On June 24, the BC Government made it possible to evict residential tenants for reasons other than non-payment of rent. That means real estate transactions that require vacant possession can now proceed.

Landlords with existing orders for eviction can take them to the courts beginning July 2, 2020, for enforcement and can enforce a writ order effective immediately. Landlords can enter a rental suite with 24-hour notice and don’t need the tenant’s consent. And documents can now be served in person.

REALTORS® and landlords are expected to follow health guidelines like physical distancing, cleaning and wearing masks when appropriate. Please continue with your diligence in showing property and meeting with clients. Check out the protocols from WorkSafeBC for more information.

The government commits to giving advance notice before lifting the moratorium on evictions for non-payment of rent at a future date. A framework will be put in place that will require landlords to work with tenants to repay rent that’s owing over a reasonable period of time.

For now, the freeze on rent increases remains in place, as does a landlord’s ability to restrict access to common spaces.

Read the government news release here and information about COVID-19 and tenancies here. And these are the timelines required for serving notices during tenancies.

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