Mar
8
MLA Report
By Carole James
I've heard from hundreds of constituents over the last few months concerned about affordability and availability of housing in our community. It continues to be one of the top affordability worries in Victoria, for families, seniors, individuals, and the homeless.
The issue of “renovictions” – a tactic used by some landlords to evict renters under the pretense of renovating so that they can increase the rent, is just the most recent example.
In January my office hosted a workshop with Together Against Poverty Society (TAPS) and the James Bay New Horizons, and we've had another public meeting as well. A third public meeting is being planned for March 17 at 6 pm at the James Bay New Horizons.
Over the last decade there's been a terrible lack of real action by the provincial and federal governments to address the need for affordable housing. We're seeing the results. An exceptionally low vacancy rate of 0.06% and ever increasing rents make securing an affordable place to live very challenging, especially for our neighbours who are on fixed incomes.
This issue came to a boil late last year when one company that owns approximately 500 units in six James Bay apartment buildings began renovations and encouraged residents to move out, including some tenants who received two-month eviction notices. For our seniors, many of whom have lived in rental apartments for 10, 15 and 20 years, the threat of being thrown out without another place to live is frightening indeed.
Unfortunately, government regulation allows this practice to occur – and it must stop. The Official Opposition has pressed the government to make changes to the Residential Tenancy Act to halt renovictions, but to this point the government has refused to act.
In particular, changes are needed to provide tenants with more notice of pending evictions, the right of first refusal for a unit once it is renovated, and proper justification for rent increases following renovations. Landlords should have to justify why tenants have to move out, and why the renovations are necessary.
Buildings are aging and many require remedial work. Sometimes the reasons for moving tenants out are justifiable. But sometimes they are not. More accountability will help the many caring landlords and tenants. The Opposition will be tabling a Bill in the spring session of the legislature that would address some of the deficiencies in the current legislation.
In the meantime, I will continue working with our community, landlords, businesses and others to increase any and all options for affordable housing in our community.
I appreciate hearing your concerns and perspectives on this issue and any others of interest to you.
1084 Fort Street
Victoria, BC V8V 3K4
Phone: 250 952-4211