Is my landlord responsible for repairs in BC?

Yes. BC landlords must keep the unit and residential property in a state that complies with health, safety, and housing standards and is suitable for occupation. This can't be waived by a lease clause, and applies even to problems that existed before you moved in.

Can I do the repair myself and deduct it from rent in BC?

Only for qualifying emergency repairs, and only after making reasonable attempts to contact the landlord and following the proper process. Keep receipts. For non-emergencies, apply to the RTB rather than withholding or deducting rent on your own.

What if my landlord won't fix something in BC?

Request the repair in writing and keep records. If the landlord doesn't act, apply to the Residential Tenancy Branch for an order to complete the repairs and, where appropriate, a rent reduction for the time you went without.

Can my landlord shut off my heat in BC?

No. Heat and hot water are vital services the landlord must provide. Deliberately cutting them off — even during a dispute — is a serious violation you can take to the RTB.

Home BlogLandlord Repairs in BC

British ColumbiaSeptember 11, 20266 min read

Landlord Repairs & Maintenance in BC: Your Rights

In BC your landlord is legally on the hook for keeping your home in good repair — heat, plumbing, pests, and safety included. Here's what they must fix, how to make them, and what to do when they drag their feet.

By the LeasePlain Editorial Team · Checked against Ontario's Residential Tenancies Act per our editorial standards·Last reviewed September 2026

What the Landlord Must Maintain

Under BC's Residential Tenancy Act, the landlord must keep the unit and property in a state of repair that complies with health, safety, and housing standards and makes it suitable for occupation. This applies even if you knew about a problem before moving in, and even if a lease clause tries to offload it onto you.

Heat, Water, and Pests Are Their Job

Vital services and infestations fall squarely on the landlord:

Heat and hot water must be provided and maintained — a landlord can't cut them off during a dispute.
Pest infestations (bed bugs, cockroaches, rodents) are the landlord's responsibility to treat professionally.
Structural, plumbing, and electrical repairs are the landlord's, not yours.

Emergency Repairs

For urgent problems — major leaks, no heat, broken locks, blocked plumbing — BC has an emergency repair process. If you can't reach the landlord after reasonable attempts, you may be able to arrange the repair yourself and be reimbursed. Keep receipts and follow the required steps so your claim holds up.

How to Demand Repairs

Put every request in writing and keep a copy, with dates and photos. A clear paper trail is what turns a dispute in your favour. If the landlord ignores you, you can apply to the RTB for an order that they complete the repairs.

Rent Reductions and Compensation

When repairs aren't done or a service is lost, the RTB can order a rent reduction for the period you went without, plus other remedies. You generally shouldn't just stop paying rent on your own — apply to the RTB instead, so you're protected.