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Change a tenancy agreement

Last updated on December 7, 2023

Once a tenancy starts, both the landlord and tenant must agree in writing to any changes or additions to the tenancy agreement. There are standard terms that are a part of every tenancy agreement and can't be removed, whether they're written down or not.

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Changes must be in writing 

Any changes to the tenancy agreement must be in writing, and both the landlord and tenant should have a copy of the updated agreement.  

Landlords don't need a tenant's agreement to make changes for: 

Tenants can seek dispute resolution if their landlord makes changes to any other terms without their consent. Dispute resolution is a process to help resolve conflicts between landlords and tenants. 

Reasons to change a tenancy agreement 

Roommates 

Landlords and tenants should discuss adding roommates to the tenancy agreement and make clear terms. 

If roommates are not listed on the tenancy agreement, they will not have rights or recourse through the Residential Tenancy Branch, as there is no contract between them and the landlord. 

Rent can only be increased if: 

  • The tenancy agreement has a specific provision for rent increases for additional occupants 
  • The landlord and tenant agree to sign a new agreement 

Learn more about guests and additional occupants. 

Pets 

If a tenancy agreement says pets aren't allowed, and a landlord later agrees to add a pet, the landlord and tenant should: 

  • Negotiate a new pet clause together 
  • Record the new clause in the tenancy agreement 

Learn more about pets during a tenancy.

Note: Landlords can restrict: 

  • The size of the pet 
  • The kind of pet 
  • The number of pets in the rental unit

Rent increases 

Landlords can increase rent if 12 months have passed since the tenancy started or the last rent increase. 

The landlord must provide tenants at least 3 months notice of a rent increase.

Changes to non-essential services or facilities 

Landlords must provide and maintain essential services such as:

  • Heat
  • Hot water
  • Electricity

Services or facilities that aren't necessary to make the rental unit livable are non-essential, like internet.

Landlords can stop providing a non-essential service or facility if: 

30-days' notice is provided

Landlords must provide tenants with notice using the Notice terminating or restricting a service or facility form (PDF, 1.7MB) - Form RTB-24

The rent is reduced

Landlords should lower the rent by the same amount as the cost of a similar service they're removing. If they don't lower rent, it is a hidden rent increase and is unlawful.

It's not a material term 

Material terms are terms that the landlord and the tenant agree are so important that the breach of that term gives the right to end the tenancy. Material terms vary based on the preferences and needs of each tenant and landlord. 

For example: an elevator may be considered a material term for a tenant living on the 32th floor but not a material term for a tenant living on the first floor. 

Landlords must ensure that removing or restricting a service or facility doesn't violate the material terms of the tenancy. 

Resources 

Forms 

Policy Guidelines 

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