On June 19, the Province provided an update to its pandemic restrictions related to residential tenancies in place since March 2020. The most significant changes include (click here for details):
- While the Province is maintaining the moratorium on rent increases and evictions for late- or non-payment of rent, landlords can now issue a Notice to End Tenancy for any other reason.
- Landlords can continue to restrict or schedule the use of common areas to support physical distancing
- Landlords with existing orders for eviction can take them to the courts effective July 2, for enforcement and can enforce a writ order effective immediately.
- Landlords can enter a rental suite with 24-hour notice and do not need the tenant’s consent. They are expected to follow health guidelines like physical distancing, cleaning and wearing masks when appropriate.
- The change also allows for personal service of documents to resume.
Information about changes to B.C.’s tenancy laws during COVID-19 can be found here: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/housing-tenancy/residential-tenancies/covid-19