Vernon councillor wants relief for landlords

The B.C. government extended a freeze on rent increases until July 10,2021 under its emergency powers during the pandemic, and now a Vernon council member is suggesting the province should be helping landlords as well.

Rent increases set to happen on Dec. 1, 2020, are cancelled, along with all pending increases through to July.

Former municipal affairs and housing Minister Selina Robinson, now B.C. Finance Minister, made the announcement November 9th.

“I’m not sure if this is the right venue (2021 Vernon budget debate), but I think there should be some tax relief for landlords,” Coun. Scott Anderson said. “Perhaps we need to write a letter to the province.”

“Council does not have the ability to provide tax relief to an individual taxpayer,” CAO Will Pearce said.

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“While not insensitive to the challenges many renters have faced during the pandemic, the reality is that our sector has also been challenged with significant disruptions, risks and costs as a result of the pandemic,” David Hutniak, CEO of Landlord B.C., said.

“The absence of rent increases for existing tenancies to better cover cost inflation like taxes, utilities, insurance, maintenance, etc., our financial challenges will be further exacerbated and threatens our ability to ensure British Columbian’s have continued access to a safe, secure, sustainable rental housing,” Hutniak added

Anderson plans to bring the matter back for discussion at Vernon council’s next meeting December 14th.