Housing and Property
The Office of the Ombudsperson receives complaints about matters of administrative unfairness involving housing and property, which typically involve rental agreements, utilities and property assessment.
Related resources - including those concerning local government decision-making, public roads, permits - are cross-referenced to be accessible under the Housing and Property category.
If you have been treated unfairly by the provincial government, a local government, or any other public body, the B.C. Ombudsperson is here to help. Information on our convenient and confidential contact options here.
Shawna had not received her income assistance cheque for two months and was facing eviction due to unpaid rent. After calling the ministry for answers, Shawna learned that...
Category: Housing and Property, Local Government
Type: Case Summary
Fiscal Year: 2015/2016
Location: Vancouver Island / Sunshine Coast
After Beth’s elderly mother was hospitalized and then moved to a residential care facility, Beth took on the job of managing her mother’s financial affairs including her...
Category: Housing and Property, Local Government
Type: Case Summary
Fiscal Year: 2015/2016
Location: The Lower Mainland
Gretel, a senior, had been confused by her hydro bill for some time and asked her son, Anatoly, to help. Anatoly called BC Hydro, learned there was an outstanding balance,...
Category: Housing and Property, Seniors
Type: Case Summary
Fiscal Year: 2015/2016
Location: The Interior
One day, Michel’s landlord sent a note to him and his neighbours: they would be charged a late fee if they did not pay their rent by 11:00 a.m. on the first of each month....
Category: Housing and Property
Type: Case Summary
Fiscal Year: 2015/2016
Location: Vancouver Island / Sunshine Coast
Susan lived with her mother. When another family member moved in, the situation became violent. Susan had to move out immediately.
Fortunately, Susan found an affordable...
Category: Housing and Property, Income and Benefits
Type: Case Summary
Fiscal Year: 2015/2016
Location: The Interior
Sienna and her partner took their landlord to arbitration after being refused credit on their rent in exchange for major improvements they had done to their rented property...
Category: Housing and Property
Type: Case Summary
Fiscal Year: 2015/2016
Location: The Interior
Hannah had received a new hydro meter. When her next bill came back higher than expected, she noticed moisture in the meter. She concluded that the water must have interfered...
Category: Housing and Property
Type: Case Summary
Fiscal Year: 2015/2016
Location: Vancouver Island / Sunshine Coast
Sherry had been sleeping in her truck with two dogs and a cat. She had run out of gas and was finding it extremely cold with the temperature dropping below zero at night....
Category: Housing and Property
Type: Case Summary
Fiscal Year: 2014/2015
Report Date: June 29, 2015
Location: The Interior
Zach’s water supplier, a private utility, applied to the Comptroller of Water Rights, seeking to increase customer water rates. In the process of considering the request, the...
Category: Housing and Property
Type: Case Summary
Fiscal Year: 2014/2015
Report Date: June 29, 2015
Location: The Interior
The Real Estate Council of B.C. (REC) was responsible for handling Jim’s complaint about a strata corporation property manager he accused of mishandling funds and...
Category: Housing and Property
Type: Case Summary
Fiscal Year: 2014/2015
Report Date: June 29, 2015
Location: City of Vancouver