Kaza · tenancy rules
British Columbia
The deposit maximum, who holds it, the rent-increase cap, the notice period and the late-fee rule in British Columbia, each quoted from the regulator's own published material.
Last changed 2026-01-01. Kaza re-verifies every rule by 2026-12-31, and the build fails if it is overdue.
How much can a landlord charge for a security deposit in British Columbia?
In British Columbia the security deposit on a monthly tenancy is capped at 0.5 months' rent. Other tenancy types differ: weekly: 0.5 months' rent. The cap is set by statute and a tenancy agreement cannot raise it.
“A security deposit, also known as a damage deposit, is money collected by the landlord at the beginning of the tenancy and held until the end. The deposit amount can be no more than half of the first month's rent. [Pet damage deposit:] The deposit amount can be no more than half of the first month's rent, regardless of the number of pets allowed. Once the landlord has received the tenant's forwarding address, they have 15 days to return the deposit(s) to the tenant if there are no issues. The landlord may be ordered to pay the tenant double the amount of the deposit(s).”
Who holds the security deposit in British Columbia?
It is held by the landlord. After the tenancy ends, the landlord has 15 days FROM RECEIVING THE TENANT'S FORWARDING ADDRESS to return the deposits with interest or file a claim against them; missing that deadline can mean owing the tenant double the deposits. The annual interest rate is set by regulation (0% for 2026). Interest is payable to the tenant.
“A security deposit, also known as a damage deposit, is money collected by the landlord at the beginning of the tenancy and held until the end. The deposit amount can be no more than half of the first month's rent. [Pet damage deposit:] The deposit amount can be no more than half of the first month's rent, regardless of the number of pets allowed. Once the landlord has received the tenant's forwarding address, they have 15 days to return the deposit(s) to the tenant if there are no issues. The landlord may be ordered to pay the tenant double the amount of the deposit(s).”
Can a landlord charge a pet deposit in British Columbia?
Yes, up to 0.5 month's rent as a separate pet damage deposit. It can never be charged to somebody who relies on a service animal.
“A security deposit, also known as a damage deposit, is money collected by the landlord at the beginning of the tenancy and held until the end. The deposit amount can be no more than half of the first month's rent. [Pet damage deposit:] The deposit amount can be no more than half of the first month's rent, regardless of the number of pets allowed. Once the landlord has received the tenant's forwarding address, they have 15 days to return the deposit(s) to the tenant if there are no issues. The landlord may be ordered to pay the tenant double the amount of the deposit(s).”
How much can a landlord raise the rent in British Columbia?
Rent may be increased by no more than 2.3% and no more than once every 12 months. No increase at all is allowed in the first 12 months of a tenancy.
“The 2026 rent increase limit for residential tenancies is 2.3%. Landlords must provide tenants with three full months notice of a rent increase. Rent can only be increased once every 12 months and must be within the yearly rent increase limit. Landlords can only increase rent if it has been at least 12 months since rent was set at the beginning of a tenancy. If a tenant agrees, any increase above the yearly limit must be put in a written agreement.”
How much notice does a rent increase need in British Columbia?
At least 3 months' written notice before the new rent starts. A notice served late does not take effect early: the date moves, not the rule.
“The 2026 rent increase limit for residential tenancies is 2.3%. Landlords must provide tenants with three full months notice of a rent increase. Rent can only be increased once every 12 months and must be within the yearly rent increase limit. Landlords can only increase rent if it has been at least 12 months since rent was set at the beginning of a tenancy. If a tenant agrees, any increase above the yearly limit must be put in a written agreement.”
Can a landlord charge a late fee in British Columbia?
A single fee of at most $25 for a late month, set by regulation. It is only chargeable if the tenancy agreement provides for it in writing. British Columbia caps a non-refundable late rent fee at $25 by regulation.
“Landlords can charge non-refundable late rent fees, but they can't be more than $25.”
This is not legal advice
Kaza applies published provincial tenancy rules and shows the source it used, and it refuses to answer when a rule is unverified or overdue for review rather than guessing. It does not know the facts of your tenancy, any order made about it, or any agreement between the parties. For advice on a specific situation, speak to the tenancy regulator for the province or to a lawyer.
These same rules are enforced inside the product: Kaza refuses to raise an unlawful charge or serve an unlawful notice, rather than warning about one. How the compliance engine works.