1. Access to Case Decisions

Both landlords and tenants can reference past case decisions on the Residential Tenancy

Board (RTB) website. While personal details like names or addresses are omitted, these cases

provide valuable insights into how the RTB has handled similar situations. Whether it’s disputes

over bad faith evictions, rent increases, or family use claims, you can use keywords to search

for relevant cases. These precedents can offer guidance on how decisions are likely to be

made, helping you prepare your case or understand your position better.

The RTB often refers to past decisions when making rulings, and in some cases, they defer to

higher court decisions, such as those from the Supreme Court. Reviewing these cases can give

you a clearer idea of what to expect in a dispute.

2. Residential Tenancy Board Guidelines

The RTB publishes guidelines that its board members use to make decisions. These guidelines

are periodically updated to reflect changes in legislation or new case precedents. Whether it’s

issues related to renovations, evictions, or occupancy permits for developers, these guidelines

ensure consistency in handling cases.

For example, when a landlord issues a notice for renovations or claims a unit for personal use,

the guidelines instruct assessing such cases. Arbitrators must follow these guidelines, meaning

the process is not as open-ended or subjective as it might seem. Understanding these

guidelines can help landlords comply with regulations and help tenants identify when their rights

are infringed.

3. Access to Case Law via CanLII

The free access to legal case law provided by CanLII (Canadian Legal Information Institute) is a

game-changer for landlords and tenants alike. This publicly accessible database allows anyone

to review Supreme Court decisions and other court rulings related to landlord-tenant disputes in

British Columbia. In the past, accessing such information required expensive subscriptions to

legal databases. Now, anyone can visit CanLII.org and search for relevant case law without

hiring a lawyer.

Supreme Court rulings on similar cases can provide powerful support for tenants and landlords

who want to challenge an RTB decision. If a higher court decision overrides an arbitrator’s

ruling, it becomes critical evidence. The accessibility of this information empowers individuals to

make informed decisions and advocate for themselves.

Why These Resources Matter

Whether you’re a tenant fighting an unjust eviction or a landlord navigating complex regulations,

these resources can make all the difference. Past cases, RTB guidelines, and free access to

legal case law level the playing field by making critical information available to everyone. By

taking advantage of these tools, both parties can better understand their rights, prepare for

disputes, and ensure compliance with the law.

In today’s rental landscape, staying informed is the best way to protect your interests. With the

resources above, landlords and tenants can approach disputes with confidence and clarity.