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Purpose
This Advisory informs real estate licensees of changes to the Residential Tenancy Act and the Manufactured Home Park Tenancy Act as a result of Bill 14, the Tenancy Statutes Amendment Act (“Bill 14”). The amendments aim to enhance tenant protections, clarify landlord responsibilities, and streamline dispute resolution processes. This Advisory provides an overview of the key changes and their potential implications for licensees.
Background
Bill 14 received royal assent on May 16, 2024. It amends the Residential Tenancy Act and the Manufactured Home Park Tenancy Act. The amendments are set to come into effect through various phases, with certain provisions being implemented upon royal assent and others being introduced gradually through future regulations.
Changes already in effect include:
Prohibiting personal occupancy evictions in purpose-built rental buildings with five or more units;
Increasing the minimum landlord’s occupancy period from six months to 12 months where a tenancy ends for landlord use;
Prohibiting rent increases for additional occupants who are minors and making it an offence to do so; and
Prohibiting a landlord from giving frivolous notices to end tenancy.
Changes coming into effect on July 18, 2024 include:
Requiring landlords to use the new web portal to generate Notices to End Tenancy for personal occupancy;
Increasing the notice period that a landlord must give a tenant for eviction for personal use from two months to four months; and
Increasing the tenant dispute period from 15 days to 30 days.
Changes set to come into effect through future regulations include:
Prohibiting conversion of rental units to specific non-residential uses, such as short-term rental accommodation or storage;
Prescribing increased amounts of compensation for evicting long-term tenants for landlord use;
Clarifying the criteria by which a landlord can legally end a tenancy for a problematic tenant; and
Increasing administrative penalties for contraventions of the Residential Tenancy Act.
Licensee Considerations
With the enactment of Bill 14, the landscape of residential tenancies in B.C. is changing significantly. It is important for licensees to familiarize themselves with these amendments to ensure compliance and to effectively advise clients.
Bill 14 introduces a phased approach to implementation, with certain provisions already in effect and others being rolled out gradually. Licensees should ensure they understand the timelines and specific requirements of each phase in order to navigate the new requirements and avoid potential legal complications. They should also be mindful of how the amendments may impact their clients’ ability to meet certain contractual obligations, as notice periods, compensation amounts, and eviction requirements are changing. Careful consideration of the changes and proactive communication with clients and tenants will be key to mitigating potential disruptions and ensuring smooth transactions.
Licensees are advised to actively monitor the ongoing development and implementation of Bill 14's provisions. Staying informed about the evolving regulations will ensure that licensees can provide accurate and timely advice to their clients or, when necessary, recommend seeking professional legal advice.
Additional Information
To learn more about Bill 14, please visit:
Government of B.C.’s News Release on Bill 14;
Government of B.C.’s News Release on the new web portal to generate Notices to End Tenancy;
Residential Tenancies Resources;
Bill 14 – Tenancy Statutes Amendment Act, 2024; and
BC Real Estate Association’s Legally Speaking article on Bill 14.
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