Published • loading... • Updated
HERGOTT: 'Squatters' Remain After Death of Homeowner
A rent-free occupant has no automatic right to stay after a homeowner dies, and the executor may need a court order if notice is ignored.
- Lawyer Paul Hergott explains that in British Columbia, executors must provide clear, reasonable notice to end a 'license to occupy' for rent-free residents on a deceased person's property.
- There is no such thing as 'squatters rights' in BC, and the Residential Tenancy Branch only intervenes when a formal tenancy agreement exists, not for occupants granted generosity.
- Acting in the estate's best interest, executors must weigh factors like yard maintenance and home sale readiness against the risk of civil liability or criminal charges for illegal evictions.
- If an occupant ignores the executor's notice to vacate, the executor must apply to the Supreme Court of British Columbia for an order requiring them to leave the residence.
- Next week, Paul plans to discuss the potential financial consequences facing rent-free occupants who refuse to obey an executor's formal notice to vacate the property.
Insights by Ground AI
4 Articles
4 Articles
Coverage Details
Total News Sources4
Leaning Left3Leaning Right0Center0Last UpdatedBias Distribution100% Left
Bias Distribution
- 100% of the sources lean Left
100% Left
L 100%
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
