Information for Landlords
- What are the rules that I have to follow as a landlord?
- Please visit this Government of BC website regarding residential tenancies.
- I have a dispute with my renter that I am unable to resolve on my own.
- Please contact the Residential Tenancy Branch to apply for dispute resolution.
- What is the allowable rent increase for 2021?
- The Government of British Columbia has suspended rent increases starting December 1, 2020 to July 10, 2021. Landlords must not raise rents on their renters until after this date.
Information for Renters
- Can you/your office mediate a dispute between me and my landlord?
- No, we cannot contact your landlord on your behalf or mediate a conflict between you and your landlord. Please contact the Residential Tenancy Branch for Dispute Resolution.
- I have a dispute with my landlord that I am unable to resolve on my own.
- Please contact the Residential Tenancy Branch to apply for dispute resolution.
- I have a question about my rights as a tenant.
- Please visit the Government of British Columbia’s website on Residential Tenancies
- You can also visit the Tenant Resource and Advisory Centre’s (TRAC) website for template letters and information on your rights as a tenant.
- For specific questions, the TRAC Tenant Info Line can be reached at 1-800-665-1185. They are open:
- Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays from 1:00PM to 5:00PM
- Wednesdays from 5:30PM to 8:30PM
- I need legal representation.
- Free legal representation may be available to you through the Tenant Resource and Advisory Centre.
- Our office is unable to offer legal advice.
Subsidized Housing (BC Housing)
- I need to apply for public housing.
- Please visit bchousing.org for more information.
- Complete the Housing Registry application form: https://www.bchousing.org/housing-assistance/rental-housing/subsidized-housing
- We recommend selecting as many suitable locations as possible across multiple cities to minimize wait times.
- I need assistance with the cost of housing.
- Are you a senior? You may qualify for the Shelter Aid for Elderly Residents (SAFER) program.
- Low income families may qualify for the Rental Assistance Program.
- If you require assistance with either of these applications please contact my office. We can assist with making scanned or photocopies of necessary documents, provide paper copies of the application, and fax the application to the appropriate body. However, we cannot complete the application on your behalf.
- Where am I on the BC Housing waitlist?
- Please contact B.C Housing to receive more information.
- If you are experiencing difficulties obtaining an answer, please contact my office.
- Can you change my position on the waitlist/expedite my housing request?
- Unfortunately, no. We cannot change or advocate that you receive housing ahead of someone else on the list.
- However, BC Housing prioritizes some situations including:
- at risk of homelessness,
- at risk of violence and/or
- have a serious health condition that is affected by their current housing
- If this applies to you, you should also fill out the Supplemental Application found here: https://www.bchousing.org/publications/Housing-Registry-Supplemental-Application-Form.pdf
- Can you find housing for me?
- No, unfortunately our office is not equipped to help constituents access a specific type of housing or specific property.