Langley City more than doubles compensation for displaced renters

Langley City has more than doubled potential compensation for renters displaced by development.

On Monday, July 22, council unanimously approved an update to the City’s two-year-old Tenant Relocation Plans Policy to help people who live in purpose-built, market-priced rental buildings facing redevelopment.

Previously, the maximum compensation a long-term tenant, with more than 20 years in a building facing redevelopment, could claim was six months rent. That rises to as much as 16 months, in cases involving “vulnerable” tenants.

Carl Johannsen, City director of development services, told council “most if not all future development applications in the city will involve vulnerable tenants,” defined as residents in a rented suite for 10 years or more, many of them seniors on fixed incomes, who are paying less than market.

Compensation for moving expenses will be boosted, from $750 to $900 for one-bedroom units and more for larger suites and the vulnerable. Developers will be required to help displaced tenants find a similar home. Eligible renters may return to the redeveloped building at 20 per cent below market rent.

The changes will apply to future redevelopments.