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New online database offers renters in Vancouver support
Vancouver/CKNW(AM980)
Marcella Bernardo | Email news tips to Marcella
2/6/2013

The city considered the most expensive in Canada is now offering help to people who can't afford to buy a home in Vancouver.
 
The Rental Standards Database offers an online search of residential buildings, so renters can make more informed decisions.

Mayor Gregor Robertson says most landlords treat tenants with respect, but this database keeps track of those who need to be more responsible.
  
It covers any building containing at least five suites with bylaw infractions which haven't been resolved within the past year.
 
That includes single-room occupancy hotels, private rentals, social housing and supportive units.

Right now, 300 buildings are listed as having problems.

The program in the works more than a year is based on a similar one operated by New York.


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  1. lindsaym_7673 posted on 02/06/2013 09:50 PM
    It's a dam good idea and it's long overdue. This city is filled with disrespectful slumlords who don't give a rats ass about the well being of the tenant but they only care about filling their slimy pockets . It's a ongoing big time problem in Maple ridge but nothing gets done about and they just keep getting away with it while local politicians turn a blind eye.
  2. AmyS_1593 posted on 02/07/2013 08:32 AM
    The Rental Housing Council represents more than 3,000 rental buildings owners, managers and associates. We are actively pursuing a Certified Rental Building program to bring to BC that will provide tenants with quality assurance when selecting their future home.

    The program currently exists in Ontario, is the first of its kind in North America, and focuses on quality building management and customer service standards for rental apartment buildings. We have already heard interest from several apartment building owners recognizing the need for such a program in the province, and are looking to develop the program to adhere to BC legislation and regulations.

    www.rentalhousingcouncil.com
  3. NewKat posted on 02/07/2013 09:05 AM
    I am a landlord, and from my perspective, I would like to see a database of bad tenants. The residential tenancy laws are weighted in favour of the tenant, and if you happen to get a bad one, it is really hard and very expensive to get rid of them, not to mention the damange they can do to your property.
    If I could be sure I was getting a good tenant, I would have no problem offering a lower rent.
    1. ChrisM_18 posted on 02/07/2013 10:37 AM
      @NewKat Well said - there are a lot more bad renters than bad landlords ! Bad renters can hang around for months with no recourse!
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