BC expands violence protection in the Residential Tenancy Act

Changes to BC’s Residential Tenancy Act will come into effect on Saturday, May 30.

While there are existing provisions that allow victims of family violence to end a tenancy agreement early without financial penalty, the act has been expanded to include a wider definition.

“Under the new legislation, violence includes activities that have or are likely to have a negative effect on the security, safety or physical well-being of a renter, their dependents or other occupant, if they remain in the rental homes,” stated the province in a press release.

“For example, a person living in a rental home who is being harassed or threatened by someone they know, or a stranger, may be able to end their rental agreement without financial penalty.”

According to the BC government, if staying in the rental home threatens the renter's safety or the safety of another occupant, such as a roommate, they will now be eligible to end their tenancy.

These changes are particularly timely, as the COVID-19 pandemic has increased the risk of household violence and limited the social and financial supports available to people needing to leave an unsafe situation," said interim third-party Leader Adam Olsen.

For more information on BC's Residential Tenancy Act, click here.