How much notice do I give to move out in BC?

For a month-to-month tenancy, at least one full month's written notice, received before the day rent is due. To leave at the end of a month, give notice before the first day of the preceding month.

How much notice does my landlord have to give me in BC?

It depends on the reason: three months (plus one month's compensation) for the landlord's or a purchaser's own use; four months for renovations or demolition; one month for cause; and a 10-day notice for unpaid rent that you can cancel by paying within 5 days.

Can my landlord evict me to move in a family member?

Yes, but only with a three-month written notice on form RTB-32L, one month's compensation, and a genuine intention to occupy the unit for at least 12 months. If they don't follow through, you may be entitled to 12 months' rent in compensation.

Do I have to leave when a fixed-term lease ends in BC?

Usually no. Most fixed-term leases continue as month-to-month after the end date unless you and the landlord agree otherwise or a limited vacate clause applies. You can't be forced out just because the term ended.

Home BlogNotice to End a Tenancy in BC

British ColumbiaSeptember 11, 20266 min read

How Much Notice to End a Tenancy in BC?

Ending a tenancy in BC follows strict notice rules — and they're different depending on whether you're the one leaving or your landlord wants the unit back. Get the timing wrong and the notice may be worthless.

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

If You Want to Move Out

For a month-to-month (periodic) tenancy, you must give at least one full month's written notice, and it has to be received before the day rent is due. So to leave at the end of a month, give notice before the first of the prior month.

In a fixed-term lease, you generally can't just give notice and leave early — you're committed until the end date. See breaking a lease in BC for your legal options.

Landlord's Notice for Their Own Use

If a landlord wants the unit for themselves or a close family member (or a buyer who will move in), they must give three months' written notice — generated on form RTB-32L through the RTB portal since June 18, 2025 (previously four months) — and pay you one month's rent in compensation. You can dispute the notice at the RTB within 30 days, and move out earlier by giving 10 days' notice. If the landlord doesn't actually use the unit for the stated purpose for at least 12 months, you may be owed 12 months' rent in compensation.

The Four-Month Notice for Renovations or Demolition

To end a tenancy for major renovations, demolition, or converting the unit, the landlord must give four months' notice, hold the necessary permits, and pay compensation. For significant renovations, you may have a right of first refusal to move back in at a rent set by the guideline — if you tell the landlord in writing that you want it.

Ending for Non-Payment or Cause

Different rules apply when there's a problem:

Unpaid rent: a 10-day notice to end tenancy — but you can cancel it by paying the full amount owing within 5 days.
Cause (e.g. serious breach): a one-month notice you can dispute at the RTB.
You can only actually be removed by an order of possession and the court bailiff — never by the landlord directly.

What Makes a Notice Invalid

A notice to end tenancy must be in the approved form, signed and dated, give the correct effective date, and state the reason (for landlord notices). A notice with the wrong date or missing information can be challenged. If in doubt, don't move out — dispute it at the RTB first.