Gordon Nelson has found a loophole in the provincial tenancy laws that allow them to raise rents far beyond the rent-control limits. And raise them, they do.

The issue is the use of fixed-term leases, which they require new tenants to sign. The leases are for a fixed term of a year and include a clause that says the tenant will move out at the end. They explain them by telling tenants that they are merely to help them ensure people are a good fit for the building, and they will gladly re-sign if things are going well. It also allows them to raise rents by whatever amount they want. Because the tenancy ends and a new agreement begins, they are not limited by provincial legislation that keep rental increases to 2 or 3 per cent.

Gordon Nelson has imposed increases that have been as much as 20 per cent. If you don't like it, or can't afford it, your only choice is to move out.

Here is a story from the Vancouver Sun newspaper: http://www.vancouversun.com/business/West+tenants+foul+over+high+rent+hikes/11305576/story.html

And another from CBC: http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/west-end-apartment-owners-using-loophole-to-jack-up-rent-say-tenants-1.3199432

Gordon Nelson’s properties include: 1209 Jervis Street; 1057 Barclay; 1075 Burnaby; and 2254 Cornwall Avenue.

We call on Gordon Nelson to stop these unfair rental increases and for the British Columbia government to close this loophole.