A landlord can give notice to end tenancy for reasons that include:

• unpaid rent or utilities;
• health and safety standards not being maintained by the tenant;
• the tenant is seriously jeopardizing the health, safety or lawful right of another occupant or the landlord; 
• the tenant is putting the property at significant risk;
• landlords use of property; or
• Vacating possession of the premises/unit is required to perform significant renovations or repairs.

Issuing a Notice to End Tenancy for Major Construction:

• The Residential Tenancy Act outlines the rules landlords must follow when undertaking major construction. The rules are designed to protect tenants while allowing building owners to maintain their buildings.
• Major construction means:
• Demolishing the rental unit or doing major renovations that require the building or rental unit is empty for the work to be done. 
• Converting the rental unit to a strata unit.
  
• Converting the rental unit for non-residential use, such as for a business location.
• Converting the rental unit into a caretaker's premises.
• When possible, renovations should be done without evicting the tenant. For example, if the renovations require the unit to be vacant for a short period, the tenant could be relocated and later returned to the unit. 
• The landlord must have all required government permits and approvals in place before issuing the notice for any of the above reasons. Landlords my give two months' notice and one month rent compensation.  
• A tenant can dispute a notice to end tenancy if they feel it is not justified.
• Information on the dispute resolution process can be found:  http://www.rto.gov.bc.ca/content/howApply/default.aspx or Residential Tenancy Branch at 604-660-1020, or toll-free: 1-800-665-8779. 
• Tenants can learn more about their rights and responsibilities by visiting and downloading the Residential Tenancy Guidebook: http://www.rto.gov.bc.ca/documents/Guides/ACT_English.pdf
  

Contact:

Sandra Steilo
Ministry of Natural Gas Development
250 952-0617