October 2021

Whether you’re navigating the status of your tenancy or confused about how to budget for maintenance issues, it never hurts to get a quick refresher on the basics of renting in BC. That’s why there’s a number of free tenancy education courses to learn more about your rights under the Residential Tenancy Act and help you succeed in your tenancy. You can register for the following free online courses offered by the RentSmart Education and Support Society and Tenant Resource and Advisory Centre (TRAC):  
 
RentSmart Certificate Virtual Course
This evening course by the RentSmart Education and Support Society is a fun and interactive way to understand your rights and responsibilities as a tenant. It will be a mix of virtual Zoom meetings and self-paced modules to complete. Once you finish the course, you will receive a RentSmart Certificate which is recognized by many housing providers in BC, including BC Housing and the Capital Regional Housing. 

• Virtual Course – Nov 10-19 – REGISTER

Renting it Right: Finding a Home 
This online course by TRAC will be very helpful for people who are becoming renters for the first time. The self-paced modules will cover where to search for housing, what a tenancy agreement covers and how to craft a strong rental application.

• REGISTER

Renting It Right: Rights and Responsibilities
This self-paced online course by TRAC covers the legal rights for landlords and tenants, including topics such as paying your rent, ending a tenancy and resolving issues with your landlord. Once you’ve passed the course, you will receive a certificate that is recognized by LandlordBC and may help with securing housing.

• REGISTER

There is still time to apply for our Renter Services Grants on VanApply, the City’s new grant application system – applications close on Nov. 2 at midnight! If your organization has a project that helps empower Vancouver renters to understand their rights, pursue their legal rights and retain their housing through community programming and innovative projects, you might be eligible for funding through these grants.  
 
How to Apply
Before you apply, we encourage you to check out the following how-to videos on navigating the new system:

1. Introduction to VanApply
2. Managing organization profiles
3. Applying for grants

Apply now

The Renter Office is here to support you with any questions you have. Please email or call us through the Renter Enquiry Line. 

• renteroffice@vancouver.ca
• 604-673-8291

If your tenancy issues fall under the Residential Tenancy Act, we will connect you with Residential Tenancy Branch and other community resources. We offer phone services in Mandarin and Cantonese and hope to offer additional languages in the future. Let us know if there’s a language that you’d like our services to be offered in through the contact details above.

Is there a topic you’d like to see covered in this newsletter? Reach out to us with your ideas and suggestions: renteroffice@vancouver.ca