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Consultation has concluded
Renting in Vancouver
A home is the foundation from which Vancouverites work, learn, thrive, and form a sense of belonging and community in our city. Most households in Vancouver rent their homes. Every renter needs a secure, affordable home that meets their needs. However, many renters in Vancouver face challenges finding and keeping a home.
Planning a Vancouver Renter Services Centre
We are proposing to create a 'Renter Services Centre' in the city where renters can get help. We know that many renters rely on community organizations that provide resources and services to help them retain safe, suitable and affordable housing. We’re exploring the idea of bringing organizations together under one roof at 900 Howe Street to help renters access the services they need.
The proposed Renter Services Centre could offer a range of services such as legal support for a renter facing an eviction, education for renters to learn about renter rights and responsibilities, help understanding City and Provincial policies, help filling out housing applications, and more. Our goal is to improve access to supports, education and legal advocacy for Vancouver renters.
We are currently exploring the feasibility and potential value of a Renter Services Centre, including options to best meet the needs of renters in accessing services and supports.
Renting in Vancouver
A home is the foundation from which Vancouverites work, learn, thrive, and form a sense of belonging and community in our city. Most households in Vancouver rent their homes. Every renter needs a secure, affordable home that meets their needs. However, many renters in Vancouver face challenges finding and keeping a home.
Planning a Vancouver Renter Services Centre
We are proposing to create a 'Renter Services Centre' in the city where renters can get help. We know that many renters rely on community organizations that provide resources and services to help them retain safe, suitable and affordable housing. We’re exploring the idea of bringing organizations together under one roof at 900 Howe Street to help renters access the services they need.
The proposed Renter Services Centre could offer a range of services such as legal support for a renter facing an eviction, education for renters to learn about renter rights and responsibilities, help understanding City and Provincial policies, help filling out housing applications, and more. Our goal is to improve access to supports, education and legal advocacy for Vancouver renters.
We are currently exploring the feasibility and potential value of a Renter Services Centre, including options to best meet the needs of renters in accessing services and supports.
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In the fall of 2021, we asked you about your experiences accessing services to help you find and keep your rental home, and how a Renter Services Centre could best help meet your needs as a renter. We engaged over 600 renters with a diversity of lived experiences through a survey and focus groups. 37 organizations that support Vancouver renters also shared their ideas and feedback. Learn more in the What We Heard engagement summary and appendix.
Project timeline
Spring – Fall 2021: Early exploration
Renter Services Centre has finished this stage
We engaged renters and renter-serving organizations to get a better understanding of the level of interest in a Renter Services Centre and key service needs, and to identify barriers to accessing services for renters.
Fall 2021 – Spring 2022: Feasibility study
Renter Services Centre has finished this stage
The Feasibility Study identified a vision for the Centre, as well as identifying and evaluating options to achieve that vision, including financial viability and sustainable operations.
The Feasibility Study also helped decide whether and how to move forward with developing the Renter Services Centre.
A Project Advisory Committee, with members from renter-serving organizations and renters, provided advice and expertise during this phase.
Staff are working on ‘next steps’ and recommendations to implement community-based renter services at 900 Howe Street, based on the findings of the Feasibility Study.
Early 2023: Staff report to Council
Renter Services Centre is currently at this stage
Staff will report back to Council in early 2023 with recommendations.
Future Phases: 2023 (TBC)
this is an upcoming stage for Renter Services Centre
Further actions will be confirmed based on recommendations and Council direction.