Tenant Protection Bylaw

As of February 9, 2026, the District of Saanich's Tenant Protection Bylaw applies to all development permit applications within the Urban Containment Boundary where five or more tenant-occupied dwelling units are being permanently vacated. This includes units both in the primary and secondary rental market (e.g., purpose-built rental units, secondary suites, rented single family homes, rented condominiums, etc.). Non-market housing providers are exempt from the Tenant Protection Bylaw. The bylaw replaces the previous Tenant Assistance Policy which applied to rezoning applications only.

Information for Applicants

Development Permit applications meeting the above criteria must include a Tenant Assistance Plan, describing how current tenants will be supported as per the bylaw requirements. Applicants, please refer to the package provided below when preparing the Tenant Assistance Plan in advance of submitting your application. Subsequent reports are required at the Building Permit stage and Occupancy Permit stage to ensure compliance with the commitments laid out in the Tenant Assistance plan.

Any Tenant Protection Bylaw related questions in the pre-application stage can be directed to planning@saanich.ca.

Eligible projects must apply for a Tenant Protection Development Permit (TPDP) in parallel with any other relevant development permits. Staff have delegated authority to approve the TPDP.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): General Information for Tenants and Residents

1. What is the Tenant Protection Bylaw?

The Tenant Protection Bylaw (TPB) is a new Saanich bylaw that requires support for tenants who are having to move out of their homes because of redevelopment. The bylaw states that development applications meeting certain criteria must include a Tenant Assistance Plan, describing how tenants will be supported and compensated through the process.

This is in addition to what is legally required by the BC Residential Tenancy Act in situations where tenants are being evicted due to demolition or substantial renovations.

2. I just found out that the building I live in may be redeveloped or renovated, does the building owner have to follow the Tenant Protection Bylaw?

There are two things that determine if the property owner must follow the Tenant Protection Bylaw.

1. Are they applying to Saanich for a development permit for the property? The TPB applies to all redevelopment activities (such as rezoning, development permit, demolition permits, and building permits) within the Urban Containment Boundary (UCB).

2. Are there a total of at least five rented units that will be permanently vacated? The TPB only applies to development applications where a total of five or more rented units will have to be permanently vacated due to demolition or major renovations. Note that this refers to the number of dwelling units (as defined in the Zoning Bylaw), not the number individuals affected. It does not matter what kinds of rental units they are (e.g., secondary suites, apartments, etc.) and they can be spread out in several buildings or over several lots that are part of the same development application.

Tenants in these situations have all the rights of the BC Residential Tenancy Act (RTA). Property owners where the TPB does not apply are encouraged to use the TPB as an example of good practice.

If you live in a non-market project (owned and operated by a non-profit housing provider), please contact your operator for their tenant relocation policy.

3. What does the law say about eviction of tenants for the purpose of demolition or renovations?

British Columbia’s Residential Tenancy Act regulates the legal rights and responsibilities of residential tenants and landlords. The RTA determines when and how tenants can be evicted, including how many months in advance notice must be served and how much compensation must be provided. Because there are changes to the RTA from time to time, it is recommended that tenants visit the BC Residential Tenancy Branch for the most up to date information or contact them directly. Residential Tenancies - Province of British Columbia (gov.bc.ca) Contact the Residential Tenancy Branch - Province of British Columbia (gov.bc.ca) By phone: 250-387-1602

4. What type of support should be included in the Tenant Assistance Plan?

Eligible tenants (i.e., all tenants currently on the property when an application is submitted to the District) should be offered:

  • Assistance with finding suitable new rental housing
  • Right of First Refusal, to return once the development project is completed (if applicable)
  • Compensation for moving expenses
  • Rent compensation based on length of tenancy

For the full requirements, please review the Tenant Protection Bylaw.

5. Why do we need a Tenant Protection Bylaw?

The Housing Strategy includes many actions aimed at promoting and protecting rental housing in the District, with development of a Tenant Assistance Policy being a Top 12 priority. Most rental apartment buildings in Saanich were built before the 1990’s, and as buildings age they become more likely to be considered for redevelopment or major renovations. The new bylaw, which is enabled by recent changes to the Local Government Act and the Community Charter, will enhance the protection to renters provided by the previous policy by expanding the monitoring and enforcement abilities of the municipality.

6. How was the Tenant Protection Bylaw developed?

The TPB was largely built off the previous Tenant Assistance Policy adopted by Saanich Council in 2023, which included substantial engagement with stakeholders (including renters, market housing developers and operators, and non-market housing organizations). Additional research was done on current best practices across BC municipalities.