Single Room Accommodation Bylaw-designated building at Columbia and Cordova streets

Single Room Accommodation (SRA) By-law

What you need to know

The Single Room Accommodation (SRA) By-law helps protect low-income housing and prevent tenants from being displaced in Vancouver’s Downtown area by regulating SRA buildings.

Single Room Accommodations include single room occupancy (SRO) hotels, rooming houses, and non-market housing units that are smaller than 320 square feet. These are often called “SROs”.

The by-law regulates the alteration, conversion, and demolition of SRAs. It requires that landlords get a permit before making these changes.

About SRAs and where they exist in the city

Map of SRA buildings and SRA By-law area

Permit for SRA conversions, alterations, and demolition

SRA building owners that want to alter, convert, or demolish rooms must apply for an SRA conversion or demolition permit. A permit can be approved outright, approved with conditions, or refused.

City Council or the General Manager of Arts, Culture, and Community Services (ACCS) grant permits based on criteria from the Vancouver Charter section 193 D .

City Council and the General Manager of Arts, Culture and Community Services (ACCS) generally support permit applications that:

  • Enhance the livability of SRAs (like adding bathrooms or cooking facilities)
  • Protect existing tenants
  • Maintain affordability
  • Replace SRA rooms on-site or elsewhere in the city

Review our Policies and Guidelines for Upgrading SRA Rooms  (625 KB)

Learn more about the SRA conversion and demolition permit and apply

SRO Upgrading Grant for building improvements

Non-profit and private owners and operators of SROs can apply for funding to complete building upgrades that improve safety and livability for tenants.

Learn about the SRO Upgrading Grant and apply

SRA Vacancy Control Policy

This policy limits rent increases between tenancies in private and non-profit owned SRAs. This helps:

  • Curb rising costs
  • Reduce displacement
  • Discourage speculative investment

Review the 2024 SRO Tenant Survey Report

In 2024, we partnered with the DTES SRO Collaborative Society to survey tenants living in SROs.

The information gathered paints a picture of tenants’ demographics, service use, and housing experiences. It will be used to inform future policies and programs. 

Learn more about 2024 SRO Tenant Survey Report (21 MB)

Report concerns and get resources

Private property concern

Get help with a property use or maintenance concern.

Homelessness services

Find details on supportive housing, shelters, financial aid, low-cost meals, and more.

Tenant Relocation and Protection Policy (TRPP)

How renters are protected during rezoning and development, including details for renters and for owners and developers.

Contact information, partner agencies, and website policies

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