Renting in British Columbia: rights, rent increases and average rents

Who handles landlord-tenant disputes in British Columbia, how rent increases work, what rents cost and which programs help.

Who to contact

Residential tenancies in British Columbia are handled by the Residential Tenancy Branch. It explains the rules, provides the official forms and settles disputes between landlords and tenants. Official site ↗

Rent increases

The maximum allowable rent increase is 2.2% for 2027 (2.3% in 2026). Rent can be increased only once every 12 months, with at least three full months' notice.

Exceptions and details

The cap follows the 12-month average of BC inflation and applies even if the landlord's costs rise; landlords cannot round up.
Above the cap only with the tenant's written agreement, or with Residential Tenancy Branch approval for certain expenses or capital work (up to 3% per phase).
Manufactured home park sites: 2.2% plus a proportional amount for changes in local government levies and regulated utility fees.

Source: official rent increase page ↗, read on 2026-11-13.

Average rents by city (2025)

City	Studio	1 bedroom	2 bedrooms	3 bedrooms
Vancouver	$1,667	$1,807	$2,364	$2,820
Squamish	$1,516	$1,626	$2,179	$2,086
Victoria	$1,349	$1,624	$2,121	$2,742
Kelowna	$1,394	$1,597	$2,098	$2,713
Nanaimo	$1,244	$1,527	$1,895	$2,057
Courtenay	$1,328	$1,459	$1,691	$1,860
Kamloops	$1,328	$1,345	$1,673	$1,913
Summerland	–	$1,349	$1,671	–
Campbell River	$1,258	$1,282	$1,656	$1,979
Duncan	$876	$1,283	$1,624	$1,787
Abbotsford-Mission	$1,077	$1,278	$1,623	$2,294
Vernon	$846	$1,234	$1,607	$1,826
Parksville	$1,133	$1,546	$1,563	$2,143
Chilliwack	$885	$1,222	$1,523	$2,250
Penticton	$933	$1,197	$1,511	$2,117
Cranbrook	$828	$1,052	$1,472	$1,805
Williams Lake	–	$1,082	$1,455	$1,906
Prince George	$940	$1,214	$1,422	$1,553
Salmon Arm	–	$1,151	$1,336	–
Port Alberni	$886	$994	$1,279	$1,601
Quesnel	–	$889	$1,226	$1,130
Terrace	–	–	$1,205	$1,619
Dawson Creek	$835	$959	$1,202	$1,331
Fort St. John	$805	$917	$1,196	$1,351
Powell River	–	$957	$1,182	$1,225

Average rent of occupied units in CMHC's survey (Statistics Canada, Table 34-10-0133-01). Asking rents for vacant units are usually higher. All cities →

Help paying rent

Rental Assistance Program and SAFER — Monthly rent help for working families and for seniors.
Home owner grant — Reduces property tax on your principal residence.

The Canada Housing Benefit is delivered by each province and territory, and people with low income may also qualify for social assistance shelter amounts. All programs →

Before you sign

Get the lease in writing and keep a copy.
Ask what is included: heat, electricity, water, parking, internet.
Photograph the unit on move-in day and note existing damage.
Check what deposit is allowed in this province before paying one.
Buy tenant insurance: the landlord's policy does not cover your belongings.

General information, not legal or financial advice. Figures show their source and the date they were read; confirm with the official body before making a decision.