When is this form used?
RTB-1 is the BC Residential Tenancy Branch's standard agreement for a rental home covered by the Residential Tenancy Act. The landlord must prepare a written tenancy agreement containing the statutory standard terms. RTB-1 provides those terms, even where the parties add lawful terms of their own.
Before you complete it
Check that the Residential Tenancy Act applies: a manufactured-home site-only tenancy generally uses RTB-5 instead. Record the landlord's and tenant's correct legal names, rental-unit address, agreement date, landlord's address for service and phone number, tenancy start and (if fixed-term) end dates, rent amount and due date, included services and facilities, and security or pet-damage deposit information.
Complete, file or serve it
Review all standard terms and any addendum together before signing; an additional term cannot remove statutory rights or change a required standard term. Both parties should retain a complete signed copy. Under section 13(3) of the Act, the landlord must give the tenant a copy of the agreement within 21 days after entering into it. This is a tenancy agreement, not an application to file with the RTB.
Avoid this mistake
Do not assume an unlawful added clause is enforceable because both sides signed it. If the landlord does not provide the agreement within 21 days, the tenant can ask the RTB for dispute resolution. Keep the signed agreement, addenda, move-in inspection report and payment receipts together.
Is it the right form?
Use RTB-1 for a standard residential rental agreement, not for a manufactured-home site-only tenancy (RTB-5). If you are unsure whether the Act applies—for example, where the occupant shares a kitchen or bathroom with the owner—check the RTB's coverage guidance before signing.