Vancouver woman faces sizable rent increase after roommate moves out

In another story showing how difficult it is to rent in the Lower Mainland, a Vancouver woman says she was facing a nearly $1,000 monthly increase after her roommate moved out.

Bryanna Johnson says she was blown away by just how much more her landlord wanted to charge for rent when her longtime roommate left. She says she would have gone from paying around $1,875 per month for the two-bedroom apartment, to over $2,600.

“She was transparent about her interest rates going up — I think she said seven per cent. So then I was considering ’10 per cent’. Like, if you want to make some money, there are four units in the house. I wasn’t expecting it to be such a massive jump,” Johnson told CityNews.

Related Stories: 

• Vancouver rental prices skyrocket: report

• Vancouver housing protest calls for more community ownership of rentals

• Vancouver renter calls for change after roommate’s departure forces him out

She says she and her partner were looking to take over the apartment, with her landlord offering a “discounted” rate of $2,400 because of Johnson’s history there. That rate would have still equated to a 30 per cent increase in rent.

Now, Johnson says she and her partner may have to look elsewhere to live.

“The unfortunate reality is that we’re going to have to move out of the city because we just can’t afford it,” she explained.

“You pay for the beauty of [Vancouver]. But at the same time, if you’re slaving away at work so you can pay rent, you’re not really enjoying anything. You’re burning out. You’re not really getting any bang for your buck.”

Johnson — who is studying for her master’s degree while also working for an outreach group in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside — says she wishes there were more protection for renters when a roommate is no longer part of a lease.

While she says she’s been in touch with the Vancouver Tenants Union, Johnson tells CityNews she hasn’t had much luck since, per the BC Residential Tenancy Act, an agreement is nullified when a co-tenant leaves a lease.

“We’re all trying to make it. If it’s this person’s business and the way that they make their money, I get it. But at the same time, have some compassion for the people who rent your house and make you money,” she said.

Bryanna Johnson (pictured) says she was facing a hefty rent increase after her roommate moved out. She’s calling for change to B.C.’s rental policies surrounding co-lessees. (Supplied)

In a statement to CityNews, the Ministry of Housing says it is “exploring potential improvements” to make tenancies fairer for those living with roommates.

“We empathize with anyone who finds themselves in a situation like this, especially in the midst of a housing crisis,” the ministry said in an email.

“While there is no limit on rent increases between tenancy agreements, renters are advised to review their specific tenancy agreements as a new person can move in as an occupant to help cover the cost if allowed under the existing agreement.”

Related Video: Residents of Surrey apartment building say they’re facing major rent increase

The province adds that its Rental Housing Task Force, along with some other measures announced over the past five years, will help address challenges renters face.

For Johnson, she’s moved in with her partner and their three roommates while the couple looks for another living situation.