WHEREAS the Province of British Columbia has enacted the Residential Tenancy Act to provide equal grounds for resolution of issues arising between landlords and tenants and to protect the rights of both landlords and tenants; AND WHEREAS issues that may threaten life and safety of other tenants, the property or neighbourhood, or breach of local bylaws that continue to arise with respect to landlords inability to deal with or evict problem tenants in a timely manner, and conversely a tenants ability to deal with landlords taking advantage of gaps that may exist in the provincial legislation; AND WHEREAS a number of jurisdictions have adopted andor support crime free multi-family housing standards which include clauses within a recommended addendum that does not address a timely adjudication period, issues a violation may have on a neighbourhood or how such violation may affect the life and safety of other tenants andor a neighbourhood: THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that UBCM urge the Province of British Columbia to initiate a complete review of the Residential Tenancy Act in order to address gaps within the legislation which adversely impact both landlords and tenants.
Ministry of Natural Gas Development Minister Responsible for Housing The Residential Tenancy Act was fully reviewed in 2001 and 2002, including extensive community and stakeholder consultation, which resulted in substantial changes to the Act. The revised Residential Tenancy Act came into effect in 2004. Most landlords and tenants live up to their rights and responsibilities. When there are issues and parties cannot come to an agreement on their own, the Residential Tenancy Branch provides dispute resolution services. The arbitration process is effective. It balances the rights of both landlords and tenants and gives both parties the option to appeal a decision. We are open to working with key stakeholders to improve our processes but we have no plans to make further amendments to the Residential Tenancy Act at this time.