THE MYTH
“A fixed-term lease means the tenant has to move out at the end.”
WHAT'S TRUE
Fixed-term leases automatically become month-to-month at the end of the term in almost every case. The landlord can only require move-out if a strictly-limited 'vacate clause' applies.
THE DETAIL
Section 44 of the Residential Tenancy Act and Policy Guideline 30 establish that when a fixed-term lease ends, the tenancy continues on a month-to-month basis unless a valid vacate clause applies. Since the 2017 amendments, vacate clauses are only valid in narrow cases, principally where the landlord or a close family member intends to occupy the rental unit. A generic 'tenancy ends at end of term' clause is not enforceable on its own.
Primary source
Related myths
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Tenant myth
BC has no 'last month's rent.' Landlords can collect a security deposit (max half a month's rent) and a pet damage deposit (another half month). That's it.
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Common to both sides
Landlords can restrict pets in the tenancy agreement. If pets are allowed, the landlord can require up to a half-month pet damage deposit (on top of the security deposit).