21.77°C Vancouver

Nov 9, 2020 9:37 PM -

Rents won't climb in B.C. until at least July 2021 as province extends freeze

Share On
rents-wont-climb-in-b-c-until-at-least-july-2021-as-province-extends-freeze
Municipal Affairs and Housing Minister Selina Robinson listens during a housing announcement in Coquitlam, B.C., on April 13, 2018. Tenants in British Columbia will be protected from rent increases until at least next summer. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck

Effective immediately, the Province is extending the freeze on rent increases until July 10, 2021, under the powers of the Emergency Program Act and COVID-19 Related Measures Act.

This is an interim measure to provide stability and advance notice for renters and landlords while a new cabinet is sworn in.

Increases set to happen on Dec. 1, 2020, are cancelled, along with all pending increases through to July.

"We know many renters are still facing income loss and even the slightest increase in rent could be extremely challenging. For that reason, we are extending the freeze on rent increases to provide more security for renters during the pandemic," said Selina Robinson, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing.

"We are all in this together, and it is important for both renters and landlords that people can stay in their homes."

The Province originally froze rent increases on March 18, 2020, with the ban set to expire Dec. 1.

All renters who have received notice their rent was set to increase after the March 30, 2020, ban, including increases set for Dec. 1, should disregard those notices and continue to pay their current rent amount until July 10, 2021.

Latest news

two-men-charged-in-windsor-child-grooming-human-trafficking-investigation-police-seek-two-more-suspects
BCJul 09, 2026

Two men charged in Windsor child grooming, human trafficking investigation

Two Windsor men are facing a combined 17 criminal charges after a Windsor Police Service investigation into the alleged grooming, sexual exploitation and human trafficking of two underage girls. Police say two additional suspects remain outstanding. According to a Windsor Police Service news release, the investigation began in April 2026 after the Human Trafficking Unit received information that a youth had been groomed and sexually exploited by an unknown suspect. Investigators allege the victim met a man using the name "Jack" on Snapchat before the relationship moved offline. Police allege t
BCJul 09, 2026

109 people died from unregulated drugs in B.C. during May, preliminary coroner data shows

A preliminary report from the BC Coroners Service says 109 people died from unregulated drug toxicity in British Columbia during May 2026, an average of 3.5 deaths per day. According to the BC Coroners Service, this is the lowest monthly total since February 2020, when 79 deaths were recorded. The agency noted the figures are preliminary and may change as investigations are completed. The provincial government said adults between the ages of 30 and 59 accounted for 68 per cent of all unregulated drug deaths recorded during the first five months of 2026, while men represented 76 per cent of tho
BCJul 09, 2026

Three charged after Surrey investigation into alleged 3D-printed firearms and drug trafficking

Three people, including one woman, have been charged following a British Columbia anti-gang investigation into the alleged manufacture of illegal firearms using a 3D printer and drug trafficking in Surrey. According to the Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit of British Columbia (CFSEU-BC), the charges follow an investigation stemming from the execution of a search warrant at a Surrey residence in September 2025. Media Relations Officer Sgt. Sarbjit Kaur Sangha said investigators found a 3D printer actively producing a firearm when officers entered the home. Police said officers seized a 3
CanadaJul 09, 2026

Quebec introduces testing requirement for newer Ontario truck drivers seeking licence transfers

The Quebec government has announced temporary measures requiring some Ontario truck drivers to pass a practical road test before transferring their commercial licences to Quebec, citing concerns about driver training and road safety. Under the changes announced Thursday, Ontario Class 1 truck drivers with less than two years of driving experience who want to exchange their licence for a Quebec equivalent will now be required to pass a practical driving examination. Drivers who fail the test twice will be required to complete additional training before becoming eligible, according to the Quebec
several-structures-destroyed-as-two-out-of-control-wildfires-burn-in-b-c-s-fraser-canyon
BCJul 09, 2026

Several Structures Destroyed as Two Out-of-Control Wildfires Burn in B.C.'s Fraser Canyon

Several structures have been destroyed by two out-of-control wildfires burning in British Columbia's Fraser Canyon region, according to the Fraser Valley Regional District. Officials say conditions near Boston Bar remain too dangerous for crews to complete a full assessment of the damage. According to authorities, the Ainslie Creek wildfire has grown to 16,987 hectares after igniting on July 4. The Brunswick Creek wildfire, first detected on July 2, has also expanded and is now estimated at approximately 2,600 hectares. Reports indicate Blue Lake Resort has sustained significant damage from th

Related News