Local Stories
Renting in B.C. – Know Your Rights
Know your rights when it comes to renting in B.C. Find out how renting is changing by visiting https://renters.gov.bc.ca to read about rent increases, renovictions, following the rules, preventing unfair rent increases, tenant agreements, repairs, solving disputes and so much more.
Here are some examples of what you will find...
A landlord may increase rent for an existing renter once a year. The maximum increase for 2019 is 2.5%, to accommodate for inflation. Renters must be given three full months’ notice prior to a rent increase.
More subsidies are available through the Rental Assistance Program (RAP) and Shelter Aid For Elderly Renters (SAFER) to help low-income British Columbians live in the communities they love.
A landlord cannot renovict their renters simply because it would be easier or more economical to complete the work. When renovations are necessary, renters will have the choice to stay in their homes or, for major renovations, be compensated to move or terminate a tenancy.
To take action against landlords and renters who are repeat or serious offenders, a new Compliance and Enforcement Unit has been created within the Residential Tenancy Branch.
To make sure lease renewal doesn’t come with an unfair rent hike, renters who stay in the same unit can’t be asked to agree to a rent increase simply for signing a new lease. Rent can only be increased once a year.
Landlords and renters share responsibility for maintaining the rental property. Failing to fulfill responsibilities could mean that one party has to reimburse the other for repair or maintenance expenses.
Author: Admin
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