To improve health and safety in supportive housing, and ensure that the rights of tenants continue to be protected, the Province is making amendments to the Residential Tenancy Act (RTA).

“The majority of the approximately 15,000 people living in supportive housing create a positive community in their homes and with their neighbours. Operators of supportive housing are calling for more tools and support to deal with rare problematic tenants and guests,” said Christine Boyle, Minister of Housing and Municipal Affairs. “By providing new tools to keep tenants and staff safe, we can continue the vital work of helping people find stability in their lives, while also assisting those living and working in supportive housing to feel more comfortable and secure.”

Record investments in housing are addressing homelessness and moving people inside and away from encampments. These proposed changes aim to address the most pressing concerns related to health and safety, while continuing to protect the rights of tenants living in supportive housing.

Proposed amendments to the Residential Tenancy Act

The proposed amendments will provide new tools in supportive housing to:

-take new action to keep weapons out of supportive housing

-provide operators a continuum of options to temporarily restrict the access of tenants to a supportive housing site to de-escalate critical health and safety risks to other residents and staff. In extreme circumstances, operators may restrict access to tenants to a supportive housing building if they are awaiting an expedited Residential Tenancy Branch eviction hearing for posing a threat to fellow residents, staff or guests

-clarify when and where the Residential Tenancy Act applies

Protecting workers in supportive housing, and other forms of housing, continues to be a government priority. Amendments will also be made to protect all workers and guests across all forms of rental housing.

In 2024, the Residential Tenancy Regulation was amended to define supportive housing under the Residential Tenancy Act, and it exempted supportive housing from sections of the act to enable guest management and wellness checks.