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BC Tenancy Law 2025: What Landlords and Tenants in Victoria Need to Know

The rental landscape in British Columbia continues to evolve, and 2025 has brought several key updates to the Residential Tenancy Act (RTA) that affect both landlords and tenants across Victoria and Greater Victoria. Whether you’re renting a downtown condo in James Bay or managing a family home in Langford, understanding your rights and responsibilities is critical.

At Pemberton Holmes Property Management, we help property owners and renters stay compliant and confident. Here’s what you need to know about BC tenancy law changes in 2025.

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🔄 1. Rent Increase Limits for 2025

For 2025, the maximum allowable rent increase in British Columbia is 3.5%, as set by the provincial government.

• Landlords must provide 3 full months’ written notice before increasing rent.
• Rent can only be raised once every 12 months per tenancy.

💡 Tip for Landlords: Make sure you use the official RTB rent increase form and confirm eligibility before issuing a notice.

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🛑 2. Eviction Rules Remain Strict

In BC, evictions must follow legal process and just cause. The most common lawful reasons include:

• Owner or close family member moving in
• Significant renovations requiring vacancy
• Non-payment of rent (after proper notice and process)

Recent Enforcement Updates:

• “Renovictions” (evictions for renovation purposes) now require detailed documentation and city permits to be valid.
• Bad-faith evictions are being monitored more closely, with penalties for landlords who misuse eviction notices.

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📅 3. Fixed-Term Tenancies & Automatic Transition

Since recent reforms, fixed-term leases now automatically convert to month-to-month unless a new agreement is signed. Landlords cannot require tenants to vacate at the end of a fixed term unless there is a valid legal reason (e.g., owner move-in or sale of property).

✔️ Best Practice for Landlords: Discuss lease renewal early and clearly communicate intentions.

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🧾 4. Security Deposit Rules

• Security deposits are limited to half a month’s rent
• Pet damage deposits may also be requested (maximum: another half month’s rent)
• Landlords must return deposits within 15 days of tenancy ending if no deductions are made.

Failure to return the deposit properly can result in financial penalties under the Residential Tenancy Branch (RTB) guidelines.

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🐶 5. Pet Policies & Restrictions

There is no provincial law requiring landlords to allow pets, but more properties are becoming pet-friendly in response to market demand. However, landlords can:

• Set rules regarding size, breed, and number of pets
• Collect a pet damage deposit
• Require cleaning or flea treatments upon move-out

At Pemberton Holmes, we manage many pet-friendly rentals in Greater Victoria, from Esquimalt to Saanich.

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🔧 6. Maintenance & Repairs – Who’s Responsible?

Landlords are responsible for ensuring the rental is safe and meets housing standards. This includes:

• Plumbing, heating, and electrical systems
• Structural repairs
• Pest control

Tenants are responsible for:

• General cleanliness
• Notifying landlords of issues promptly
• Damage caused by negligence or misuse

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🏢 7. Pemberton Holmes: Navigating Tenancy Laws for You

Understanding and following BC tenancy laws can be challenging—especially for first-time landlords or busy property investors. That’s why hundreds of owners across Victoria, Langford, Colwood, and beyond trust Pemberton Holmes Property Management for:

✅ Lease compliance
✅ Rent collection
✅ Legal documentation
✅ Tenant relations
✅ 24/7 maintenance coordination

We stay up to date on RTB regulations, so you don’t have to.

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📞 Need Help Managing Your Rental Property in Victoria BC?

Whether you’re a tenant with questions or a landlord seeking peace of mind, Pemberton Holmes Property Management is your trusted, local expert.

👉 Contact us today to learn more about our full-service property management across Greater Victoria, including James Bay, Oak Bay, View Royal, Esquimalt, Sidney, and more.

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By Pemberton Holmes Property Management – Full-Service Property Management in Victoria, BC