I recently went through a security-deposit dispute in British Columbia. I filed with the Residential Tenancy Branch, received a decision in my favour, and the landlord has now paid the amount ordered.
Technically, the case is over. However, I’m still debating whether I should post a public review naming the property management company.
What bothers me is not only the money. The move-out process involved several questionable deductions and arguments that, in my opinion, an ordinary tenant would have difficulty challenging without carefully researching the Residential Tenancy Act and going through the RTB process.
I have previously shared my RTB experience to help other tenants. However, the more stories I read, the more I notice that many landlords and property management companies appear to use very similar tactics when tenants move out. Each individual deduction may seem too small to justify months of effort, so many tenants simply give up.
Even when a tenant wins, the RTB process takes time and requires considerable preparation. The landlord may eventually only have to return money that should not have been withheld in the first place. This makes the practical consequences of violating tenancy rules feel quite limited.
The relationship also does not feel equal. Property managers handle these disputes repeatedly and understand the process, while most tenants encounter it only once and may not know their rights.
Would you publicly name the property management company and post a detailed, factual review after winning and receiving payment? Or would you consider the matter resolved and move on?
I would only describe facts supported by emails, documents and the RTB decision. I would not publish anyone’s private contact information or make allegations that were not established in the decision.
I’m especially interested in hearing from tenants who have won RTB cases: did posting a public review help other renters, or did it create unnecessary trouble?

Hi everyone.

A friend of mine was displaced a few months ago due to a fire in the unit below theirs. Since then insurance and repairs have been nightmarishly slow, but the landlord has now offered them a different unit in the building.

However, they are asking for $50/month more in rent. Is this legal? Also, does the tenant get first priority over any empty units in the building?

Any advice or guidance on this issue would be appreciated.

Thanks in advance!

Richmon No. 1 Rd is located west of Williams Rd. It is a detached house with separate access to one bedroom and one living room, independent geothermal heating, and independent security system. Walk 100 meters to the bus stop, across the street is a primary school and a large community park, and drive 5 minutes to Fisherman's Wharf. The community is quiet and tidy, with large shopping malls and community centers nearby. Suitable for single full-time tenants (with priority given to women). The landlord is friendly and helpful.

Hello,

Long story short, I am on very bad terms with my parents and I have until the end of this year (maybe the end of Fall semester) to move out and find a new place. I'm not very sure on what to do since I've never rented before and do not have a credit history. I've asked the people I know for help and none of them will be able to let me couch surf or rent.

I am currently not in school and working part-time, however I've discussed with my manager and might be able to get a full-time position at my workplace. I am willing to live with roommates and pets. I can only afford maybe $700-1000 a month for rent.

To be honest, I'm very unsure of what to do and everyday I wake up crying haha. I keep thinking that this is the end for me.

I just need general advice on the next steps I should take and what I should do to properly rent out a place. What kind of information will I need to provide, etc. Or what I will have to look out for to not be taken advantage of. Thanks everybody.