The B.C. government鈥檚 rental housing task force hits the road in June to find ways to maintain and increase rental housing supply.

With a third of B.C. residents living in rental accommodation and an average vacancy rate of 1.3 per cent, Vancouver-West End MLA Spencer Chandra-Herbert said it鈥檚 important to balance the needs of providers and users of rental properties.

鈥淲e鈥檙e asking renters to think like they鈥檙e landlords, landlords to think like they鈥檙e renters, because it鈥檚 a complex relationship,鈥� Chandra-Herbert said. 鈥淚t鈥檚 not about pro-tenant or pro-landlord, it鈥檚 about pro-rental.鈥�

The tour begins Monday, June 4 in Maple Ridge, stopping in Nanaimo June 6, Kelowna June 12, Nelson June 14, Terrace June 18, Prince George June 20, Salt Spring Island June 22, Victoria June 26, Vancouver June 27 and Surrey June 28.

to attend the sessions. There is also an and online discussion forum available.

The B.C. NDP government has added $116 million over three years to expand eligibility and increase benefits under its rental assistance and Shelter Aid for Elderly Renters (SAFER) programs.

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Legislation presented this spring has allowed for municipalities to impose a rental-only zone on properties it wishes to retain as rental housing stock or expand local options.