If I rent a bedroom in a house, will I be protected by BC’s tenancy laws?

In sharing a kitchen with the homeowner, you wouldn’t be covered by BC’s main tenancy law. It doesn’t apply to accommodation where the tenant shares kitchen or bathroom facilities with the property owner. Meaning you wouldn’t have as many rights as tenants covered by this law, such as caps on rent increases and protections against evictions. Or be able to resolve disputes at the Residential Tenancy Branch. 

Instead, your rights would be grounded in contract law. In other words, your legal rights would depend on what you agree to with the landlord. You may have a formal written agreement (the ideal situation). Or maybe there’s a string of emails or text messages discussing the arrangement. An oral agreement is also a valid contract.

Protecting your rights

Read through any written terms the landlord puts in front of you. Make sure you understand what the terms mean. Take your time. If there’s something you’d like changed, you can try negotiating. Our guidance on making a contract walks you through the steps.

Your options for dispute resolution

Only tenants covered by BC’s main tenancy law can file for dispute resolution at the Residential Tenancy Branch. Renters who are not covered by the Residential Tenancy Act must rely on alternative methods or legal action. 

If you’re asking for financial compensation, you can sue for damages. Claims for up to $5,000 are heard by the Civil Resolution Tribunal. For claims between $5,001 and $35,000, you’d file in small claims court.

For disputes about evictions, you would need to go to BC Supreme Court.