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VANCOUVER — Rising rental costs, evictions and a scarcity of units in Vancouver’s densely populated West End were among the reasons for Gail Harmer’s decision to join a group that is taking a new approach to advocating for the rights and protection of tenants.

The Vancouver Tenants Union formed last spring in response to a growing number of renters who say they fear eviction or being priced out of their homes and neighbourhoods. The group’s membership has grown to nearly 1,000 people across the city.

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Harmer said while she’s been “exceptionally lucky” in having no problems with her tenancy, she joined the union to help those around her who fear eviction as landlords change and their units and buildings fall into disrepair.

“The principle of union is that there is strength in numbers of the people who are affected,” she said.

Wendy Pedersen, a steering committee member, said the union was formed to help educate renters about their rights and provide practical and emotional support to people in disputes with their landlords.