Feeling overwhelmed by real estate paperwork? You’re not alone.
Whether you're buying or selling in BC, working with a REALTOR® comes with a stack of documents—some mandatory, others helpful, all important. But don’t worry—this isn’t legalese overload. This guide breaks down the most common forms you’ll encounter, what they mean, and why they matter, so you can feel confident at every step of the process.

Let’s take the mystery out of the fine print. 

1. Disclosure of Representation in Trading Services (DORTS)

Before a REALTOR® can give you advice or talk specifics about your finances or real estate goals, they’re required to present you with this form.

The DORTS is a mandatory disclosure document, required under Section 54 of the Real Estate Services Rules, regulated by the BC Financial Services Authority (BCFSA). 

It explains:

• Whether the agent is working for you, the seller, or neither

• What duties the agent owes you (e.g., loyalty, confidentiality)

• That you’re not obligated to work with them just by signing it

This form became especially important after BC banned dual agency in most residential transactions in 2018, to prevent conflicts of interest [2].

Signing the DORTS does not commit you to the agent—it simply confirms they’ve explained your rights.

2. Privacy Notice and Consent (PNC)

This form tells you how your personal information—like your name, contact info, or government-issued ID—will be collected, used, and protected during the transaction.

Under Canadian privacy laws, REALTORS® are required to explain how your data will be:

• Shared with other parties (like lawyers or mortgage brokers)

• Stored (by the agent or brokerage)

• Used for legal and regulatory requirements (e.g., FINTRAC verification)

By signing the PNC, you’re giving permission for this use—and protecting yourself by ensuring your information is handled properly and ethically.

3. Property Disclosure Statement (PDS) – Seller Form

If you're buying a home, your agent may provide you with a Property Disclosure Statement, which is voluntarily completed by the seller.

It asks the seller to answer yes/no questions about:

• Past water damage or flooding

• Renovations and permits

• Structural or pest issues

• Known disputes or legal claims

The PDS isn’t legally required, but it's a helpful tool that gives buyers insight into the home’s condition—and can signal red flags worth investigating further.

Always pair a PDS with a professional home inspection.

4. Listing Contract – For Sellers

If you’re listing your home, you’ll sign a Listing Contract with your REALTOR®. This is a legal agreement that gives your agent the right to market and sell your home.

It outlines:

• Your listing price and property details

• The agent’s commission and how it’s shared

• How long they’ll represent you

• Your responsibilities as a seller (access for showings, accurate info, etc.)

• Your agent’s duties (marketing, negotiation, legal guidance)

• Whether your home will be listed on the MLS®

This contract is essential for formalizing the relationship and ensuring both sides know what to expect.

5. Material Latent Defect (MLD) Disclosure

Unlike the PDS, disclosing material latent defects is legally required.

A material latent defect is a hidden issue that:

• Can’t be discovered by a reasonable inspection, and

• Makes the property dangerous or unfit for use, or

• Significantly affects the home’s value or function

Examples include:

• Foundation damage behind finished walls

• Mould inside insulation or ventilation

• A history of basement flooding

• Structural issues hidden by staging

If the seller knows about such an issue and fails to disclose it, they can face:

• Cancellation of the sale

• Legal action for damages

• Professional consequences for their agent

Buyers should always ask questions, review available documents, and rely on inspections to complement any disclosures.

**The information provided in this blog post is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or professional advice. While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the content at the time of writing, laws, regulations, and real estate practices in British Columbia may change over time. Readers are encouraged to consult with a licensed real estate professional, lawyer, or the BC Financial Services Authority (BCFSA) for specific guidance relevant to their individual situation. The author and affiliated REALTOR® or brokerage assume no liability for any loss or damages arising from reliance on this information.

(So you Don’t Have To)

How We Save You Time, Stress & Money in BC’s Fraser Valley Rental Market

Owning a rental property sounds like a dream—passive income, rising home values, and tenants who pay your mortgage, right? Well… kind of. The reality of being a landlord includes clogged drains at midnight, rent that’s late (again), and more legal paperwork than you expected.

That’s where we come in.

As your local Fraser Valley property management experts, Top Producers Realty Ltd. does more than just “check in on your house.” We’re here to protect your investment, from top to bottom, start to finish. Here’s how we do it.

1. Precision Tenant Screening Prevents Costly Mistakes

Placing the wrong tenant can lead to damage, missed rent, or a lengthy eviction. In British Columbia, eviction-related costs—court filings, loss of rent, repairs—can easily run $3,000 to $5,000 or more (LandlordBC, 2023).

At our firm, tenant screening is never superficial. We verify credit history, income stability, references, past rental conduct, and employment. For landlords, this translates to stable rent payments, respectful tenancy, and fewer turnover costs. A good tenant doesn’t just save you money; they make your job as a landlord easier.

In tight rental markets like Abbotsford or Chilliwack, you might feel tempted to accept the first applicant. But we know a rushed placement can backfire. Our screening process ensures you never have to choose between speed and quality.

2. Slash Vacancy Time & Boost Your Income

Despite low vacancy rates, properties still sit empty when they’re overpriced, poorly marketed, or not presented professionally. Fraser Valley vacancy rates in 2023 were 1.1% in Abbotsford, 1.5% in Chilliwack, and below 1.3% in Mission, signalling extremely high demand (CMHC, 2024).

But here’s the catch: renters are selective. Listings with outdated photos or vague descriptions can sit for weeks, especially with new developments increasing competition.

We handle optimized listings and strategic pricing based on detailed market research. Our rental units are marketed across top platforms and social channels, ensuring high visibility. And because we know the Fraser Valley market inside out, we price for maximum return without scaring off quality tenants.

Vacancy is lost income. Our job is to keep that number as close to zero as possible.

3. Maintenance & Emergency Handling: We Hold the Line

A leaking roof or broken furnace doesn’t just frustrate tenants—it puts your investment at risk. As a landlord, coordinating repairs, sourcing reliable trades, and responding after hours can drain your energy and wallet.

We’ve built strong relationships with licensed, trusted contractors in the Fraser Valley—electricians, plumbers, roofers, HVAC specialists, who offer priority service and competitive rates. We also conduct regular inspections to catch small issues before they become big ones.

According to LandlordBC, preventative maintenance reduces long-term costs by up to 30% (LandlordBC Maintenance Guide). It also extends the life of your appliances, finishes, and systems, boosting property value and keeping tenants happy.

4. Rent Collection: Streamlined, Consistent, and Professional

Chasing rent payments shouldn’t be part of your monthly routine. We take that burden off your shoulders with automated rent collection, tenant portals, clear payment policies, and firm enforcement procedures.

Rent is deposited to your account consistently—on time, every month. And in the rare event of a delay, we issue formal notices and follow up according to BC tenancy regulations. You stay informed without getting involved in uncomfortable interactions.

Stable cash flow is the foundation of any successful rental portfolio. We ensure you get paid without the stress.

5. Legal Compliance: We Know the Rules (So You Don’t Have To)

The Residential Tenancy Act (RTA) in BC is constantly evolving. In 2025, for instance, the maximum allowable rent increase is capped at 3.0%, and landlords must provide three full months’ written notice (BC Government Rent Increase Guidelines).

Even accidental non-compliance, like serving an outdated form or using incorrect notice periods can invalidate your claims and delay key decisions (like eviction, renovation, or sale).

We stay current on RTA updates, mandatory forms, dispute resolution timelines, and policy changes affecting landlords. From move-in reports to legal notices, everything is properly documented and delivered, keeping your rental operations compliant and bulletproof.

6. Eviction & Dispute Management: Done Properly, Every Time

Let’s be honest, sometimes tenancies break down. Whether it’s chronic late payments, property damage, or a need for landlord occupation, BC law offers specific and narrow grounds for eviction. But it also demands strict procedural compliance.

A 2022 study from UBC found that 1 in 10 BC renters experienced displacement through no-fault or informal evictions, often due to landlord errors or incomplete processes (UBC Housing Research Collaborative).

We manage all aspects of formal eviction: proper notices, evidence preparation, filing with the Residential Tenancy Branch, and RTB hearing representation. We ensure you’re not just within your rights, but also handling the process in a fair and professional way that reflects well on your reputation.

7. Boosting ROI: More Than Worth the Fee

You might wonder: Is it really worth the monthly fee? For most landlords, the answer is a resounding yes.

Here’s why:

• Reduced turnover = fewer lost rent days

• Better tenants = less damage and fewer disputes

• Legal compliance = no costly errors

• Proactive maintenance = fewer big-ticket emergencies

• Efficient rent collection = steady income

And when you consider the Fraser Valley’s ongoing rental growth, with Abbotsford and Mission’s populations each growing by 10–12% between 2016–2021 (StatsCan, 2021), now is the time to invest in professional management to stay competitive and hands-off.

Bonus: We Know the Fraser Valley

We’re not just property managers—we’re locals. We know the neighbourhoods, rental trends, and what tenants are looking for in Mission, Abbotsford, Chilliwack, and beyond.

We help you price competitively, market effectively, and make smart upgrades to attract and retain renters.

Why it matters:

Local insight = better results. We don’t just manage properties—we help them perform.