Renter Office

How we can help you

We have put together the following information based on questions we receive from renters in Vancouver.

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  Understanding provincial protections for renters during COVID-19

  The COVID-19 pandemic is an unprecedented situation and we know that it has put a major strain on renters across Vancouver who are already dealing with the ongoing housing crisis.

  The Province has updated certain measures for renters and landlords during the COVID-19 emergency. These updated measures include:

  • A freeze on any new rental increase until Dec 31, 2021.
  • Landlords can now issue evictions notices:
    • For landlord-purchaser use
    • For cause; demolition, renovation, or conversion of a rental unit
    • When a rental unit needs to be vacated to comply with a provincial, federal, or municipal order
  • Renters and landlords can now to serve documents via email for dispute resolution proceedings permanently. This change came into effect March 1, 2021. 
  • A repayment framework External website, opens in new tab for renters to pay unpaid rent as a result of COVID-19 that accrued between March 18 and August 17, 2020.
  • Federal and provincial financial supports are still available to renters and landlords for the duration of the state of emergency. Review these supports External website, opens in new tab.

  Resources

  Find out more about the protections and changes to the Residential Tenancy Act (RTA) during the Provincial State of Emergency on the RTB website External website, opens in new tab.

  There are also financial supports available to renters and landlords from the federal and provincial governments for the duration of the state of emergency. Review these supports.

  We will update you on post-emergency measures and supports when information becomes available.

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  Getting information when your landlord applies for permits for building upgrades

  Basic permit information is available on the City's website. Find more information on an issued permit and the scope of work through our database.

  The timing of a permit depends on the type of permit and its scope. Contact the Development and Building Services Centre. All enquiries received through the form will receive a reference number, where you’ll get real-time status updates by calling 3-1-1.

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  Documents to support your dispute resolution claim against an eviction notice

  You can get a copy of a permit or other documents related to a permit application through our Development and Building Services Centre.

  • Steps to requesting permit copies
  • Contact the Development and Building Services Centre for more information and eligibility requirements
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  If you are facing eviction because your rental unit is illegal or uninhabitable

  You can contact the Renter Office where staff can review your specific situation with you and help you find information or refer you to further support or services as needed.

  You may also want to consider getting legal advice on your tenancy and your eviction notice from a professional legal advocate trained in provincial tenancy law.

  Organizations in Vancouver that provide legal advice on tenancy issues include:

  • Tenant Resource and Advisory Centre External website, opens in new tab
  • Access Pro Bono External website, opens in new tab
  • Community Legal Assistance Society External website, opens in new tab
  • First United Legal Advocacy External website, opens in new tab

  Learn about your tenancy and rights through the Residential Tenancy Branch External website, opens in new tab.

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  Checking if your rental premises meets our maintenance standards

  The City is responsible for inspecting properties and determining that they are safe for occupancy. Our Standards of Maintenance By-law sets standards for the maintenance and occupancy of buildings and units to ensure they are free from hazards. Learn more about the different types of property use and maintenance issues.  

  If you have concerns about your building or unit, report a property concern online or phone 3-1-1. If the issue calls for an inspection, our inspectors will try to schedule an inspection within a week. 

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  The City's protections for renters

  If the building you are living in is being redeveloped or is subject to a rezoning, you may be protected by our Tenant Relocation and Protecting Policy (TRPP).

  About the TRPP

  Our TRPP is a policy that is intended to protect renters in Vancouver by mitigating the impacts of displacement due to redevelopment or major renovations. The policy is implemented through the development process as a condition for an applicant to obtain development approvals and permits.

  • About the policy PDF file (762 KB)

  When the TRPP applies

  The policy only applies to rezoning and development permit applications that involve existing tenants being displaced from rental housing types such as primary rental housing, non-profit social and co-op housing, and secondary rental stock where there is a proposal for new multiple dwellings of five or more units involving the consolidation of two or more lots.

  • When the TRPP applies

  How we ensure landlords and developers follow the TRPP

  We ensure compliance with the TRPP by working closely with applicants (landlords or developers). 

  Before a Development Permit can be issued, applicants must provide a compliant tenant relocation plan (TRP) to City staff for approval.

  Applicants must then fulfill the obligations of that TRP before we issue an Occupancy Permit for the new project. 

  • About the tenant relocation requirements for owner and developers
  • Find resources for renter protections

  What a tenant relocation plan (TRP) covers

  For projects proposing market housing, the plan must provide the following to each eligible renter:

  • Early communication with tenants on applications for redevelopment
  • Compensation based on tenure
  • Moving expenses
  • Assistance with relocation
  • Right of first refusal
  • Sufficient notice to end a tenancy

  Applicants applying to renovate or redevelop existing non-profit social or co-op housing must follow a separate set of policy requirements under the Tenant Relocation and Protection Policy for Non-Market housing. Learn more about the tenant relocation plan requirements for market and non-market rental housing developments PDF file (762 KB).

  If you have further questions about the TRPP after reading this webpage and reviewing the policy details, contact us at the Renter Office Enquiry Line at 604-673-8291 or renteroffice@vancouver.ca. We will try our best to provide you information or answer your questions.

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  Finding affordable housing

  The Renter Office primarily focuses on providing assistance with specific building information, connecting renters to resources to support their tenancies, and providing information on the Tenant Relocation and Protection Policy.

  If you are looking for affordable rental housing, contact:

  • BC Housing External website, opens in new tab – subsidized and affordable housing listings
  • Co-Operative Housing Federation of BC External website, opens in new tab – co-op housing listings
  • City of Vancouver Housing – social, co-op and market housing listings in Vancouver
  • Homeless Outreach Teams External website, opens in new tab - assist people who are homeless find housing in different neighbourhoods of Vancouver

What we're working on

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  Renter advocacy and services team

  We have created a team of staff across City departments so that renters are prioritized in every department.

  Made up of staff from Affordable Housing Programs, Licensing, Housing Policy, and Legal Services, the team meets regularly and works with renters, building owners, landlords, community partners, and other levels of government.

  The team is working to improve the renter experience and the stability of rental tenancies.

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  Renter services grants for organizations

  City Council awards renter services grants to non-profit community organizations that serve and advocate for renters.

  In March 2021, Council approved $575,000 in grants for 12 local organizations and advocacy groups serving renters. 

  These funded programs will help Vancouver renters better understand and pursue their rights, and secure and stabilize their housing.

  Read through the grant guideline and online application process

  Learn more about the 2021 grant recipients

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  Renter Services Centre

  We are exploring the idea of creating a Renter Services Centre where renters in Vancouver can get help during their tenancies. We are proposing to bring non-profit organizations that renters rely on under one roof at 900 Howe Street to support renters in accessing the services they need in one location. 

  The proposed centre could offer services such as legal support, tenancy education, filling out housing forms, and more. Our key goal is to improve access to supports, education, and legal advocacy for Vancouver renters.

  We want to hear from renters across Vancouver to help inform the programming, services, and design of a Renter Services Centre that puts renters and their needs first. 

  Take part in the survey

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  Tenant relocation specialist program

  We are working with developers and landlords to ensure that they understand the new Tenant Relocation and Protection Policy and have experienced staff to support tenants through relocation.

  A Tenant Relocation Specialist training program and a qualified list of professionals are in the works and will help improve the experience and outcomes for renters who are required to relocate under a tenant relocation plan.

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  Other resources for renters

  Legal advocacy groups

  • Tenant Resource and Advisory Centre External website, opens in new tab
  • Access Pro Bono External website, opens in new tab
  • Community Legal Assistance Society External website, opens in new tab
  • First United Legal Advocacy External website, opens in new tab

  Provincial tenancy information

  • Residential Tenancy Branch External website, opens in new tab
  • Residential Tenancy Act External website, opens in new tab

  Rental resources

  • BC Housing - Housing Assistance External website, opens in new tab
  • Vancouver Rent Bank External website, opens in new tab

  Online courses for renters

  • Renting It Right External website, opens in new tab

  Homelessness

  If you are currently homeless, please contact a homeless outreach worker External website, opens in new tab in your neighbourhood or region. Or you can connect with the City of Vancouver’s outreach team in the DTES.