RTB-7 – Notice of Rent Increase – Residential Rental Units

Jurisdiction: Country: Canada | Province or State: British Columbia

What is an RTB-7 – Notice of Rent Increase – Residential Rental Units?

The RTB-7 is the official notice a landlord must give a tenant to raise the rent for a residential rental unit in British Columbia. It is a standardized form. You use it to tell the tenant the current rent, the legal percentage increase, the new rent, and the date the higher rent will start. It also shows who the parties are, the address of the rental unit, and the method and date of service.

You use this notice for a standard residential tenancy, such as an apartment, condo, basement suite, house, or secondary suite. It is not used for manufactured home park tenancies or other tenancy types with different forms.

Who typically uses this form?

Landlords, property managers, and owners of residential rental units. If you manage units for others, you can complete and serve the form as the landlord’s agent. Tenants do not fill out this form, but they should know what a proper notice looks like and when it is valid.

Why would you need this form?

In British Columbia, rent increases are tightly regulated. You can only raise rent by a limited percentage set each year, and only once every 12 months. You must give three full months’ notice. The RTB-7 is the approved way to deliver that notice. If you do not use this form, or if you make errors with timing, service, or calculations, the increase is invalid, and the tenant can keep paying the old rent.

Typical usage scenarios

• You manage a monthly tenancy and want the rent to increase in the spring. You confirm the last increase was over a year ago and calculate the new rent using the current year’s allowable percentage. You complete the RTB-7 and serve it in January, so it takes effect May 1.

• Your building has several units with the same effective date for increases. You prepare a separate RTB-7 for each rental unit, tailored to each tenant’s current rent and the same percentage increase.

• The tenancy started nine months ago with no prior rent increase in this tenancy. You cannot increase rent yet. You calendar the 12-month mark and, when eligible, issue the RTB-7 with enough notice to meet the three full months’ requirement.

• You are a property manager acting for an owner who is off-site. You list yourself as the agent with your contact details, sign the form, and serve it correctly, keeping records for the file.

The bottom line: The RTB-7 is the mandatory notice for rent increases in residential rental units. It protects both sides by making the amount, timing, and legal basis clear.

When Would You Use an RTB-7 – Notice of Rent Increase Residential Rental Units?

You use the RTB-7 when you intend to raise the lawful rent in a residential tenancy and you meet three key conditions:

• At least 12 months have passed since the later of (a) the start of the tenancy or (b) the date of the last rent increase for this unit in this tenancy.

• The proposed increase is no more than the provincial allowable percentage for the calendar year in which the increase will take effect, unless you have a written order permitting an additional increase.

• You can give the tenant three full months’ notice before the increase starts, counting from the date the notice is legally served.

Here are practical examples:

• You serve the notice in person on January 10. The increase cannot take effect until after three full months have passed: February, March, and April. If rent is due on the first of the month, the earliest lawful effective date is May 1.

• You serve by regular mail on January 10. Mail adds the deemed delivery time. You must add the delivery time before counting the three full months. If deemed delivered January 15, your three full months are February, March, and April. The earliest effective date is still May 1.

• The tenancy is fixed-term for one year and then continues month-to-month. The start date was July 1 last year. You can plan an increase effective August 1 this year, as long as you serve it three full months before that date and you satisfy the 12-month rule. If the fixed term still has months remaining and does not permit increases during the term, wait until the term ends.

• The tenant changed in the unit recently. If the tenancy agreement ended and a new tenant started, the 12-month clock restarts from the new tenancy start date. If the tenancy continued with an added or replaced occupant but the original tenancy did not end, the 12-month calculation still tracks the existing tenancy’s last increase date.

Typical users include individual landlords, property management companies, and owners of secondary suites. Tenants receive the notice and should review the dates, the percentage, and the calculation. If anything is off—timing, service, or amount—tenants can challenge the notice before the effective date.

Do not use the RTB-7 if you want to increase fees that are not “rent,” change deposits, or add new charges. The form is strictly for rent increases. Deposits do not increase mid-tenancy. Separate rules apply to utilities and services.

Legal Characteristics of the RTB-7 – Notice of Rent Increase Residential Rental Units

The RTB-7 is a statutory notice. When completed and served properly, it is legally binding. It changes the amount of rent payable on and after the effective date. The enforceability comes from complying with provincial tenancy law and the current year’s allowable increase rules.

What ensures enforceability:

• Eligibility: You can only increase rent once every 12 months for a tenancy. The 12-month rule tracks the later of the tenancy start date or the last lawful rent increase date. If you attempt an increase earlier, the notice is invalid.

• Amount: The increase must not exceed the allowable percentage for the calendar year when the increase takes effect, unless you have a written decision authorizing an additional increase. You calculate the new rent by applying the percentage to the current lawful rent and rounding to the nearest cent. You cannot compound multiple years’ percentages or “catch up” missed increases.

• Timing: You must give three full months’ notice. Full months means you do not count the month of service. You start counting full months after the notice is considered delivered. The effective date must align with a rent payment date for the tenancy (for monthly tenancies, usually the first day of a month).

• Service: You must deliver the notice using a method the law allows. Different methods have different deemed delivery times. If you are close to your target effective date, pick a method with immediate or faster deemed delivery. If service is defective, the notice is not enforceable.

• Form: Use the correct form, fill it out completely and accurately, sign it, and keep a copy. The notice must clearly show the current rent, the increase percentage and amount, the new rent, and the effective date. Errors or omissions can invalidate the increase.

General legal considerations:

• If a tenant believes the notice is not valid or the amount is wrong, they can apply to dispute it. They must act before the increase takes effect. If a dispute is filed, do not collect the higher rent unless and until the dispute is resolved in your favour.

• If you want to increase rent beyond the allowable percentage because of specific grounds (for example, large capital expenditures or significant increases in operating costs), there is a separate application process. You need a written order before issuing a notice for that additional amount.

• If a tenant does not pay the increased rent after a valid notice and the effective date has passed, the unpaid difference is considered rent owed. You can take enforcement steps available for non-payment of rent. Before you go that route, review your notice again to confirm it meets all requirements.

• An invalid notice cannot be “fixed” by crossing out and changing details after service. If you discover an error, withdraw the notice in writing and issue a new, correct RTB-7 with fresh timelines.

• A rent increase does not change the maximum allowable security deposit mid-tenancy, and it does not affect the pet damage deposit. Do not attempt to add new deposits or increase existing deposits because of a rent increase.

In short, the RTB-7 is effective only if you meet the rules on eligibility, amount, timing, service, and form completion. Tenants have the right to challenge mistakes. Landlords have the right to collect the new rent when the notice is valid.

How to Fill Out an RTB-7 – Notice of Rent Increase Residential Rental Units

Set aside 10–15 minutes. Have your tenancy agreement, the current rent amount, the date of the last lawful increase, and the current year’s allowable percentage. Work carefully. Small errors can void the notice.

Step 1: Identify the parties

• Landlord or agent: Enter the full legal name of the landlord. If you manage the property for an owner, list the owner’s name and your business name as agent, and provide your contact information. Include a phone number and mailing address where the tenant can reach you with questions.

• Tenants: List the full legal names of all tenants on the tenancy agreement. If there are multiple adult tenants, include each name. If you are unsure, check the tenancy agreement to avoid missing anyone.

Why this matters: All adult tenants should receive the notice. Listing the correct parties supports proper service and clarity about who owes the increased rent.

Step 2: Identify the rental unit

• Address: Enter the civic address of the rental unit, including unit number, street address, city, and postal code. If the property has multiple units, ensure you specify the exact unit.

• Optional descriptors: If your building uses internal identifiers (for example, “Suite 302, Building B”), include them in addition to the civic address.

Why this matters: The notice must be tied to a specific tenancy and premises. Ambiguity invites disputes.

Step 3: Confirm the rent details

• Current lawful rent: Enter the monthly rent the tenant is paying now, not including utilities, parking, storage, or any non-rent fees. If rent is not monthly, state the period (for example, weekly). Most BC tenancies are monthly; if yours is different, ensure the effective date aligns with a rent due date for your tenancy period.

• Date of last increase or start date: Note the date rent was last increased in this tenancy. If there has been no increase, note the tenancy start date. This helps you confirm the 12-month rule.

Practical tip: If you inherited the tenancy from a prior owner, check records carefully. The 12-month rule follows the tenancy and unit, not ownership.

Step 4: Determine the allowable percentage

• Find the current year’s allowable rent increase percentage for BC. Use the annual percentage applicable for the calendar year when the increase will take effect.

• Do not add multiple years together, and do not “catch up” missed increases. Each increase stands alone and must meet the current year’s cap.

Example: If the current allowable percentage is 3.5%, you can increase $2,000 monthly rent by up to $70.00, for a new rent of $2,070.00.

Step 5: Calculate the new rent

• Increase amount = Current rent x (allowable percentage). Round to the nearest cent.

• New rent = Current rent + Increase amount.

• Show both the percentage and the dollar amount on the form, along with the new rent.

Examples:

• Current rent $1,500; allowable 3.5%: Increase $52.50; new rent $1,552.50.

• Current rent $987; allowable 3.5%: Increase $34.55 (987 x 0.035 = 34.545, round to $34.55); new rent $1,021.55.

Check your math twice. Calculation errors are a common reason notices get thrown out.

Step 6: Choose the effective date

• Count three full months after the date the notice is considered delivered. The three full months run from the day after deemed delivery.

• Set the effective date on a rent due date for your tenancy. For a monthly tenancy due on the 1st, choose the 1st of a month, after three full months have passed.

Counting examples:

• Personal service January 10: Deemed delivered January 10. Three full months are February, March, April. Earliest effective date is May 1.

• Regular mail January 10: Deemed delivered a few days later. Count three full months from the deemed delivery date, not the mailing date. If deemed delivered January 15, earliest effective date is May 1.

• If rent is due on the 15th of each month: Personal service January 2 means three full months are February, March, April. Earliest effective date is May 15.

Avoid mid-period effective dates that do not match the rent due date. Misaligned dates can invalidate the notice.

Step 7: Complete the frequency and inclusions

• Indicate the rent payment frequency (monthly, weekly, etc.). If monthly, check or state “monthly.” This clarifies that the increase applies to the monthly rent.

• Do not include increases for utilities or services in the rent amount unless your tenancy agreement treats those amounts as part of the “rent.” Most often, the base rent is separate. Keep it clean: increase only the base rent by the allowable percentage.

Step 8: Sign and date the notice

• The landlord or authorized agent must sign and date the RTB-7. Use your full name and include your title if you are an agent.

• The date you sign should align with the date you serve. Do not pre-date or post-date. Accurate dating helps prove service and timing.

Step 9: Serve the notice properly

• Choose a permitted method of service. Common methods include personal delivery to the tenant, leaving the notice with an adult at the address, leaving it in a mailbox or mail slot, or sending it by mail. Some methods, like email, are only allowed if the tenant has agreed in writing to receive notices that way.

• Record the method and date of service on the form or in your file. Keep proof (for example, a photo of the envelope going into the mail slot, a witness statement, or a mailing receipt).

• Consider the deemed delivery time. If you are working backward from a desired effective date, account for the deemed delivery days to ensure you still provide three full months of notice.

Best practice: Serve in person when possible. It avoids disputes about timing and deemed delivery.

Step 10: Keep records

• Keep a copy of the signed RTB-7 and your service proof. File them with the tenancy agreement and prior rent increase notices. If a dispute arises, you will need these documents.

• If you manage multiple units, use a rent roll or tracker to log the last increase date, service date, effective date, and calculation for each tenancy.

Step 11: Communicate with the tenant

• Send a brief cover note with the notice, explaining the effective date, the old rent, the percentage, and the new rent. Clarity reduces questions.

• Encourage tenants to contact you promptly if they believe any detail is incorrect. If you made an error, withdraw and reissue rather than risking an invalid increase.

Step 12: Handle special situations

• Fixed-term tenancies: If the agreement is a fixed term that does not allow rent increases during the term, wait until the term ends and the tenancy continues (for example, month-to-month). If the agreement permits increases during the term and the law’s timing and percentage conditions are met, you may proceed. When in doubt, wait until after the fixed term.

• Roommate changes: If occupants change but the tenancy continues under the same agreement, the 12-month timing still applies to the tenancy, not the individuals. Do not reset the clock unless the original tenancy ended and a new tenancy began.

• Additional increases: If you have an order for an additional increase above the annual limit, note the authorized amount clearly and attach or reference the decision in your file. Serve the RTB-7 reflecting the total new rent and state the effective date per the decision.

Common mistakes to avoid:

• Issuing the notice fewer than three full months before the effective date.

• Counting three months from the mailing date, not from the deemed delivery date.

• Increasing by more than the allowable percentage without an order.

• Using the wrong base rent (for example, including parking or utilities that are not part of rent).

• Setting an effective date that does not align with a rent due date.

• Failing to serve every adult tenant named on the agreement.

• Not signing the notice or leaving key fields blank.

Practical checklist before you serve:

• Is the tenancy eligible (12 months since start or last increase)?

• Is your calculation correct and within this year’s allowable percentage?

• Does your effective date follow three full months after deemed delivery and align with a rent due date?

• Have you completed all fields, signed, and prepared proof of service?

If you answer “yes” to all, you’re ready to deliver the RTB-7. After service, calendar the effective date and the next rent due date. If payment arrives at the old rate after the effective date, reach out promptly in writing with a friendly reminder and a copy of the notice. If the tenant disputes, respond cooperatively and be prepared to show your documentation and calculations.

Your goal is a clean, lawful increase that stands up to scrutiny and maintains a professional relationship. The RTB-7, completed and served correctly, gets you there.

Legal Terms You Might Encounter

Landlord of record means the person or company named in the tenancy agreement who rents out the unit. On the form, you list the landlord of record so tenants know who is issuing the notice and who to contact with questions.

Tenant of record is the person or people named on the tenancy agreement. You address and serve the notice to every tenant of record. If two or more co-tenants signed the lease, they all need to be named on the form.

Premises refers to the specific rental unit and any included areas, like a parking stall or storage locker, that are part of the tenancy. Use the exact civic address and unit number so there’s no doubt which premises the notice covers.

Base rent is the recurring amount the tenant pays for the unit, excluding one-time fees, security or pet deposits, and variable costs like utilities billed separately. The form uses base rent to show the current amount and the new amount after the increase.

Effective date is the date the new rent starts. You enter this on the form. It must respect the required notice period and align with the rent due date set in the tenancy agreement.

Notice period is the minimum lead time you must give before the increase takes effect. The form itself does not enforce the notice period; you are responsible for choosing an effective date that provides enough time based on how you serve the notice.

Service of notice means how you deliver the form to the tenant. Different methods of service carry different timelines for when the notice is considered received. You record the service date and method in your file; the form reflects the choose-and-serve process but does not send anything for you.

12‑month rule means you can only increase the rent after a minimum period has passed since the last increase or since the start of the tenancy. The form requires you to confirm the last increase date so tenants can see that the rule is respected.

Additional rent increase refers to an increase above the standard guideline that has been approved in advance through a separate process. If you have such an approval, you still use this form to communicate the new total rent, and you should clearly separate the guideline portion from any approved additional amount.

Fixed‑term tenancy is a lease with a set end date. Many fixed terms convert to month-to-month. The form can be used for increases that take effect after a fixed term ends, provided the tenancy continues and all timing rules are met.

FAQs

Do you have to use the official notice form?

Yes. Use the official notice form so tenants receive all required information in a standard format. It helps avoid disputes and shows you followed the proper process. A letter or email that does not mirror the form’s content can be challenged.

Do you need the tenant’s signature for the increase to be valid?

No. This is a notice, not an agreement. The tenant does not need to sign for it to be effective. Your job is to complete the form accurately, serve it correctly, and allow the proper notice period. Keep proof of service in your records.

Can you email the notice to the tenant?

Only if your tenancy agreement allows service by email and you have the correct address. If you are unsure, use a service method you can prove later, and allow for the service timeline that applies to that method. Always record when and how you served it.

What if you realize you made a mistake after serving the notice?

Issue a corrected notice as soon as you spot the error. Make the correction clear and re-serve the tenants. If the error affects timing or the rent amount, the clock starts again from the corrected service date. Do not try to “fix” a serious error by phone or text; put it in writing.

What if the tenant says they didn’t receive the notice?

Ask for their current contact details and confirm the service address or method you used. Then review your proof of service. If there’s any doubt, re-serve and provide the full notice period. It’s faster to re-serve than to argue about delivery dates later.

Can you increase rent during a fixed-term lease?

You cannot change the rent mid-term unless your lease specifically allows it and the increase respects all rules. Most increases take effect after a fixed term ends and the tenancy continues. Set your effective date accordingly on the form.

How do you calculate the new rent for the form?

Start with the current base rent. Apply only the permitted increase. Round to the nearest cent. Do not fold in deposits, late fees, or variable utilities. List the current rent and the new rent in the spaces provided so the change is clear.

What happens if your increase is higher than allowed?

The tenant can dispute the notice. If a decision finds the increase invalid, the rent remains at the previous amount, and you may have to issue a new notice. Overcharging can also trigger repayment obligations. Avoid this by checking the current limit before you complete the form.

Do you have to give every co‑tenant a copy?

Yes. Serve every tenant of record. If one person is designated for service in the tenancy agreement, follow that instruction. If not, provide a copy to each tenant named in the lease to avoid service challenges.

Can you include new charges like parking or storage in the increased rent?

Only if those charges are part of the existing base rent under the tenancy agreement. If you plan to add or change separate services, do not bury those changes in the rent increase. Handle them under the agreement’s terms and inform tenants clearly and separately.

Checklist: Before, During, and After

Before you complete and sign

• Tenancy agreement. Have the signed lease or the latest renewal handy.
• Current rent amount. Confirm the exact base rent, excluding deposits and variable utilities.
• Last increase date. Check your records for the date the last increase took effect or the tenancy start date if no prior increase.
• Tenant names. List every tenant of record as shown on the lease.
• Unit details. Confirm the full civic address, unit number, and any identifiers.
• Service plan. Decide how you will serve the notice and note the service timing that applies to that method.
• Increase limit. Verify the current permitted increase and any prior approval for an additional increase, if applicable.
• Calculation sheet. Do the math for the new rent and check rounding to the nearest cent.
• Internal systems. Prepare to update accounting or payment settings on the effective date.

During completion and signing

• Landlord details. Enter the correct legal name, mailing address, phone, and email.
• Tenant details. Spell names correctly and match the lease exactly.
• Premises. Write the exact civic address and unit number; avoid shorthand or nicknames.
• Effective date. Select a date that respects the notice period based on your service method.
• Rent amounts. Enter the current rent, the increase amount, and the new rent in clear figures.
• Additional increase. If you have an approved additional increase, state it separately so the total is transparent.
• Sign and date. Sign in the space provided and write the signing date clearly.
• Copies. Make a copy for each tenant and a complete copy for your records before serving.

After serving the notice

• Record service. Note the date, method, and any tracking numbers or delivery confirmations.
• Calendar the effective date. Set reminders to adjust rent collection and accounting on that date.
• Confirm tenant receipt. If appropriate, send a brief confirmation message. Keep it professional and factual.
• Update payments. Adjust pre-authorized debits or payment requests to the new rent amount.
• Handle returned mail. If a notice comes back, re-serve promptly and allow the full notice period.
• Store securely. File the signed notice, proof of service, and calculation notes with the tenancy records.
• Monitor responses. Respond to reasonable questions. If there’s an error, issue a corrected notice promptly.
• Plan the next cycle. Note the next date when you may consider a future increase, based on your records.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Choosing an effective date that doesn’t allow the full notice period. If the timing is short, the increase can be invalid. Don’t forget to factor in the delivery method’s timelines when you pick the date.

Serving only one co‑tenant when multiple tenants are on the lease. This invites disputes about service. Don’t forget to provide a copy to every tenant of record unless your lease names a single service contact.

Including deposits, late fees, or variable utilities in the “rent” line. This can inflate the increase and invite a challenge. Don’t forget that the form is about base rent only.

Math or rounding errors in the new rent amount. Small mistakes create confusion on the effective date. Don’t forget to double-check your calculation and round to the nearest cent.

Using the wrong address or unit number on the form. An incorrect premises description can void the notice. Don’t forget to verify the exact civic address and unit identifier before you sign.

Leaving the form unsigned or undated. Missing signatures or dates can undermine enforceability. Don’t forget to sign and date every copy you serve.

Re‑using an old template without updating key fields. Out-of-date percentages or dates cause errors. Don’t forget to review every field fresh for each tenancy.

What to Do After Filling Out the Form

Serve the notice. Deliver a copy to every tenant of record using your chosen service method. Be consistent with what your tenancy agreement allows. If you serve in person, note who accepted it. If you deliver by mail or another method, keep proof.

Record service details. Write down the service date and method right away. If you used a trackable option, save the tracking number and delivery confirmation. Store screenshots or receipts in your tenancy file.

Confirm the effective date. Re-check that the effective date on the notice respects the notice period, including any delivery timelines. If you spot a timing issue, prepare and re-serve a corrected notice.

Update rent collection. Adjust payment systems to reflect the new rent amount on the effective date. If tenants use pre-authorized payments, send a short reminder of the upcoming change and the date it starts.

Respond to tenant questions. Keep your replies clear and factual. Point to the figures on the notice and the effective date. If a tenant raises a valid error, issue a corrected notice quickly to avoid disputes.

Handle corrections or withdrawals. If you need to change the amount or date, issue a new notice marked as corrected and re-serve it. If you decide not to proceed, send a short written withdrawal so tenants are not surprised on the next due date.

Maintain your records. Keep the signed notice, proof of service, any correction or withdrawal, and your calculation notes. Good records reduce risk during inspections, audits, or disputes.

Monitor the first payment at the new rate. On the first due date after the increase takes effect, check that the payment matches the new amount. If it does not, communicate promptly and provide the notice again if needed.

Plan communications for future increases. Note the date of this increase in your calendar and file. This helps you avoid timing mistakes in future cycles and keeps your records clean.

Prepare for disputes, if any. If a tenant files a challenge, gather your documents: the signed notice, proof of service, the tenancy agreement, the last increase date, and your calculations. Clear, organized paperwork supports your position.

Keep internal alignment. If a property manager, accountant, or assistant helps you, share the effective date and new amount with them. Aligning the team prevents billing errors and mixed messages to tenants.

Review your standard process. After you complete this cycle, take five minutes to review what went well and what to improve. Adjust your checklist so the next notice is even smoother.