You’ve finally found the perfect tenant who is reliable, responsible, and ready to move in. But before you hand over the keys, there’s one last and most important step. It is creating a proper BC lease agreement. A legal document protects you and your tenant throughout the rental period. 

In British Columbia, all lease agreements are governed by the Residential Tenancy Act (RTA). It is the legal standards for what must be included in the BC rental agreement and how it should be managed.  

  

Fixed-Term vs. Month-to-Month Leases in BC

In BC, fixed-term leases and month-to-month leases are the two most common types of BC rental agreements. Each of these agreements has its own advantages for landlords.  

A fixed-term lease sets a clear start and end date, usually for one year. It provides a stable income and predictable tenancy. This is an ideal option for landlords who prefer consistency. However, it can be difficult to end early or make other changes such as increasing the rent.  

On the other hand, a month-to-month lease automatically renews each month until either party gives proper notice to end it. This setup is more flexible, it’s easier to adjust rent (within RTA limits) or make other changes.   

For example, if you are a property manager who is renting seasonal workers or students, a month-to-month BC tenancy agreement is a great choice for you. Meanwhile if you are a landlord who is managing a long-term residential property fixed term contract is the best solution for you.  

Lease Renewal and Termination Rules 

BC lease agreement renewals and terminations are strictly regulated under the Residential Tenancy Act (RTA).  When a fixed-term lease ends, it automatically converts to a month-to-month BC rental agreement unless both parties agree to sign a new fixed-term lease. Landlords cannot ask tenants to move out at the end of a fixed term unless there’s a valid reason that is permitted by law. 

For terminations, landlords must provide written notice. Rent increases are allowed only once every 12 months and must follow the Residential Tenancy Branch (RTB) guideline for the annual allowable percentage. 

Digital Lease Management for Landlords 

Today, digital tools have completely changed how landlords manage their properties in BC. Instead of juggling papers and folders, landlords can now create, sign, track and store lease agreements entirely online. These platforms make the process faster, more organized, and hassle free. 

With online lease management platforms, you can easily draft compliant BC tenancy agreement templates, collect e-signatures, and track the signing process. Many systems like Royalinvets.ca also include rent collecting features, that keep your payments timely and clear. 

Royalinvest.ca takes the hassle away. It is one platform where you can draft your official BC tenancy agreement, share with your tenants for signature and sign yourself, and monitor the signing process. We ensure that your lease management is as smooth as possible by reducing manual work and tool juggling and conveniently managing all your leases from one platform.  And if you ever need proof of documentation, you can download a certificate of completion of that.  

How to Screen Tenants Before Signing a Lease

Even the best lease agreement won’t protect you if you meet an unreliable tenant. That’s why screening tenants is one of the most important steps before signing a BC tenancy agreement.  Start your tenant screening with a credit check. This will give you a clear picture of a tenant’s payment history and reliability. If someone consistently pays bills on time, they’re likely to be responsible tenants.  

You can ask for references from previous landlords. This helps you identify red flags like late payments, property damage, or problematic behavior. 

To make this process easier, Royalinvest.ca offers Tenant Credit Check feature. With this tool you can easily get fast, easy to understand, and accurate insights about your potential tenants. Proper screening ensures your lease starts on the right foot, and it will protect your property, income, and peace of mind. 

A strong BC lease agreement is the key to a smooth, professional, and stress-free rental experience. By clearly outlining every detail, following the Residential Tenancy Act, and screening tenants properly, you protect your property, your income, and your peace of mind. 

Managing leases doesn’t have to be complicated. With digital tools, landlords and property managers can handle everything in one place. Create, sign, and manage your BC lease agreement online today at Royalinvest.ca. Our platform helps you draft official leases. Save time, stay compliant, and focus on growing your rental business. 

Create Official BC Lease Agreements