Tenant Protection Development Permits
An inevitable result of growth within existing neighbourhoods is the incremental redevelopment of older rental housing stock. Redevelopment of these properties can lead to displacement of long-term residents. Relocation can challenge residents in finding new housing that is affordable, especially in a difficult housing market. Therefore, the purpose of the new Tenant Protection Bylaw is to mitigate the financial hardship of displacement and assist with tenant's transitions from their existing rental housing into market housing that may be less affordable, without unreasonably impacting development.
Tenant Protection Terms of Reference
Development proposals that meet the criteria below are required to make a Tenant Development Permit application with a Tenant Protection Plan:
- Parcel contains 5 or more rental dwelling units; and
- Units are being redeveloped which results in tenancy agreements being terminated
It is important to note that Tenant Protection Development Permits will be required if a Demolition Permit application is made prior to an application for new development and meets the above criteria.
Equivalent to 3 months rent
- Provided as lump sum payment or free rent for final 3 months of tenancy (property owner’s choice)
- Not required if tenant agrees to be relocated into another unit by the owner and the rent is less than 10% higher than the tenant’s existing rent
Financial Assistance for Moving Expenses - $1000.00
- Provided as a lump sum payment
- Tenant Protection Plan
- State of Title
- Application Form
- Owners Authorization Form
- BC Corporate Summary or Article of Directors (if applicable)
- Issued Tenant Protection Development Permit, including the Tenant Protection Plan in accordance with Terms of Reference
- Compliance report demonstrating that the requirements of the Tenant Protection Development Permit have been satisfied
Applicants are required to submit a Tenant Protection Plan in accordance with the Terms of Reference. Requirements for the application include:
- Information on how the applicant’s obligations under the Residential Tenancy Act are being met;
- Information on how the applicant’s obligations under the City’s new Tenant Protection Bylaw are being met; and
- Information on any voluntary, additional proposals by the applicant respecting protection and relocation of tenants during redevelopment.
