When you move into a rental in British Columbia, your landlord is responsible for ensuring your home is safe and livable. However, sometimes repairs get ignored or delayed, leaving you with problems that affect your comfort or even your health. This guide explains your rights and what to do if your landlord won’t make repairs, based on BC’s Residential Tenancy Act.^[1] All advice is up-to-date for tenants in 2024.

Your Right to a Safe and Livable Home in BC

By law, landlords in British Columbia must maintain rental properties in a good state of repair and comply with health, safety, and housing standards. This includes making timely repairs to heating, plumbing, locks, appliances (if included in the tenancy), and ensuring the property is free from infestations or hazards. If your landlord fails to meet these obligations, BC’s Residential Tenancy Branch—the official government tribunal for tenant-landlord matters—is your point of recourse.^[2]

Common Repairs Covered by the Law

• Broken heating or hot water
• Leaking plumbing or water damage
• Mold, pests, or other health and safety hazards
• Broken locks or windows affecting safety

If you’re unsure what counts as a repair or safety issue, see Health and Safety Issues Every Tenant Should Know When Renting.

Steps to Take When Repairs Aren’t Being Made

Addressing repair issues promptly protects your comfort and your legal rights. Here’s how to handle an unresponsive landlord:

1. Request Repairs in Writing

• Contact your landlord (email, text, or letter) stating clearly what needs repair.
• Include dates, photos, and a reasonable deadline for fixing the problem.
• Document all attempts for your own records.

2. Allow a Reasonable Deadline

Landlords should act quickly, but what’s “reasonable” can depend on the issue’s urgency (for example, heat in winter needs faster attention than a torn window screen).

3. Escalate If There’s No Action

• Send a follow-up written notice if there’s no response.
• If the issue is urgent and affects your health or safety, call local health inspectors or bylaw officers.

4. Apply to the Residential Tenancy Branch

If your landlord continues to ignore the problem, you can apply for a dispute resolution with the Residential Tenancy Branch (RTB). Here’s how:

• Use the Application for Dispute Resolution (RTB Form) – available at RTB’s official site.
• This form lets you ask an arbitrator to order your landlord to complete repairs, reduce your rent, or, in rare cases, allow you to do the work and deduct costs from rent (only with permission).

Example: You’ve emailed twice about a broken heater in January and haven’t received help. You would fill out the Application for Dispute Resolution, attach your email records, and file it online with the RTB.

5. Emergency Repairs: What Qualifies?

Some situations are emergencies (e.g., burst pipes, no heat in winter). In true emergencies, the law allows you to arrange repairs only after making a reasonable effort to contact your landlord, and then you may recover the cost (with strict rules).

For more, see Emergency Situations and Repairs: Tenant Rights and Responsibilities.

Routine Maintenance vs. Major Repairs

Tenants are responsible for ordinary cleanliness and minor upkeep. Major repairs—structural, essential services, safety—are the landlord’s responsibility. Learn more in Routine Repairs in Rental Units: Tenant and Landlord Responsibilities.

If Repairs Still Aren’t Made: Withholding Rent?

Never withhold rent unless you’ve received an official order from the RTB. Doing so without authorization could lead to eviction.

Summary of the Repair Process

• Notify your landlord in writing
• Allow reasonable time for a response
• Escalate through the Residential Tenancy Branch if ignored
• Never stop paying rent without legal permission

To learn more about your full set of rights and responsibilities as a renter, visit Tenant Rights in British Columbia.

Looking for a new place where maintenance is a priority? Find rental homes across Canada on Houseme.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What should I do if my landlord ignores my repair requests?
   Document your requests in writing, give the landlord reasonable time, then apply to the Residential Tenancy Branch if there’s no action.
2. Can I deduct repair costs from my rent?
   Only with written permission or an order from the RTB. Never deduct costs on your own.
3. What counts as an emergency repair?
   No heat in winter, burst pipes, severe water leaks, or anything that poses imminent danger to health or safety.
4. Who pays for “wear and tear” fixes?
   Landlords handle normal wear and tear repairs; tenants are responsible for cleaning and any damage caused by them or their guests.
5. How do I formally request repairs?
   Submit the request in writing, including details and photos, and keep copies of everything for your records.

Conclusion: Key Takeaways

• Landlords in BC must maintain your rental home under the law.
• Tenants should always request repairs in writing and keep documentation.
• If repairs aren’t made, escalate to the Residential Tenancy Branch for help.

Staying informed and organized can help ensure your rental experience in BC is safe and comfortable.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Residential Tenancy Branch of BC – Application forms, dispute resolution, and tenant help line.
• Tenant Resource & Advisory Centre (TRAC) – Free legal education and advocacy for BC tenants.
• Residential Tenancy Act – Full legislation.
• For more detailed information, see Tenant Rights in British Columbia.

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

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