Encyclopedia
Tenant rep
A licensee who represents the tenant in a lease deal.
For example: A tenant hires a tenant rep. (Illustration only, not a real deal.)
Official source: Real Estate Services Rules (BC Laws)
Example only, not a real client. Say you need a new office for a growing team. A tenant representative searches the market, tours options with you, compares offers and negotiates the lease on your behalf, so you have someone working for your interests, not the landlord’s.
What I’d tell a friend
A tenant rep should work for you. Ask how they are paid and make sure there is no conflict.
Why it matters to you
An agent working for you owes you their duty, not the landlord. That helps when comparing spaces, reading the true cost of offers and negotiating terms you might not know to ask for.
How to use it in your deal
Tenants should confirm in writing that the licensee represents them and understand how they're paid; often the landlord pays the commission under a listing agreement, but check the arrangement and whether it creates any conflict.
A good tenant rep knows which spaces are available, including some not widely marketed, and what concessions landlords are giving. They should help you compare total occupancy costs, not just base rent, and coordinate with your lawyer on lease terms. Ask about their experience with your type of space and size. Landlords should know when a tenant has representation, since it affects how negotiations go.
If the same brokerage also represents the landlord, ask how they'll handle that and whether dual agency applies; BC rules restrict it. Give your rep clear requirements early, like size, budget, timing, power and parking, so they can screen quickly. Don't sign an offer to lease without your rep and lawyer both reading it.
Mistakes I see
Not confirming representation. Not understanding how they're paid. Comparing only base rent.
In BC and Vancouver
The Real Estate Services Act and BC Financial Services Authority (BCFSA) rules govern licensee duties and disclosure.
Official sources: Real Estate Services Act (BC Laws) · Real Estate Services Rules (BC Laws) · BC Financial Services Authority
What it means
A tenant representative is a licensed agent who acts for a tenant in finding space and negotiating a lease.
They help with market search, comparing offers, lease terms and timing.
What to ask
Ask how the agent is paid and whether they also represent landlords in the buildings you are considering. In BC, agents must disclose their relationship to you.
Get the agreement in writing and understand what services are included, its length and how it can be ended. I can walk you through a tenant representation agreement before you sign.
Questions to ask before you sign
- Who do you represent?
- How are you paid?
- What spaces are available?
- What concessions are typical?
Keep reading
Related terms: Agency, Buyer's agent
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General information for British Columbia only. It isn’t legal, tax, accounting or financial advice, laws and rates change, and reading it doesn’t make you my client. Any numbers or scenarios are hypothetical. Check the linked official source and talk to a lawyer, accountant or other qualified professional before you act or sign anything. See the terms and disclaimer.