LegalCals

British Columbia Eviction Rules

Official notice periods, filing timelines, and legal citations for this province.

Notice Requirements

Nonpayment of Rent
10 days
Lease Violation
1 month for cause; 2 months for landlord use; 3 months for purchaser use (as of Aug 2024)
When can the landlord file?
Landlord may apply for dispute resolution with the RTB after the notice period expires.
Tenant answer deadline
Tenant has 5 days to dispute a 10-day notice; 10 days for a 1-month notice; 15 days for a 2-month notice; 30 days for a 3-month notice.
Hearing timeline
Typically 2–6 weeks after filing, depending on RTB backlog.
Lockout / physical eviction
Only a court-approved bailiff may physically remove a tenant after an RTB order for possession.

Eviction Process Timeline

  1. Notice Period (Nonpayment)

    10 days

  2. Notice Period (Lease Violation)

    1 month for cause; 2 months for landlord use; 3 months for purchaser use (as of Aug 2024)

  3. Landlord Can File

    Landlord may apply for dispute resolution with the RTB after the notice period expires.

  4. Tenant Answer Deadline

    Tenant has 5 days to dispute a 10-day notice; 10 days for a 1-month notice; 15 days for a 2-month notice; 30 days for a 3-month notice.

  5. Hearing Timeline

    Typically 2–6 weeks after filing, depending on RTB backlog.

  6. Lockout / Physical Eviction

    Only a court-approved bailiff may physically remove a tenant after an RTB order for possession.

Legal Citations

  • Residential Tenancy Act, SBC 2002, c 78
  • Residential Tenancy Regulation, BC Reg 477/2003