21.51°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

CanadaJul 10, 2026

Canadian Punjabi man sentenced to 20 years in U.S. for leading cross-border drug trafficking operation

A Canadian man of Punjabi origin has been sentenced to 20 years in a U.S. federal prison after admitting to leading an international drug trafficking organization that smuggled large quantities of methamphetamine and cocaine from the United States into Canada. According to U.S. court documents, 63-year-old Guramrit Sidhu pleaded guilty on March 26, 2026, to charges related to his role in the trafficking operation. He had been in U.S. custody since October 2024. Prosecutors said Sidhu led the criminal organization between September 2020 and February 2023. Investigators determined that between S
BCJul 10, 2026

Wildfire rages out of control near Boston Bar in B.C., Highway 1 closed

Wildfire activity near Boston Bar in British Columbia's Fraser Canyon continues to pose a significant threat, with Highway 1 closed due to uncontrolled fires burning on both sides of the Fraser River. According to authorities, the closure is in place to protect public safety. Many residents have already left for safer locations, while others remain on alert as conditions continue to evolve. Amid the emergency, Jagdeep Singh Bahl, owner of JB's Drive-In Restaurant near Highway 1, has opened his restaurant earlier than usual to provide meals for wildfire crews battling the blazes. Bahl said he i
amber-alert-issued-after-alleged-abduction-of-six-year-old-near-b-c-alberta-border
BCJul 10, 2026

Amber Alert issued after alleged abduction of six-year-old near B.C.–Alberta border

Alberta RCMP have issued an Amber Alert after the alleged abduction of a six-year-old child from northern Alberta, with investigators believing the child may now be in British Columbia, the Northwest Territories or Yukon. According to RCMP, Lanakai Morrison was allegedly taken Tuesday from Valhalla Centre, a hamlet about 63 kilometres northwest of Grande Prairie. Police said the child was last seen at about 9:30 a.m. Wednesday in Fort St. John, B.C. Investigators believe Lanakai may be with the child's 35-year-old mother, Krista Morrison, and her 35-year-old partner, Daniel Ludwig. Police also
canada-adds-18-200-jobs-in-june-as-unemployment-rate-falls-to-6-5
CanadaJul 10, 2026

Canada adds 18,200 jobs in June as unemployment rate falls to 6.5%

Canada's labour market posted a net gain of 18,200 jobs in June, while the national unemployment rate declined to 6.5 per cent, according to Statistics Canada's Labour Force Survey released Friday. The increase follows a stronger gain of 87,800 jobs recorded in May. According to Statistics Canada, employment growth in June was driven primarily by the services sector and part-time work. The largest job gains were reported in wholesale and retail trade, as well as accommodation and food services, with younger workers benefiting the most from the hiring. Manufacturing continued to face pressure a
AlbertaJul 10, 2026

Calgary house fire sends one person to hospital; five occupants escape safely

One person was taken to hospital after an early morning house fire in southeast Calgary on Friday, while four other occupants and a family pet escaped the home safely. According to the Calgary Fire Department, crews responded to a reported residential fire at approximately 2:45 a.m. in the 300 block of Chapala Point S.E. Firefighters arrived to find smoke and flames coming from the rear and side of the home before bringing the fire under control. Officials said all five occupants were able to evacuate the residence before firefighters arrived. One person sustained burns and smoke inhalation an

Related News