Legal Resources

Find websites and materials written in plain language.

Logo with the words "British Columbia" and a sun rising behind mountains.

Paying Rent

Government of British Columbia
Explains the rights and requirements of a tenancy agreement for both tenants and landlords. Topics covered include paying rent on time, paying utilities and fees, what happens if rent is not paid, and what landlords must do to increase rent.
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: Owning a Condominium

People’s Law School
Explains the legal framework involved if you own a condominium. Topics include strata, strata corporations and strata councils, strata fees, and the laws and rules that apply. Find answers to some common questions like renting out condo units, insurance, and resolving disputes with your strata.
Last reviewed July 2025
Logo with the words "British Columbia" and a sun rising behind mountains.

Operating a Strata

Government of British Columbia
Learn about your roles and responsibilities, sections and types of strata corporations, information and record keeping, meetings and voting, bylaws and rules (including how to enforce them), strata finances and insurance, and repair and maintenance.
Last reviewed July 2025
Logo with six rectangles and a circle in six bright colours to represent people, and "People's Law School."

Neighbours

People’s Law School
Practical, step-by-step information for dealing with problems involving neighbours. Topics include problems involving fences, trees, odours, noise, untidy premises, and parking. Also: tips for talking with your neighbour and options for dealing with neighbour issues.
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: Neighbour Law

People’s Law School
Explains your legal rights and options if you have a problem with a neighbour. Topics include how to work out problems involving noise, untidiness, dogs, fences, trees, second-hand smoke, water damage, and trespassing.
Last reviewed July 2025
Logo with the words "British Columbia" and a sun rising behind mountains.

Natural Disasters and Tenancy

Government of British Columbia
Explains that tenants must pay their rent while evacuated during a natural disaster like wildfires or floods, and landlords must ensure the rental unit is safe and livable before tenants can move back. It includes what to do during and after an evacuation, and the responsibilities of the tenant and landlord.
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.

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