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Rental Accommodation Grievance Board master correspondence files
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- Textual record
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- Source of title proper: Title taken from existing file list.
- Variations in title: Formerly titled as 'Master files (correspondence)'
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0.26 m of textual records
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Administrative history
The Rental Accommodation Grievance Board was established by Council in September 1969 under By-law no. 4448. Three Board members were appointed by Council for about 3 years each, with one of those appointed chair, according to the by-law and amendments. The Board office was located on the ground floor of City Hall.
Created to solve some of the problems caused by Vancouver's low vacancy rate in rental housing, which left some tenants particularly vulnerable in rental disputes, the Board was authorized to settle grievances between landlords and tenants (e.g. excessive damage deposits, proper notice of rent increases, unauthorized entry, mitigation of damages, standards for accommodation, etc.).
As early as 1970, the Board's powers were called into question. Changes to the provincial Landlord and Tenant Act specifically noted the types of duties performed by the Board were under provincial jurisdiction. This legislation was confirmed in a Small Claims Court decision in February 1972. In 1973, the judgement was upheld by the B.C. Supreme Court and the Board was relegated to a more advisory role. Although the by-law remained in place, the powers of the Board had been effectively disallowed by the courts. In 1974, the provincial government assumed greater control over rental housing in the province with the establishment of the Office of the Rentalsman. With their responsibilities supplanted by provincial legislation, the Board advised the City Council that the Board should be disbanded and all services discontinued. Such a motion was passed by Council on February 18, 1975.
Custodial history
Official custodian was the Office of the City Clerk
Scope and content
Files contains incoming correspondence and the office's replies thereto relating to requests for information and advisory services to landslords and tenants. Arranged alphabetically by correspondents' names within folders labelled A through Z, and within each file, chronologically.
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Restrictions on access
Privacy restrictions apply; please consult the archivist.
Restriction details: The records contain personal information on landlords and tenants, particularly names and addresses, etc.
Act reference: FOIPPA sec. 22(3)(j)
Access form required: Yes
Academic approval required: No