Lease Agreement Basics in British Columbia
What a tenancy agreement in BC typically covers, and the standard form behind it.
Last updated: September 2026
Form RTB-1: The Residential Tenancy Agreement
British Columbia's standard tenancy agreement form is RTB-1 (Residential Tenancy Agreement). It sets out the terms of the tenancy, including the parties, the rental unit, the rent, and the type of tenancy, under the Residential Tenancy Act.
Fixed-Term or Month-to-Month
A tenancy agreement will specify whether the tenancy is fixed-term, running for a set period with a defined end date, or month-to-month (periodic), continuing indefinitely until properly ended by either party. This distinction affects the notice a tenant must give to end the tenancy: see our fixed-term vs. periodic guide for the specific notice periods.
Frequently Asked Questions
What form is BC's standard tenancy agreement?
RTB-1 (Residential Tenancy Agreement).
What's the difference between fixed-term and month-to-month in BC?
A fixed-term tenancy runs for a set period with a defined end date, while a month-to-month tenancy continues indefinitely until properly ended by either party. The notice required to end each differs.
Sources
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