Can I evict my tenant before selling my Coquitlam home?

Only on grounds permitted by the BC Residential Tenancy Act. 'I want to sell' is not a ground. Proper grounds include: cause (e.g., non-payment, material breach) or owner-use (you or your close family member moving in).

How much notice do I have to give my tenant for a showing?

24 hours written notice per showing. Notice must include date, time window, and purpose. Tenant cannot unreasonably refuse but can negotiate timing.

Can I sell my Coquitlam rental property with the tenant in place?

Yes. The buyer takes over as the new landlord, subject to the existing lease. Some buyers prefer tenanted properties (immediate income); some demand vacant possession.

What if my buyer wants vacant possession?

Buyer can serve the tenant a 4-month notice to end tenancy under section 49 of the RTA, on the grounds that the buyer or their close family will occupy. Tenant receives one month's rent as compensation. Notice cannot be served until subjects are removed (deal is firm).

Can I raise the rent before selling?

Only within BC's annual allowable rent increase (e.g., 3.5% for 2025; check the BC RTB website for the current year's percentage). Rent increases also require 3 months' written notice on the prescribed form.

What if my tenant has a fixed-term lease?

The fixed-term lease survives the sale. The buyer cannot end the lease early on owner-use grounds until the fixed term ends, unless the lease itself includes a vacate clause permitted by the RTA.

Can I refuse showings for a tenanted home?

No — you must provide reasonable showing access. But you can refuse unreasonable showing demands (e.g., 5 showings/day, no notice). Most disputes happen here; a clear schedule with the tenant prevents most issues.

Is the deposit refunded to the tenant when I sell?

No — the security deposit transfers to the new landlord (the buyer) and remains with the tenant's tenancy. The seller and buyer should formally adjust the deposit at closing.

What if the tenant refuses to allow showings?

Document each refused showing in writing. If the tenant repeatedly refuses reasonable access, you can apply to the Residential Tenancy Branch for an order. In practice, a friendly conversation and a showing schedule resolves 95% of issues.

Should I sell tenanted or vacant in Coquitlam?

Vacant typically sells for 5-15% more in Coquitlam because the buyer pool is larger (owner-occupiers + investors vs. investors-only). Trade-off: ending tenancy properly takes 4 months minimum, plus you carry the property unrented during that period. Run the numbers with your REALTOR®.

Coquitlam · Tenanted sales

Tenant rights when you sell a tenanted Coquitlam home.

If your Coquitlam home is tenanted, BC's Residential Tenancy Act protects the tenant during the sale process. Understanding what you can and cannot do is critical — Coquitlam sellers who get this wrong face costly disputes and delayed sales.

Book a Strategy Call Call Craig — 604-202-6092

Tenanted sales · Coquitlam

What you can and cannot do when selling a tenanted Coquitlam home.

BC has some of the most tenant-protective rental laws in Canada. When you sell a tenanted Coquitlam home, the tenant's rights largely transfer to the new buyer. Here is what every Coquitlam seller needs to know.

Showings

You must give 24 hours written notice for each showing. Tenant cannot unreasonably refuse. Best practice: coordinate showing windows with tenant in advance.

Tenancy survives the sale

If the tenant has a fixed-term lease, the buyer takes over as the new landlord with the same lease terms. If month-to-month, same rules apply.

Buyer-use eviction (vacant possession)

If the buyer or buyer's close family member intends to occupy the home, the buyer can serve a 4-month notice to end tenancy under section 49 of the RTA. Tenant gets one month's free rent compensation.

Buyer cannot evict for renovations alone

BC Bill 14 (2024) tightened renovation evictions. The buyer cannot easily evict a tenant simply to renovate. Evictions for purposes other than personal occupancy face high evidence requirements.

Disclosure obligations

Sellers must provide buyers with all current tenancy information, including current rent, security deposit held, lease terms, and any disputes. Concealing tenancy issues = liability.

Marketing constraints

Cannot evict tenant for the purpose of marketing the home as 'vacant possession'. If the home is sold tenanted, it is sold tenanted.