rules for farm workers or live-in caregivers?
   Some exceptions may apply based on the type of housing and work. It’s best to check with the Residential Tenancy Branch for details about your specific situation.
5. How do I dispute an eviction notice from employer-provided housing?
   Apply promptly for dispute resolution through the Residential Tenancy Branch using Form RTB-12. You usually have 10 days to act.

Key Takeaways for Tenants

• Employers must follow the law when ending housing tied to your job – notice and proper forms are required.
• Your housing rights do not end instantly if your job ends. You are protected under the Residential Tenancy Act if you meet the definition of "tenant."
• If in doubt, seek help from the Residential Tenancy Branch or a local tenant support service.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• BC Residential Tenancy Branch – Official information, forms, and dispute help
• Tenant Resource & Advisory Centre (TRAC) – Tenant assistance, education, sample letters
• Tenant Rights in British Columbia – Overview of BC’s rules and support

---

1. British Columbia Residential Tenancy Act: View the Residential Tenancy Act (BC Laws)
2. BC Residential Tenancy Branch: Official site for tenants and landlords
3. Forms and notice requirements: BC Tenancy 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