Residential Tenancies Branch

Section 3

Privacy

Sub-Section 3.3

Security Systems

Legislation

s. 53(2), 54, 71, The Residential Tenancies Act

Definitions

Security system: a device used to discourage unauthorized people from going into a rental unit.

Policy

A tenant must get the landlord’s written approval before installing a security system. The landlord and tenant should discuss what the tenant should do with the system when the tenancy ends.

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The tenant must pay for the system and the installation. The tenant should also check with their local municipality to see if they need to have a permit for the system.

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The tenant must give the landlord the access code to their alarm, unless they can show they have a good reason for not providing it. The landlord needs the code because they may have to go into the rental unit if there’s an emergency. In an emergency, or if a landlord is showing the rental unit to a prospective tenant, the landlord has the right to go into a unit without giving the tenant notice. (see Privacy – General Information)

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When a tenant who installs an alarm system moves out, they must follow the agreement they had with the landlord. If they remove the system, they must repair any damage caused during installation or removal.

Procedure

Overview

This policy is included as information for landlords, tenants and officers. If tenants and landlords aren’t able to solve a problem about a security system on their own, they can ask the Branch for help.

Steps ▼

1.The officer encourages the landlord and tenant to share information, and to discuss the problem, to try to come to an agreement.

2.When a landlord or tenant asks the Branch for help with an alarm problem, the appropriate officer follows the procedures for:

• mediation
• hearings

Forms & Form Letters

X-Referencing

For more information on mediation, see Section 1.
For details on hearings>, see Section 11.

Policy Developed

September, 1992

Last Revision

March, 2004

Other Resources

None

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