What is a Writ of Possession?
Understanding the legal document that authorizes tenant eviction in British Columbia
A Writ of Possession is a legal document issued by the Supreme Court of British Columbia that authorizes a Court Bailiff to evict a tenant and all occupants from a property for failing to comply with an Order of Possession issued by the Residential Tenancy Branch. The Writ of Possession may also be issued as a result of other court filings such as foreclosure proceedings.
Integrated Civil Enforcement has a large team of Court Bailiffs who have the legal authority to enforce a Writ of Possession. Landlords are not legally permitted to remove tenants or their belongings, or change the locks themselves.
Important Legal Notice
Self-help evictions are illegal in British Columbia. Attempting to evict a tenant without proper legal authorization can result in significant penalties. Always use a Integrated Civil Enforcement's Court Bailiffs to ensure compliance with the law.
The Eviction Process
A step-by-step guide to legally evicting a tenant in British Columbia
Obtain an Order of Possession
Start with the Residential Tenancy Branch to obtain an Order of Possession. This order must be properly served on the tenant according to RTB guidelines.
File for a Writ of Possession
Once the required time has passed and the tenant has not vacated, file for a Writ of Possession at the Supreme Court of BC. Registries are located in Vancouver, New Westminster, Abbotsford, Port Coquitlam and Chilliwack. Convieniently located a few steps behind the New Westminster Courthouse 101B-625 Agnes St, New Westminster, BC V3L 5B5, our court administrators can help you complete the necessary requisition forms and file the Writ of Possession at the Court House. Note: Tell the registrar that you are selecting Integrated Civil Enforcement as your court bailiff.
Engage Integrated Civil Enforcement
Submit the required forms Landlord Package to Integrated Civil Enforcement to open a file and schedule the eviction. Our team of court administrators will guide you through the process. A deposit will be required based on the number of bedrooms and location.
Eviction Day
The Court Bailiff will attend the property, inform occupants they must vacate, supervise their departure, and formally return possession to the landlord. Locks will be changed if required.
What Happens to Tenant Belongings?
Understanding how tenant goods are handled during the eviction process
Tenant Present & Cooperative
If the tenant is home and willing to deal with their belongings, the goods will be packed up, removed from the unit, and placed outside on the property line providing the tenant has made provisions for transportation. Belongings cannot be left on public property.
Tenant Not Present
If the tenant is not home and unresponsive to the Court Bailiff's contact attempt, goods will taken to storage. The landlord is responsible for the first 30 days of storage costs.
After 30 Days
Despite our efforts, some tenants fail to book an appointment or neglect to pick up their belongings. After 30 days, belongings will be disposed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about the Writ of Possession and eviction process
Integrated Civil Enforcement operates on a first-come, first-served basis and works to schedule every eviction as quickly as possible. Integrated Civil Enforcement has a large enforcement team that can be mobilized to carry out evictions as quick as the same or next day from receiving the Writ of Possession. Stop rental loss and property damage. Contact us today to get started.
Landlords are not permitted to be present and around the property during the eviction. Evictions can become dangerous scenes. While we recognize the personal connection landlords have with their property, it is best to allow the Court Bailiffs to perform their duties without having to worry about violence between landlords and tenants.
A Writ of Possession is valid for one year from the date it was issued by the Court. It does not need to be enforced immediately—landlords can schedule the eviction at their convenience within this timeframe. However, it is recommended to enforce the Writ of Possession as soon as possible to avoid any potential complications.
No. Landlords must hire a Court Bailiff to carry out the eviction legally. Self-help evictions, including changing locks without proper legal process, are illegal in British Columbia and can result in significant penalties.
Anyone in the unit at the time of the eviction will be removed, including:
- Parties named in the Writ of Possession
- Guests present at the time
- All unauthorized Occupants
No. All moving and storage must be handled by an authorized moving and storage company, arranged and supervised by Integrated Civil Enforcement. Court Bailiffs do not handle tenant goods directly, and movers are present at every eviction regardless of the amount of belongings.
No. Do not notify the tenant in advance, as this puts the Court Bailiff at risk, and can sometimes lead to property damage and safety concerns.
No. Landlords only need to serve the tenant with the Order of Possession obtained from the Residential Tenancy Branch. The Writ of Possession document is presented on the day of attendance, it is not served in advance.
Ready to Regain Possession?
Integrated Civil Enforcement provides professional, legally-compliant eviction services throughout British Columbia. Same-day scheduling available when the Writ of Possession is filed.
844-395-4367