The ministry of housing has announced a rental insurance program for landlords but the Landlord Rights Association of B.C. wants to see more details.
Creating an insurance program to reimburse landlords for unpaid rents and damage caused by bad tenants was one of the demands made by the association when it demonstrated in front of Housing Minister Ravi Kahlon’s office in March.
The association last year also launched a petition calling for several other changes to landlord-tenant rights.
Baldeep Singh Jhand, with the landlord association, said Wednesday they appreciate the government’s effort, but they’re not sure how the program will work, or how or when it will be implemented.
Kahlon announced an outline of the program on Sept. 16 and said more details will be coming and the program should launch in the new year.
“Rather than mere promises, we are asking the government to show some seriousness to our genuine and bona fide demands,” Jhand said.
The group met with Kahlon on Aug. 9 and the minister followed up with a letter Sept. 9, noting other groups have the same concerns and referenced the insurance program.
In response to another question from the association, Kahlon said he’s asked staff to consult with the Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner about releasing names of tenants when monetary orders are issued by the Residential Tenancy Branch.
Kahlon has also directed staff to review how documents are served to residents, to review the requirement for landlords to store tenant’s possessions for 60 days after eviction, and to review bailiff costs.
The minister also pointed out the Residential Tenancy Branch received $16 million in new funding in 2022 which has reduced delays in decisions and hearing.
“We appreciate the government’s recognition of some of our concerns but critical issues such as restoring fixed-term agreements, addressing below-market rent, and expanding the definition of close family members remain resolved,” Jhand said on Facebook.
