The B.C. government announced it is increasing the Residential Tenancy Branch’s (RTB) operating budget and staffing by 40 per cent in an effort to speed up and strengthen the residential tenancy dispute resolution process. As may as 50 new full-time employees are expected to help cut waiting times that have been plaguing the Compliance and Enforcement Unit (CEU) since its inception in 2019.
“Renters and landlords have been clear that the current residential tenancy dispute resolution process isn’t working fast enough to address their needs,” said Ravi Kahlon, Minister of Housing. “We hear you and we are taking action to speed up service and strengthen enforcement to address things like repeat or serious offences like illegal evictions, so renters and landlords can get the fair treatment and timely support they deserve.”
Since COVID-19, the RTB has received a high volume of applications. This new investment of as much as $15.6 million over three years is expected to inject significant new resources to improve service delivery and speed up waiting times for hearings.
“As tenants grapple with the ongoing housing and eviction crises, it is essential that they can access and enforce their rights at the RTB,” said Robert Patterson, lawyer, Tenant Resource and Advisory Centre (TRAC). “This additional support for the RTB will mean that tenants whose landlords are ignoring the law can have their urgent concerns addressed sooner. TRAC hopes that adding more staff will mean not only that tenants’ cases will be heard more quickly, but also that arbitrators will have the time and support they need to give well-reasoned decisions. We also applaud the government’s investment in the Compliance and Enforcement Unit, which has been an incredible resource for tenants, by preventing illegal evictions and taking meaningful action against bad-faith landlords.”
Launched prior to the pandemic, the CEU’s purpose is to investigate complaints and take action on repeat or serious residential tenancy offences, such as illegal evictions, and levy monetary penalties if needed. The government says the investment will allow the CEU to intervene earlier and in many cases prevent the need for hearings in the first place.
“Not only will this new investment alleviate financial concerns for landlords by allowing them to solve rental disputes faster, but it will also ensure that their unit is available to provide housing to people in B.C. at a time when it’s needed most,” said David Hutniak, CEO, LandlordBC. “We are pleased to see this government take action to resolve a process they recognize isn’t working. We look forward to continuing to work alongside them to create better solutions for landlords and renters in our province.”
For more information on B.C.’s investment in the RTB, visit:
https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/housing-tenancy/residential-tenancies
