Renters and landlords are facing an exceptional situation during the COVID-19 emergency. There are supports available to protect renters in Vancouver.
The Renter Office is here to help you find the information you need, and support you to understand and pursue your rights during this difficult time.
Provincial actions protecting renters
The BC government introduced measures to help renters and landlords experiencing financial difficulties during the COVID-19 emergency. Some measures have now been lifted.
Landlords are allowed to enter units for activities such as repairs, maintenance, inspections, and showing the rental unit, following the standard notice period.
The Province is allowing renters and landlords to serve documents via email for dispute resolution proceedings. This change comes into effect March 1, 2021.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Residential Tenancy Branch issued an order to allow renters and landlords to serve documents by email instead of personal delivery to reduce transmission. With this regulatory change, email service will be available to landlords and tenants permanently.
The repayment plan will have the following conditions:
Landlords will be required to give tenants until at least July 2021 to repay rent arrears accrued during the period of March 18 to August 17 as long as regular monthly rent payments are also paid.
Landlords are expected to present renters with a reasonable repayment plan in writing 30 days before the first repayment is due. The plan should include the date of the first and subsequent repayments, total outstanding rent, and proposed equal instalments.
The earliest that the first repayment instalment can be due is October 1 if a landlord provides a rent repayment plan before August 31. Once renters have received 30 days’ notice from their landlord of the repayment plan, the first repayment will be due along with regular monthly rent.
Renters and landlords can work together to adjust the length of repayment, such as allowing for earlier instalments to be less than later instalments, and change the date of the repayments due each month.
The BC government has amended the Residential Tenancy Act so all renters experiencing violence inside or outside their rental home can end their tenancies early without financial penalties.
There are existing protections that allow a renter, or their dependent, who has been a victim of family violence to end a tenancy agreement early without financial penalty. This amendment provides greater protections to renters experiencing violence especially during COVID-19.
Late payment or non-payment of rent during the specified period of March 18 to August 17, 2020 is not considered “cause” for eviction. Non-payment of rent beginning September 1 will again be considered cause for eviction.
City actions protecting renters
We are also taking action to protect renters impacted by development in Vancouver under Tenant Relocation Plans.
The Family Services of Greater has launched the COVID-19 Money Navigator External website, opens in new tab that provides multi-lingual support and connects you with navigators and coaches to help you access any benefits and financial supports you qualify for.
Contact our Renter Office
Reach out to the Renter Office for help with your next steps during the COVID-19 crisis.
