When your landlord decides to sell the property you rent in British Columbia, you might be concerned about your security, your lease, and what the process means for your tenancy. Fortunately, tenants in BC have important rights and protections under the Residential Tenancy Act. This guide will help you understand what happens when your rental is sold, what notices are required, and how to protect your interests.

What Happens to Your Tenancy When the Property Is Sold?

In British Columbia, the sale of a rental property does not automatically end your tenancy. Here’s what you need to know:

• Your lease remains valid; the new owner becomes your landlord under the same terms.
• The new owner must honour your existing rental agreement and cannot increase rent or change rules without proper notice and in compliance with provincial law.
• If the property is sold with vacant possession, your landlord can only end your tenancy in certain situations and must follow specific legal procedures.

For more details on your provincial rights, see Tenant Rights in British Columbia.

When Can a Landlord End a Tenancy Due to a Sale?

In most cases, a landlord can only end a tenancy after selling if:

• The buyer, or a close family member (parents, spouse, or children), plans to move in.
• The tenancy is periodic (month-to-month). Fixed-term leases generally remain in place until expiry, unless there is a clause allowing an owner to move in at the end.

The landlord or the purchaser must serve you an official notice if they are legally ending the tenancy for buyer occupancy.

Official Notice Required: Two Months' Notice

• Your landlord (or the new owner) must give you a Two Month Notice to End Tenancy (Form RTB-32).
• This notice must include the applicable reason from the Residential Tenancy Act, Section 49.
• The notice can only be given after an unconditional offer of purchase and sale is in place.

What does this mean for you? You have two full months from the next month after notice is given before you must move out. For example, if notice is served on June 15, you have until August 31 to leave.

Your Rights and Options After Receiving the Two Month Notice

If you receive a Two Month Notice, you are entitled to:

• One month’s rent as compensation. The landlord must pay this at least seven days before the effective move-out date.
• If you choose to move sooner, after giving written notice to end your tenancy early, you only need to provide 10-days’ notice and remain eligible for the compensation.

For further insight into what happens after you sign a lease or how obligations change, visit What Tenants Need to Know After Signing the Rental Agreement.

What to Do If You Disagree with the Notice

You do not have to accept a notice you believe does not meet BC tenancy law. You can dispute the Two Month Notice by applying for dispute resolution through the BC Residential Tenancy Branch within 15 days of receiving it.

• File an Application for Dispute Resolution promptly to protect your rights. Start your application here.

Required BC Forms When a Property Is Sold

Several official forms are important for tenants to know:

• Two Month Notice to End Tenancy (Form RTB-32): Used by landlords to officially terminate a tenancy due to purchaser occupancy requirements. Download Form RTB-32 (PDF).
  Example: If your landlord sells your home to someone who intends to move in, they should provide you with this notice. Read it carefully and check that it cites Section 49 of the Act.
• Tenant’s Notice to End Tenancy (Form RTB-33): If you want to move out earlier after receiving a two-month notice, use this form to give your landlord at least 10 days’ written notice. Get Form RTB-33 (PDF).
• Application for Dispute Resolution: Used if you want to contest the notice. Apply online here.

Always retain copies of any notices and correspondence, and submit forms promptly to safeguard your rights.

What About Rental Deposits?

When the property transfers to a new owner, any Understanding Rental Deposits: What Tenants Need to Know is still yours. The new landlord is responsible for returning it if you move out, provided you meet the move-out conditions.

Showings and Entry Rights During the Sale

Your landlord is allowed to show the property to potential buyers, but only after giving you proper notice—a minimum of 24 hours’ written notice, and at a reasonable time. You do not have to leave your home for showings, but you may wish to coordinate to minimize disruptions.

Summary: What BC Tenants Should Remember

Tenancies are protected under the Residential Tenancy Act. Your landlord can only end your tenancy for bona fide reasons set by law—sale with buyer occupancy being a major one. Notices and compensation are strictly regulated, offering you predictability and time to plan.

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FAQ: Selling the Rental Property & Tenant Rights in BC

1. Can my landlord evict me just because they are selling the rental?
   Your landlord cannot evict you simply for listing the property. The sale must close, and the new owner or their family must intend to move in. Only then can you be served a legal two-month notice.
2. What compensation am I entitled to if I am evicted due to the sale?
   You are entitled to one month’s rent as compensation, paid at least seven days before your move-out date, after receiving the Two Month Notice to End Tenancy.
3. How much notice must I be given if I have a fixed-term lease?
   If you have a fixed-term lease, you generally cannot be forced to move out before the lease end date unless the agreement specifically allows for this situation at the end of term.
4. What should I do if I receive a notice I believe is unfair?
   Dispute the notice through the Residential Tenancy Branch’s online dispute resolution within 15 days of receiving it.
5. Does the new landlord have to return my deposit?
   Yes, the new landlord is responsible for your deposit once the property changes ownership, provided you meet move-out obligations.

Key Takeaways for BC Tenants When the Property Is Sold

• Your lease continues and you are protected under the law if your landlord sells the property.
• Proper written notice, specific forms, and compensation are your rights if the buyer or their family plans to move in.
• You have the right to dispute any notice you think is invalid via the Residential Tenancy Branch.

Remember, knowledge and timely action protect your housing security.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• BC Residential Tenancy Branch: Dispute forms, official guidelines, notices, and tenant help lines.
• BC Housing: Supports for renters and affordable housing options.
• Tenant Resource & Advisory Centre (TRAC): Free information and advocacy for tenants in BC.
• Tenant Rights in British Columbia: Your one-stop guide for BC tenancy laws, rights, and regulations.

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1. Residential Tenancy Act (British Columbia)
2. Residential Tenancy Branch – Government of British Columbia

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