Residential Tenancies Branch

Unit by Unit Rehabilitation Scheme

As of November 1, 2007, landlords will be able to apply for the approval of a rehabilitation scheme for a single unit.  This program will apply to units that have been voluntarily vacated and will exempt the units from rent regulation for up to 2 years.

When reviewing an application, the Branch will consider the general condition of the complex as well as that of the unit.  To qualify for approval, the rehabilitation must make major improvements that substantially increase the quality of the unit.  It must include replacement of at least three of the following:

• Kitchen cabinets or kitchen countertops and sink
• Appliances
• Bathroom fixtures
• Flooring
• Electrical wiring
• Interior doors
• Windows or patio doors
• Any other improvement the Branch accepts

If the Branch approves the application, the unit will be exempt from rent regulation for a specified period.  The length of the exemption depends on the cost of the rehabilitation.  The Branch will use the following to determine how long the unit will be exempt:

             Rehabilitation Cost                                          Exemption Period 

            $3,500.00 - $4,999.99                                                 1 year
            $5,000.00 or more                                                      2 years

To apply for approval of a single unit rehabilitation, the landlord must complete the Application for Approval of Rehabilitation Scheme for Specified Unit.  The landlord then sends the application to the Branch along with the $100.00 processing fee.  The application must be received by the Branch before 20% of the proposed work has been completed.

A landlord may apply for up to 10% of the units in a complex each calendar year.  Under this program, the Branch will exempt up to 3,000 rental units from rent regulation each calendar year.  The total number of units exempted under this program cannot exceed 5,500 at any time.