Tag: Justice Education Society of BC

New Online Education for BC Tenants

Community posts

logo_rentingitrightThe Tenant Resource and Advisory Centre (TRAC) and the Justice Education Society are pleased to announce the launch of a new online course for tenants, Renting it Right! Designed for first-time renters, the course covers both practical and legal topics to consider before deciding to rent. Course participants will learn about:

  • Needs and preferences- understanding rental expenses, creating a budget, and thinking about unique requirements;
  • Searching for rental housing;
  • Submitting a strong application;
  • Signing a tenancy agreement; and
  • Moving in.

Securing rental housing can be a challenge, especially for those who have never rented in BC, or who lack recent references. Renting it Right aims to help renters find the place that is right for them. The video-based course guides BC residents through the rental process, in preparation for submitting a strong rental application. Course participants who pass the final exam will earn a certificate to present to landlords.

By learning about the rights and responsibilities that come with signing a tenancy agreement, renters will be better equipped to avoid problems once they move in. Part one of Renting it Right educates BC residents on what they need to know before moving in. Part two (coming soon!) will cover the basics of a tenancy from start to finish.

David Hutniak, CEO of LandlordBC, says that “Renting it Right is a great new resource that will help renters succeed in their tenancies”. LandlordBC has endorsed the course, and encourages landlords to recognize the certificate when presented with a rental application.

“We are committed to online education for everyday activities, like renting,” said Rick Craig, Executive Director of the Justice Education Society. “Renting it Right will help first-time renters make smart decisions and avoid legal problems”.

Renting it Right is available free at RentingItRight.ca. Register today to learn about renting in BC and earn a certificate!

For comments on the course, please contact:

Jane Mayfield
Acting Executive Director
TRAC Tenant Resource and Advisory Centre
604-255-3099 ext. 228
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Rick Craig
Executive Director
Justice Education Society of BC
604-660-3191
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Online Dispute Resolution in BC: Case Study #2

The broader context

Intro | Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3a | Part 3b

Our last Online Dispute Resolution (ODR) case study showcased Consumer Protection BC’s online platform.

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Resolve your dispute with Consumer Protection BC’s online platform

We have an update: the platform will be used as an early resolution tool for select BC-licensed debt collection agencies. Their aim is to help consumers who don’t feel comfortable speaking to debt collectors over the phone, and who would rather communicate online.

Visit Consumer Protection BC’s blog page for more info on the debt collection pilot project.

Small Claims BC

We now continue with our ODR series, this time focusing on Small Claims BC.

British Columbians who have disputes where the amount is no more than $25,000 turn to Small Claims Court to find a resolution. However, on average, claims take over a year to reach a judgment.

SmallClaimsBC.ca provides British Columbians with an alternative way to settle disputes without going to court using their ODR platform. Using ODR can help save time and money, which make sense as priorities when you are disputing a smaller amount.

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Click to enlarge infographic

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New users to the platform will be asked a series of questions to create an online profile before starting their claim. If you already have an account set up as a “returning user”, you need only enter your credentials to access the dashboard.

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Enter your information to complete your online account. This creates a dashboard where your claim(s) can be accessed and managed.

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