Legal Resources

Find websites and materials written in plain language.

Logo is the wordmark “BCFSA” in dark blue and green, above the organization name in dark blue.

Your Real Estate Buying Journey

BC Financial Services Authority (BCFSA)
Explains the procedures normally involved in the purchase of a home in BC, the significance of the documents you’ll encounter, and the role of the professionals who may be involved in the transaction.
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.

Buying a Home (CMHC)

Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC)
Links to information from Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) about buying a house. Content includes home-buying step by step, the First-Time Home Buyers’ Tax Credit, expansion of the Home Buyers’ Plan (HBP), planning and managing a mortgage, and information for newcomers.
Last reviewed July 2025
Logo with six rectangles and a circle in six bright colours to represent people, and "People's Law School."

Buying a Home

People’s Law School
Buying a home is an exciting life event. Learn the key factors to consider before you make an offer, and the steps involved in buying a home in British Columbia.
Last reviewed July 2025
Logo with six rectangles and a circle in six bright colours to represent people, and "People's Law School."

Buying a Condo or Other Strata Housing

People’s Law School
Buying a condominium is a lot like buying a house, but there are also important differences. Learn the key things to consider before making an offer to buy a condo.
Last reviewed July 2025
Logo with six rectangles and a circle in six bright colours to represent people, and "People's Law School."

A Playbook for Tenants

People’s Law School
Learn more about your rights as a tenant, including how to apply for dispute resolution.
Last reviewed July 2025
Logo with two swoops and a circle to represent a person, and "Legal Aid BC."

Your Home on Reserve — Who Can Stay in the Family Home on Reserve

Aboriginal Legal Aid in BC (Legal Aid BC)
Describes the laws about homes on reserve. This resource has information on who can stay in the family home on reserve after a separation or a partner dies, who these laws apply to, and where to get help with this issue.
Last reviewed July 2025
Logo with two swoops and a circle to represent a person, and "Legal Aid BC."

Intimate Partner Violence

Legal Aid BC
Explains identifying abuse, protection from violence, and leaving abuse. Includes checklists, court process, and where to find help.
Last reviewed July 2025
The logo features the letters "BC" above the letters "CLA". A stylized bird is above the letter "A." To the right are the words "BRITISH COLUMBIA" above the larger words "CIVIL LIBERTIES" and the smaller word "ASSOCIATION" below.

A Toolkit for Submitting FOI Requests to Municipal Police

BC Civil Liberties Association
This resource explains your rights under FIPPA when you request information from police and includes step-by-step instructions on filing an FOI request with municipal police departments, sample wording and templates, and what to expect in response.
Last reviewed July 2025
Logo consists of four coloured shapes forming a square, with the organization name to the right.

Practical Guide to Elder Abuse and Neglect Law in Canada: British Columbia

British Columbia Law Institute
This page outlines BC laws that deal with elder abuse. Subjects include definitions, self-neglect, financial abuse, abuse in sponsorship or immigration, and reporting and privacy. It also provides key contacts for help.
Last reviewed June 2025
Logo with six rectangles and a circle in six bright colours to represent people, and "People's Law School."

Hospitalizing a Mentally Ill Person

People’s Law School
This page has information about being admitted to a facility to treat a mental illness.
Last reviewed April 2025