A registry for landlords designed to professionalize the rental industry throughout B.C. is now available. The registry developed by LandlordBC will allow tenants to screen their potential landlords to ensure they are familiar with the basics of the Residential Tenancy Act – the guideline for rental agreements in B.C.
“It’s time that landlords start to treat the rental unit they manage like a business,” said David Hutniak, CEO LandlordBC. “This registry gives renters a tool to see if the person they are renting from has credibility and knowledge.”
More than 30 per cent of B.C. uses rental housing, about 550,000 units. Research shows currently that too many landlords don’t treat their rental property like a business leaving them open to having a tenant take legal action against them that costs money and time.
“This registry will raise the playing field for both landlords and tenants,” said Victoria landlord Derek Pinto. “If landlords understand the do’s and don’ts of landlording they will be better landlords. After completing ‘basic training’ with LandlordBC I feel more confident fulfilling my job description of providing the best service to my tenants while following the rules set out in the Residential Tenancy Act.”
Landlords throughout the province complete a two-hour online course which familiarizes them with the Residential Tenancy Act. Following the course work, landlords complete a test and once they achieve an 80 per cent grade they are registered and receive a ‘I Rent It Right’ certificate. Registered landlords will be part of a database renters can search when they are looking for a landlord. For landlords, the certification is a marketing tool – recognition of competency.
“This registry is good for both landlords and tenants because training like this puts balance in the rental market,” said Russ Godfrey, tenant advocate. “It will help tenants find a fair person to rent from and that is a step in the right direction.”
Participation in the Landlord Registry is available for $39 plus GST. The nominal fee is intended to remove a financial barrier to access the program and reinforces LandlordBC’s commitment to the Registry’s educational component.
With more than 3,300 members, LandlordBC is the largest professional rental housing industry association in the province. Visit: landlordregistry.ca
