VANCOUVER – The Campbell government should act immediately to close loopholes in the tenancy act that allow landlords to raise rents far beyond the legal annual limit, says New Democrat housing critic Diane Thorne .

"In some cases landlords have forced seniors to pay rent increases more than four times higher than what is supposed to be the legal limit," said Thorne. "They are using fixed-term leases to violate the intent of the law, and the fact they are able to get away with it demonstrates a shameful lack of tenant protection under the Campbell Liberals."Diane Thorne

Thorne also pointed out that the tight housing market is creating a standard where landlords demand fixed-term leases. When the leases expire, landlords are able to increase rent at rates beyond the annual limit set in legislation.

"Fixed-term leases force renters to either move out at the end of the term or sign an entirely new lease with a rent increase routinely beyond the annual allowable limit," said Thorne. "It's a loophole which violates the intention of housing laws, and it needs to be closed."

Thorne said in some cases seniors are intimidated into signing the new agreements under threat of an even larger increase and the fear of losing their homes.

Diane Thorne

Coquitlam-Maillardville

Diane Thorne was re-elected as the MLA for Coquitlam-Maillardville on May 12, 2009. She was first elected to the Legislature in 2005.