And What We Expect to See in 2026
Big changes are here for BC’s rental landscape. Whether you’re managing properties, renting a unit, or just trying to stay compliant, 2025 has brought updates you can’t afford to miss.
We’ve broken it all down for you: what’s changed, who it affects, and what steps you need to take to stay on the right side of the law.
What’s New in 2025 (and Looking Ahead to 2026)
| Change | What’s New | Effective Date |
| Rent Increase Limit | Annual cap set at 3% for 2025 / 2026 limit announced at 2.3% | In effect now / 2026 announced |
| Rent Increase Notice | 3 full months’ written notice required, using RTB-7 | Applies immediately |
| One Increase per Year | No stacking: only 1 rent increase every 12 months | Ongoing |
| Updated Tenancy Rules | Revised Rules of Procedure and forms | August 28, 2025 |
| Landlord Move-In Evictions | Notice shortened to 3 months in many cases | Now in effect |
Learn more about what to include in a compliant lease
Key Requirements for Landlords
Rent Increases
- Only one rent increase per year per tenancy
- Maximum 3% for 2025, and 2.3% for 2026 as of the latest government release
- Must give 3 full months’ written notice, using Form RTB-7
- Notice must include new rent amount and date it takes effect
How Pendo helps:
You can schedule custom rent reminders, store increase letters, and track past increases; no spreadsheets required. See how Pendo tracks rent and lease details
Move-In / PUrchaser Evictions & Compensation
If you’re ending a tenancy for personal use or a family member, you must:
- Follow the reduced notice period (often 3 months now), using RTB-issued forms like RTB-32L, RTB-32P, or RTB-32Q
- Serve the notice via the RTB Web Portal, not just a printout
- Provide compensation where required (typically 1 month’s rent minimum)
- Ensure the landlord or qualifying family member moves in within a reasonable time or risk financial penalties
- Use proper documentation and retain proof
With Pendo you can store eviction notices, document timelines, and generate payment receipts if compensation is issued. Read: How to Evict a Tenant – A Step-by-Step Guide
RTB Dispute Updates
The RTB’s updated Rules of Procedure change how hearings are handled. You’ll want to:
- Use official forms
- Retain clear rent histories and communication logs
- Prepare for virtual hearings with documentation ready
Pendo automatically logs every rent payment, generates digital receipts, and offers a full payment ledger for easy dispute prep. See what happens when a tenant pays rent through Pendo.
Final Recommendations
If you’re a landlord in BC:
- Use RTB-7 for rent increases
- Follow new timelines to the letter
- Serve eviction-related notices through the RTB Web Portal
- Track lease and payment data in a secure system like Pendo
- Store your documents and templates so you’re not recreating forms each time
Why Pendo is Built for Indie Landlords
If you’re a tenant:
- Confirm any rent increase follows the 3-month rule
- Check the 3% cap for 2025
- If unsure, consult the Residential Tenancy Branch or file a dispute
For the full legislation, see the Residential Tenancy Act
BC’s updated rental laws for 2025 and what we are projecting for 2026 aim to strike a balance between tenant protection and landlord rights, but only if everyone knows the rules. Whether you’re a property owner or a renter, being informed is your best tool. Follow the updated processes, use the right forms, and when in doubt, consult the RTB or a legal expert.
