It’s no secret that Squamish renters have been moaning about the pricey market.
A new provincial initiative might be of some help in this case.
Premier John Horgan has appointed a Rental Housing Task Force that will advise on how to improve security and fairness for renters and landlords throughout B.C., the province announced Tuesday in a news release.
“Our laws haven’t kept up with the changing housing market, and that has left both renters and landlords vulnerable,” said Horgan. “This task force will connect with British Columbians, review laws in other jurisdictions and deliver the first full review of our residential tenancy laws in 16 years.”
Vancouver-West End MLA Spencer Chandra Herbert will be in charge of the task force.
“One-and-a-half million British Columbians rent,” said Chandra Herbert in the release. “For too long, issues of security, affordability and fairness have been ignored, with the voices of renters and landlords sidelined. We need to bring renters, landlords and all those who care about rental housing to the table to improve our tenancy laws so they work better for everyone. It’s time.”
It’s hoped that throughout the summer, the task force will be able understand what changes may be needed for B.C.’s tenancy laws.
This would include consulting with public, landlords, tenants and stakeholders on their views and experiences with current tenancy laws.
