Legal Resources

Find websites and materials written in plain language.

Logo features an outline of a blue house and the letters “chf” in dark blue next to the letters “bc” in light blue.

Living in a Housing Co-op

Co-operative Housing Federation of BC (CHF BC)
Information about co-op housing in BC, including where to apply and which co-ops are accepting applications.
Last reviewed July 2025
Logo with six rectangles and a circle in six bright colours to represent people, and "People's Law School."

If You’re Facing Foreclosure

People’s Law School
Explains foreclosure, the legal process the lender can take if you default on your mortgage. Find out your rights and options if you’re facing foreclosure — you don’t automatically lose your home if you default on your mortgage. It gives you steps to take to work out the problem.
Last reviewed July 2025
Logo features a red chevron shape resembling a rooftop above the acronym "CMHC" and its French equivalent "SCHL," with a small maple leaf in between the two acronyms.

Housing Information for Newcomers to Canada

Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC)
Information for newcomers on renting an apartment, buying a home, and planning and managing a mortgage. This resource is in different languages.
Last reviewed July 2025
Logo with six rectangles and a circle in six bright colours to represent people, and "People's Law School."

Dial-a-Law: Home Repair Contractors

People’s Law School
Explains your legal rights if you want to hire someone to do repairs or renovations on your home. It covers what you should know, like holding back 10% of the contract price for a period of time. It also explains how to prevent problems, like checking about permits and getting written estimates and a contract.
Last reviewed July 2025
Logo features a shield coloured yellow, green, red, and blue, with the organization name to the right.

Home Inspections

Consumer Protection BC
Understand your rights and obligations around home inspections through Consumer Protection BC, the regulator for the home inspections in BC. This resource also includes what should be included in a home inspection contract, and you can do if you have a problem or complaint about a home inspector or inspection.
Last reviewed July 2025
Logo with six rectangles and a circle in six bright colours to represent people, and "People's Law School."

Getting a Mortgage

People’s Law School
Explains what’s involved in getting a mortgage, and key things to watch for. These include signing the mortgage contract, deciding on the mortgage term, and negotiating the right to prepay. It explains why you might want an assumable mortgage, and describes mortgage loan insurance.
Last reviewed July 2025
Logo features an outline of a blue house and the letters “chf” in dark blue next to the letters “bc” in light blue.

Find a Housing Co-operative

Co-operative Housing Federation of BC (CHF BC)
Search for co-op housing in BC by location, number of rooms, whether they're accepting applications, whether pets are okay, and so on. You can add your favourite co-ops to a shortlist that is emailed to you.
Last reviewed July 2025
Logo features a red chevron shape resembling a rooftop above the acronym "CMHC" and its French equivalent "SCHL," with a small maple leaf in between the two acronyms.

Co-operative Housing Guide

Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC)
Provides an overview of what housing cooperatives are, how they’re governed, and rights and responsibilities of members of a co-op. Also includes information on the legislation for co-ops, forming and running one, an overview of small claims court, and provincial and territorial fact sheets.
Last reviewed July 2025
Logo with the words "British Columbia" and a sun rising behind mountains.

Cooperative Associations

Government of British Columbia
Co-operatives (co-ops) offer a range of supports like housing, food, or health care. They are owned and operated by the people who use these essential products or services. Provides information on how to start, maintain, and dissolve a co-op.
Last reviewed July 2025
Logo with six rectangles and a circle in six bright colours to represent people, and "People's Law School."

Dial-a-Law: Co-operative Housing: Members’ Rights & Duties

People’s Law School
Explains co-op housing, the law and rules that apply, how co-ops are governed, the rights and duties of co-op members, if members have a dispute, ending a person’s membership, if a person disagrees with a decision to end the membership, and leaving the co-op and recovering unpaid housing charges.
Last reviewed July 2025