Elderly B.C. renters are living in fear over rising rents

The Vancouver Sun published the second of its two-part series on rising rents for elderly renters. It warns against seniors getting forced out of their homes or having to relocate because of rising rent that far exceeds their income.

Vancouver’s West End MLA Spencer Chandra Herbert said many elderly renters live in fear their rent will rise beyond their ability to pay. The average monthly payment for Canada Pension Plan and Old Age Security is less than $1,200 a month, while rent for a one-bedroom apartment new to the market in the West End is $2,000 to $2,300.

Seniors who have rented the same apartment for years in the West End, typically pay half of that amount. But they are increasingly targeted for eviction to clear the way for the landlord to increase the rent for a new tenant, said Chandra Herbert. Some landlords falsely claim the suite will be used by a family member or get seniors to “self-evict” by tricking them into signing one year leases then raising the rent dramatically after the year ends, he said.

Read the full article from the Vancouver Sun.

Will I have to move?

Check out CARP’s Vision for Age-Friendly Cities and Communities. It calls on the government to make cities and communities across Canada model Age-Friendly cities. CARP believes that citizens who can’t navigate their community safely and affordably cannot fully participate in civic life.

Roomies are becoming popular

It may not be a solution for everyone, but for many seniors who worry about being alone in their retirement years, this could be a great option.