Information for Tenants

Information and resources for tenants

The temporary accommodation by-law is intended for owners with vacant condos, or suites or for those that will be leaving the city during the 2010 Winter Games.  The City of Vancouver recognizes that some owners may evict tenants to make way for 2010 Winter Games visitors. As a result, the City of Vancouver has developed an integrated strategy to help minimize the risk of tenant displacement.

The City has:

  • Asked the B.C government to amend the Residential Tenancy Act to prohibit evictions between June 1, 2009 and March 31, 2010 other than by reason of tenant default. This provincial leadership will help ensure tenants in good standing are not involuntarily displaced from their residences.
  • Asked the B.C. government to increase Residential Tenancy Branch services in the downtown core or along the Broadway corridor by opening a full-time office for a 12-month period around the 2010 Winter Games.
  • Included a by-law prohibition preventing owners from renting temporary accommodation if the dwelling unit was occupied by a tenant after June 1, 2009. This will reduce the likelihood of an owner evicting an existing tenant or leaving rental accommodation vacant leading up to the 2010 Winter Games.
  • Provided $40,000 in funding for a Tenant Assistance Worker to aid tenants in resolving disputes.

Online tenant registry
This by-law prevents owners from renting temporary accommodation if the dwelling unit is occupied by a tenant after June 1, 2009. To help identify dwelling units that are occupied by tenants, the City of Vancouver has created an online tenant registry. Tenants should register if they are concerned that they may be displaced for temporary Games visitors, in contravention of the by-law. City staff will then cross-reference temporary accommodation licence applications with the tenant registry database. Owners will not be granted a license to provide temporary accommodation if the dwelling unit is occupied between June 1 2009 and March 31, 2010.
You can apply to the tenant registry by registering online.

News ReleaseApply to the tenant registry. Important: Please note that tenants entering their information may be contacted to verify their information.


If you are concerned that you may be evicted (in contravention of the Residential Tenancy Act), we recommend you contact the Residential Tenancy Branch via their website or by phone at 604-660-1020.

The information in the tenant registry will be used by the City for by-law investigation and enforcement purposes and personal information will not be disclosed to landlords, or other third parties, except as required by law.  This information is collected under the authority of sections 26(b) and 26(c) of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FOIPPA) and will be destroyed on or before April 1, 2011 unless that information is required for by-law enforcement purposes.  Questions about the collection and use of this information may be directed to 604.873.7011.

Tenant Assistance Worker
The City is funding a Tenant Assistance Worker to aid tenants in resolving disputes with their landlords.  If you are concerned about being evicted or would like more information about your rights as a tenant, email help@tenants.bc.ca or call 604.255.5102.

Other tenant resources