BC launches landlord registry to professionalize rental industry
January 18, 2017, Victoria, B.C. – A registry for landlords designed to professionalize the rental industry throughout the province launched today. 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 BC.
“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 BC 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 Landlord BC 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 an ‘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.”
Fast Facts about Rental Housing in BC:
Contributed $10.60 billion to BC’s GDP
Generated Labour Income of $4.87 billion in BC, and 82,851 Full-Time Equivalent (FTE) jobs in BC;
Created $2.56 billion in government revenues in BC.
The most affordable form of housing available.
Source: KPMG Economic Assessment Study Nov. 2014
About LandlordBC: LandlordBC is BC’s top resource for owners and managers of rental housing. With more than 3,300 members, LandlordBC is the largest professional rental housing industry association in the province. By providing education, resources and support, we make owning and managing rental housing easier. LandlordBC strives to balance the landlord’s rights to operate in a free market with the tenants’ rights to access safe, stable housing, as one unified, respected voice for the rental housing industry. For more information about LandlordBC: http://landlordbc.ca
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Media Contact:
Trisha Lees
Rep Lab Communications
250-857-5655