The Tenant Assistance Policy (TAP) supports tenants living in homes that are proposed for redevelopment and complements existing renter regulations in the Provincial Residential Tenancy Act. If the rental property you live in is being rezoned, the Tenant Assistance Policy may help you.
Compensation for Displacement
If you will be displaced due to the redevelopment of your rental home, you could be entitled to the following support from your landlord:
- Lump sum of money and/or free rent based on the length of time you have lived in the rental unit
- Moving cost and assistance
- Help finding another place to live
- Right of First Refusal (if applicable) to return to the new building at 20 per cent below the market rent rate after the redevelopment is complete
Compensation is based on your current rent or the average rent for that unit type (whichever is higher) and the number of years that you have been a tenant in the building (See Affordable Housing Bylaw for current rental rates). If you are a tenant in a non-market rental or social housing, other guidelines apply. For full information about the TAP process and answers to frequently asked questions, see the Tenant Relocation Guide. Reach out to housing@victoria.ca if you have any questions.
Tenant Assistance Policy Process - Step by Step
The Tenant Assistance Policy process is as follows:
- The applicant (property owner or developer) notifies tenants of plans for redevelopment or demolition and provides a copy of the Tenant Assistance Policy, Tenant Relocation Guide and Tenant Request for Assistance Form.
- The applicant works with the tenants to develop a Tenant Assistance Plan. This plan must meet the Tenant Assistance Policy and the tenants’ needs.*
- When the development permit and Tenant Assistance Plan are approved, tenants are notified and provided with a copy of the final plan.
- After receiving all required building permits, the applicant will issue a Four-Month Notice to End Tenancy , required by the provincial Residential Tenancy Act. Tenants can choose to move out before receiving the eviction notice and will still be compensated under TAP.
If you need extra support after reviewing your landlord’s draft Tenant Assistance Plan, complete the Request for Tenant Assistance Form describing the help you may need (e. g., financial support, help with packing before for your move) and provide it to your landlord. You can also read the Tenant Assistance Package for more information and contact the Tenant Assistance Planner for information or support (housing@victoria.ca or 250-361-0546).