Frequently Asked Questions

Tenants who live in a purpose-built rental building that have five or more units are protected under the policy.

Tenants residing in strata rental properties, in which the building is owned and operated by a single owner or entity, are eligible for assistance and compensation made available through the policy.

All tenants are eligible for assistance and compensation if they have a tenancy agreement with the landlord and were permanently residing at the rental property on the date the City received a Development or Rezoning Application.

Tenant eligibility criteria for multi-phased projects is identified below.

Some redevelopment projects are proposed to occur over more than one phase (e.g. Master Development Plan communities). 

Where a multi-phased project is proposed, the trigger point that determines a tenant’s eligibility for assistance under the Tenant Relocation Policy (PDF) is the Master Development Plan (PDF) application.

Payment must be made to the tenant before or on the scheduled move-out date.

A tenant may decide to move out soon after the Applicant submits their development application, or they may choose to stay as long as possible. A tenant may terminate their tenancy at any time in accordance with the regulations outlined in the Residential Tenancy Act (RTA). Under the RTA, Notice to End Tenancy will only be allowed after the landlord receives all necessary permits and approvals.

Compensation, including moving assistance, must only be paid by cheque or Electronic Funds Transfer.

All tenants who had a tenancy agreement on the property on the day of the Development Application are eligible to exercise a Right of First Refusal for units in the new building at market rents. All tenants who maintain a Right of First Refusal will be offered a new rental unit in the new building prior to the developer considering other rental applications.

After the Development Application submission and before First Reading of the rezoning bylaw, the developer will provide a form to all eligible tenants asking whether they would like to maintain the option exercise their Right of First Refusal. Before construction is completed, all tenants who identified their interest in exercising their Right of First Refusal will be contacted by the developer and offered a new unit.

Depending on the development, the developer may be required to include a proportion of below-market rent units in the new building. These units will be offered to tenants who expressed interest in exercising their Right of First Refusal, and who meet the income eligibility requirements of the below-market units.

If the number of returning households who meet the income requirements exceeds the number of below-market units, assignment of the units will be offered in priority fashion based on financial need.