You can request a property use inspection by calling 3-1-1.
We also take reports for:
- Suspected hoarding.
- Unsanitary floors, walls, and ceilings.
- Home-based businesses where customers are coming on site.
- Illegal suites and illegal uses.
- Operating without a business license.
How do I report an illegal rental in BC?
Please complete the form, attach any supporting documentation, and forward by mail, fax, or email to:
- Complaint Resolution Committee. Suite 1705-4555 Kingsway. Burnaby, BC V5H 4V8.
- Attention: Manager, Complaints Resolution.
- Fax: 604-439-4722.
- Email: [email protected].
How do I make a suite legal in Vancouver?
To book an inspection, either you or your contractor can visit vancouver.ca/inspections or call us at 3-1-1 (604-873-7000 outside of Vancouver). Your suite will be approved for occupancy once our inspections show that all work meets the relevant bylaw requirements.
Are basement suites legal in Vancouver?
In order to legalize a suite in Vancouver, homeowners must have an inspector come out and assess the property. This is a free service done by a City Employee from the Secondary Suite program. The inspector will identify any key issues in your suite, and provide advice and plans to make your suite comply.
What is a secondary suite in Vancouver?
What is a secondary suite? A secondary suite is an approved dwelling unit (with its own kitchen and living area as well as separate external access) within a larger one-family or two-family dwelling. Secondary suites may share internal access with the main dwelling unit.
What makes a suite illegal in BC?
The secondary suite must be less than 90 m (968 ft ) in area, and less than 40% of the habitable floor space of the building. Ceiling heights and the undersides of beams (in passageways) must be at least 2 m (6.6 ft) above the floor.
What happens if you illegally rent out property?
You could be sent to prison for 5 years or get an unlimited fine for renting property in England to someone who you knew or had ‘reasonable cause to believe’ did not have the right to rent in the UK.
How do I know if my basement suite is legal in Vancouver?
A legal suite is when the secondary suite or garden suite adheres to zoning bylaws, meets BC building codes, and has all of the building, electrical, and plumbing permits in place. Furthermore, a qualified inspector has inspected the suite, and the City has issued a final occupancy permit.
How do you legalize suite Burnaby?
If you own a single or two-family home in Burnaby, you must complete the declaration form stating whether or not you’re renting out your home or a suite on the property. Send your form to [email protected].
What is a secondary unit?
A secondary unit is an accessory dwelling unit on a house lot that has. an independent exterior entrance and is equipped with its own kitchen and bathroom. It. can lie within the envelope of the main house, or it can be a separate structure, whether. attached or detached from the primary structure.
What is the fine for renting an illegal basement in BC?
Homeowners are often fined by their municipalities if they’re caught operating illegal suites in their homes. The fines can reach up to $2,000, like they do in Vancouver, Mirkovic said. Additionally, homeowners may be required to rebuild their secondary suites to make sure they meet building standards.
Can you airbnb a basement suite in Vancouver?
Under the city’s short-term rental bylaw, a homeowner cannot rent an illegal suite via a platform such as Airbnb.
Do you need a permit to renovate a bathroom in Vancouver?
Renovating your bathroom does not require a permit unless you’re doing work that is considered reversible, meaning it can be taken back down with no effect on the surrounding areas. This would include things like replacing fixtures, installing full showers or new baths/showers, etc.
What is the difference between a suite and an apartment?
So, a suite differs from an apartment because it has luxury options. The same is true when you book a hotel — suite options usually have more space, amenities, and maybe even a Jacuzzi in the middle of the room — it’s quite a difference from your standard single room at the Days Inn.
Is a suite better than an apartment?
A suite tends to have two rooms, a bedroom and a, for want of a better word, lounge room. An apartment tends to have more rooms, say two bedrooms, a lounge romm and a kitchen. A suite is usually serviced every day; an apartment may be serviced say twice a week.
Why is it called a suite?
A suite (sounds like “sweet”) is a collection of matching things. It usually refers to rooms together, like when you get a suite at a fancy hotel. It can also be a set of furniture or a musical composition. In housing terms, a suite is an apartment made up of connected rooms.
Can you insure an illegal suite in BC?
It’s not the concern of the insurance company whether the suite was legal or illegal, they only need to be aware of its existence. It’s also advised that landlords put an insurance clause in any contract with tenants. That is to say that a tenant must have adequate insurance if they’re renting a secondary suite.
How do I report a landlord in BC?
Contact the Residential Tenancy Branch
- Office Hours and Holiday Closures. ***SERVICE ALERT COVID-19***
- Before You Call. Review information on this site to get answers to your questions.
- Phone. 604-660-1020 (Lower Mainland)
- Email. [email protected].
- In Person.
- Complaints and Feedback.
- Government Holidays.
- Media Contact.
What happens if there is no tenancy agreement in BC?
Even if a landlord doesn’t prepare one, the standard terms of a tenancy agreement still apply. Also, paying a security deposit establishes a tenancy, even if there is no written tenancy agreement and if the tenant never moves in. Both landlords and tenants must sign and date the agreement.
What is the penalty for letting a property without a Licence?
Landlords with unlicensed rented properties can face a financial penalty notice of up to £30,000 or an unlimited fine from the court. You could also have control of your unlicensed properties taken away from you and be ordered to repay up to 12 months’ rent to us or your tenants.
How do I report someone who is subletting?
You can do this by contacting our Tenancy Fraud hotline on 020 8583 3777 or email. Alternatively, you can use our online form below.