Vancouver landlord fined $90,000 for 21-room illegal rental near Commercial Drive
The Residential Tenancy Branch fined a Vancouver landlord $90,000 after inspectors found a home subdivided into 21 rooms housing at least 17 tenants, with no permits for the plumbing and electrical work.
Reported. A news outlet found this. voche.me names the outlet and links its report. Read the original report on globalnews.ca.
A Vancouver landlord has been fined $90,000 by the BC Residential Tenancy Branch after a property near Commercial Drive was found subdivided into 21 rooms housing at least 17 tenants, Global News BC reported on November 9, 2026.
A City of Vancouver inspection in July 2025 found unpermitted bathrooms, plumbing fixtures, and electrical work throughout the home. The City issued a vacate order in August 2025. The RTB found the landlords failed to maintain health and safety standards and did not complete urgent repairs. It ordered an $85,000 fine for the first violation and a $5,000 fine for the second, for a total of $90,000.
Global News reported the property generates $11,000 each month in rental revenue, according to the RTB decision, and is listed for sale at $1.4 million.
What council and researchers said
Councillor Stephanie Smith, a former tenant advocate, told Global News the practices described in the RTB decision are ones she has seen before during her time representing tenants. She said the $90,000 total fine equals eight months of rental income from that property, and suggested that level of penalty may become a cost of doing business for larger landlords operating across multiple properties, rather than a reason to stop.
Andy Yan, the city program director at Simon Fraser University, told Global News the conditions at the property reminded him of Hong Kong's coffin apartments. Yan described the situation as something out of Vancouver's past from the 1800s.
What the RTB can order
The Residential Tenancy Branch is the provincial body that handles disputes between landlords and tenants in British Columbia. It can hold hearings, order repairs, and issue monetary penalties. The findings of this case are public through the RTB's published decisions.
What renters can do
Renters who believe their home is illegally subdivided or does not meet health and safety standards can contact the City of Vancouver to request a bylaw inspection. They can also file a dispute with the BC Residential Tenancy Branch at gov.bc.ca/residential-tenancy. The RTB can order repairs and issue fines to landlords who fail to maintain safe conditions.
Questions this story answers
What did inspectors find at the Vancouver rental property near Commercial Drive?
A July 2025 inspection found the property subdivided into 21 rooms housing at least 17 tenants. Inspectors found unpermitted bathrooms, plumbing fixtures, and electrical work throughout the home. The City of Vancouver issued a vacate order in August 2025. The findings were reported by Global News BC on November 9, 2026.
How much was the landlord fined by the Residential Tenancy Branch?
The Residential Tenancy Branch fined the landlord $85,000 for the first violation and $5,000 for the second violation, for a total of $90,000. The RTB found the landlords failed to maintain health and safety standards and did not complete urgent repairs. Global News BC reported the figures on November 9, 2026.
What did Councillor Stephanie Smith say about the case?
Councillor Stephanie Smith, a former tenant advocate, told Global News that the practices described in the RTB decision are ones she has seen elsewhere during her time representing tenants. She said the $90,000 fine represents only eight months of rental income from the property, and suggested that penalties at this level may become a cost of doing business for larger landlords operating across multiple properties.
What did SFU researcher Andy Yan say about overcrowded Vancouver rentals?
Andy Yan, the city program director at Simon Fraser University, told Global News the conditions at the property remind him of Hong Kong's coffin apartments. He described the situation as something out of Vancouver's past from the 1800s. Yan studies Vancouver's urban issues including housing affordability and density.
How much rental income did the property generate each month?
Global News BC reported that the property generates $11,000 each month in rental revenue, according to the RTB decision. The property is listed for sale at $1.4 million. Councillor Stephanie Smith noted that the $90,000 total fine equals eight months of that rental income.
What is the BC Residential Tenancy Branch?
The BC Residential Tenancy Branch is the provincial body that handles disputes between landlords and tenants in British Columbia. It can hear complaints, hold hearings, and issue monetary orders against landlords or tenants. The RTB is part of the provincial government; tenants can file a dispute at gov.bc.ca/residential-tenancy.
What can a renter do if they believe their home is illegally subdivided?
Renters who believe their home is illegally subdivided or does not meet health and safety standards can contact the City of Vancouver to request a bylaw inspection, and can file a dispute with the BC Residential Tenancy Branch at gov.bc.ca/residential-tenancy. The RTB can order repairs and issue fines to landlords who fail to maintain safe conditions.
Who is Stephanie Smith on Vancouver City Council?
Stephanie Smith is a Vancouver city councillor elected in October 2026. Before her election, she worked as a tenant advocate. She represents a voice for renters on Vancouver City Council and has spoken publicly about housing enforcement and tenant protections. Her councillor page is at voche.me/candidates/stephanie-smith.
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