Unlawful detainer timeline

The unlawful detainer timeline is a US concept describing the deadlines in an eviction case. BC has no unlawful detainer procedure. In BC the timeline for recovering possession depends on the notice periods and processes under the Residential Tenancy Act for residential premises, or on the lease and the Commercial Tenancy Act for commercial premises.

How BC law treats it

Residential evictions proceed by notice to end tenancy and an order of possession from the Residential Tenancy Branch under the Residential Tenancy Act, SBC 2002, c 78, enforced by a writ of possession from the Supreme Court of British Columbia. A commercial landlord recovers possession by re-entry under the lease, subject to relief from forfeiture, or by applying to the Supreme Court against an overholding tenant under the Commercial Tenancy Act, RSBC 1996, c 57.

What it means for your business

Build in time for notice periods, a hearing or court application, and enforcement when planning to recover premises.

Risks and common mistakes

Underestimating how long recovery of possession takes can disrupt plans to re-let or redevelop the property.

For the full explanation, see our entry on Overholding tenant.

General information about British Columbia and Canadian law, current to October 2026. It is not legal advice.