February 2022

Vancouver City Council’s last meeting of 2021 led to some welcome news for renters.

As part of the City’s commitment to address the climate emergency and housing crisis, City Council has approved policy updates and zoning changes that will create more complete, connected and walkable neighbourhoods in Vancouver by speeding up the delivery of rental housing in local shopping areas and nearby low-density areas.

The changes approved on December 14, 2021, take action on key policy directions identified by the Secured Rental Policy, previously approved in November 2019.

Staff are now preparing for implementation, and the City is planning for the updated policy and zoning changes to take effect as of February 14.

For more updates, stay tuned to vancouver.ca/rentalhousing. 
 

 

Renters of Single Room Accommodation (SRA)-designated buildings (also known as Single Room Occupancy or SRO Hotels) now have an additional layer of protection from displacement and rapidly rising rents in the stock.

Through by-law amendments approved by City Council in December 2021, the SRA Vacancy Control Policy limits rent increases between tenancies in all non-government owned SRA-designated rooms.

The policy intends to protect some of the City’s most vulnerable tenants, many of whom have limited alternative housing options before falling into homelessness.
 

 

A service often sought out by renters, the Law Students’ Legal Advice Program (LSLAP) has announced they are accepting new clients as of January 10.

Run by law students at the Peter A. Allard School of Law at the University of British Columbia, LSLAP is a non-profit providing free legal advice and representation to clients in the Lower Mainland who would otherwise be unable to afford legal assistance.

As part of their services, LSLAP is able to assist renters by providing summary legal advice for issues related to the Residential Tenancy Act. Depending on the circumstances of each client and issue, LSLAP may also be able to offer more substantive assistance.

Each year, the program publishes an online manual that is written, edited and updated by students and volunteer lawyers. Renters may find Chapter 19 of the manual a useful resource, with information regarding landlord and tenant law.

With clinics running remotely, those interested in LSLAP’s services are encouraged to inquire about the program and book an appointment by calling 604-822-5791.
 

 

The Renter Office’s Renter Enquiry Line (REL), available by phone and email, connects Vancouver renters to appropriate City departments for information on questions related to the City’s policies or programs, such as assisting renters in looking up City permits for specific buildings.

The REL also refers renters to non-profit community resources for tenancy issues covered by the provincial Residential Tenancy Act.

We will do our best to get back to you within five business days.

We offer phone services in English, Mandarin and Cantonese and hope to offer additional languages in the future. If you would like assistance in your chosen language, please phone 3-1-1 and they will direct you to the appropriate staff for language support.