B.C. is extending the moratorium on rent increases and evictions related missed to rent payments.
However, notices to end tenancy, for reasons other than unpaid rent, will resume later this month, the provincial government announced Friday (June 19).
“As we move forward with carefully restarting the economy and look to a new normal, we are taking a similarly phased approach to rental housing,” said Selina Robinson, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing, in a statement.
“We’re recognizing that there are situations where it is safe and reasonable to return to normal processes, but we’re also continuing to protect people who have lost income because of the pandemic from losing their homes.”
Once the new order comes into effect later this month, landlords will be able to serve a notice for reasons including landlord/purchaser use, such as the sale of a property where the new owner intends to move in.
Landlords will also be able to issue notices for cause, for example, where a tenant is putting the landlord or other tenants at risk, or has sublet the apartment without permission.
Depending on the type, these will require a notice period of between one and four months, according to a release from the provincial government.
Eviction notices served before the ban on evictions came into effect March 30, will also come into effect once the new order comes into effect, and orders that were filed with the courts will be enforceable.
Landlords wishing to have an existing notice of eviction enforced will be able to apply to begin that process July 1.
In addition, landlords will also be able to access units for repairs, maintenance, and showing the unit, following a standard notice period. The province says, however, that landlords and tenants are expected to maintain physical distancing at all times and wear appropriate personal protective equipment, including masks.
However, landlords will continue to be able to set restrictions on shared spaces, such as limiting the number of people in elevators, gyms and laundry rooms.
Temporary rental supplement extended
The province says it is also extending the temporary rental supplement (TRS) until the end of August 2020, to support renters and landlords during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“COVID-19 has touched all aspects of our lives and economy,” said Robinson.
“Recognizing the financial challenges faced by many people, our government is extending the TRS and maintaining the rent freeze and the ban on evictions for non-payment of rent. We’re continuing to protect renters as we also ensure landlords are receiving some income during this time.
Those who have already been approved for the TRS do not need to reapply, and will receive an email asking them to confirm that they plan to live at the same address through July and August, according to the provincial government.
New applications for the TRS will also be accepted until Aug. 31, and those who apply will be eligible for a supplement for the month the application is received, and all subsequent months.
The province says that between April 9 and June 15, BC Housing received more than 90,000 applications for the TRS, with nearly 82,500 eligible applications confirmed.
Through the TRS, eligible households with dependents receive $500 per month, while eligible households without dependents receive $300 per month. Eligible roommates are also able to apply for the rental supplement.
