Some B.C. stratas skirting wide-open rentals by converting to 55 plus

Some strata corporations are taking advantage of a loophole in the new law prohibiting rental bans by converting to seniors only or 55-plus buildings.

However, Housing Minister Ravi Kahlon insists it’s not a loophole and it may be good news for seniors looking for places to rent.

In an effort to boost housing supply, Premier David Eby announced in November that new legislation would prohibit stratas from restricting rentals or imposing 19-plus age restrictions that can force out young families when they have a child. The exception is that buildings can maintain “seniors only” or 55-plus rules, which Eby said will ensure seniors have enough housing options.

After the law took effect Nov. 24, some strata councils took a “knee-jerk reaction right out of the gate” and began the process of switching to 55-plus buildings, said Victoria realtor Tony Zarsadias.

Seniors-only building are not allowed to prohibit rentals but the changes would limit the pool of renters to people who are 55 and older.