If you’re a tenant in British Columbia who has recently made a complaint about your rental unit—whether about repairs, maintenance, or your landlord’s actions—and then received a rent increase, it’s important to know your rights. Provinces like BC have clear rules that protect tenants from unfair or retaliatory rent hikes, so you don’t have to face this situation alone.

Understanding Retaliatory Rent Increases in BC

Under British Columbia’s Residential Tenancy Act^[1], landlords cannot raise your rent simply because you have exercised your rights, such as by making a complaint about the condition of your unit or about their conduct. This is known as protection against "retaliatory rent increases."

Every year, the provincial government also sets a legal limit on how much landlords can increase rent—and how often. Landlords must follow specific notice requirements and use the approved forms.

What Counts as a Complaint?

• Reporting repair or maintenance issues
• Filing a formal complaint with the landlord or Residential Tenancy Branch
• Requesting the landlord follow the rules about privacy, entry, or obligations

A rent increase shortly after such a complaint may be considered retaliatory and possibly unlawful.

Your Rights When a Rent Increase Follows a Complaint

Here’s what to look for if you suspect a rent increase is in response to a complaint:

• Did you receive at least three full months' written notice using the official government form?
• Is the increase above the annual maximum set by the BC government?
• Did the increase happen soon after a complaint or dispute with the landlord?

Any rent increase that doesn’t follow these rules, or seems to punish you for asserting your rights, may not be valid. For more about lawful rent increases, see Understanding Rent Increases: What Tenants Need to Know.

How to Challenge a Retaliatory or Unlawful Rent Increase

If you believe your rent was increased improperly, you can apply for dispute resolution through the Residential Tenancy Branch of BC. You’ll need to act quickly, as strict deadlines apply.

• Official Form: Use the Application for Dispute Resolution (Form RTB-12). Find the form and online application here.
• When to Use It: If you feel your rent increase is in retaliation for a complaint, or not served properly under the law.
• Example: You asked the landlord to address mould, and then soon after, your rent is raised. Attach copies of your complaint(s) and the notice you received when filing.

Learn more about Tenant Rights in British Columbia to understand the broader protections for tenants in this province.

Steps Tenants Should Take If Facing a Rent Increase After a Complaint

Here are practical actions tenants should take:

• Check the official rent increase guidelines and maximums set by the province.
• Read your written rent increase notice carefully. Ensure it is on the correct form and provides three full months' notice.
• Gather all records of your complaint(s) and the timing of the rent increase.
• If you believe the increase is retaliatory, file an Application for Dispute Resolution promptly with the Residential Tenancy Branch.
• Continue paying your current rent until the dispute is resolved.

Understanding How to Handle Complaints in Your Rental: A Tenant’s Guide may help you document your situation and approach your landlord or the authorities with confidence.

For more options to find housing or explore alternative rentals, consider using Find rental homes across Canada on Houseme for easy, up-to-date listings from coast to coast.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is it legal for my landlord to raise my rent after I complained about repairs in BC?
   Generally, no—if the increase is in retaliation for a complaint, it is not allowed. Rent increases must follow legal procedures and not be used as punishment for exercising your rights.
2. What form must my landlord use to give notice of a rent increase in BC?
   The landlord must use the "Notice of Rent Increase" (RTB-7) form. It must be given at least three months before the increase starts, and it must meet the annual allowable limit set by the government.^[2]
3. How do I challenge a rent increase I believe is unfair in BC?
   You can file an Application for Dispute Resolution (RTB-12) with the Residential Tenancy Branch. Provide all supporting documents with your application.
4. Will I be evicted if I challenge the rent increase?
   No. BC law protects tenants against retaliation, including eviction, for exercising their legal rights.
5. Where can I learn more about my tenancy rights in BC?
   Visit the Tenant Rights in British Columbia page for a full overview.

Key Takeaways for BC Tenants

• Landlords can’t lawfully raise your rent in response to complaints or using the rent process to punish tenants.
• Always check that rent increases comply with provincial laws and are given on the correct form with the right notice.
• If you suspect retaliation, act quickly using the dispute resolution process through the Residential Tenancy Branch.

Staying informed and knowing when to act can help protect your rights and ensure your tenancy remains secure.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• BC Residential Tenancy Branch: Apply for dispute resolution, access official forms, and review tenant/landlord guides
• BC Housing Rental Assistance: Support and resources for renters
• Tenant Resource & Advisory Centre (TRAC): Advocacy, legal info, and tenant support

---

1. Residential Tenancy Act (British Columbia)
2. Notice of Rent Increase (RTB-7), BC Government

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