Legal Resources

Find websites and materials written in plain language.

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Home Inspections

Consumer Protection BC
We regulate the home inspection sector in BC. Understand your rights and obligations around home inspections in BC and find out what you can do if you have a problem or complaint about a home inspector or inspection.
Last reviewed March 2024
Logo with six rectangles and a circle in six bright colours to represent people, and "People's Law School."

Getting a Mortgage

People’s Law School
Explains what’s involved in getting a mortgage, and key things to watch for. These include signing the mortgage contract, deciding on the mortgage term, and negotiating the right to prepay. It explains why you might want an assumable mortgage, and describes mortgage loan insurance.
Last reviewed March 2024
Logo with six rectangles and a circle in six bright colours to represent people, and "People's Law School."

Dial-a-Law: Foreclosure

People’s Law School
Explains that if you default on your mortgage, the lender can go to court to take the property you mortgaged or sell it to pay the debt. It details what you should know if you default on your mortgage, what options you may have to keep your home, and more. You can also find answers to common questions.
Last reviewed March 2024
Logo consists of a circle coloured in blue and green segments, at the centre of which is an outline of a house. “BC HOUSING” is to the right.

Dispute Resolution

BC Housing
Introduces dispute resolution options for people involved in residential construction disputes. Includes a guide as well as forms for the Notice to Mediate process.
Last reviewed March 2024
Thumbnail of the cover, with the title, a photo looking down to see the tips of shoes and unopened bills on the doormat, and the old LABC logo.

Can’t Pay Your Mortgage? What You Can Do If You’re Facing Foreclosure

Legal Aid BC
This revised booklet is for homeowners who can’t make their mortgage payments, or have received a petition to go to court. It explains what homeowners can do during foreclosure, and lists agencies that can help. Includes where to get required court forms online and instructions to complete them.
Last reviewed March 2024
Thumbnail of the booklet cover, with a photo of a couple embracing in front of a large house.

Buying a Home in BC

People’s Law School
This publication is for those who want to buy a home in British Columbia. It goes through the steps of the process, from making an offer to closing the deal. It also explains the common legal documents involved — in language you can understand. The information is current to November 2019.
Last reviewed March 2024
Logo is the wordmark “BCFSA” in dark blue and green, above the organization name in dark blue.

Buying a Home

BC Financial Services Authority (BCFSA)
Explains the procedures normally involved in the purchase of a home in BC, the significance of the documents you’ll encounter, and the role of the professionals who may be involved in the transaction.
Last reviewed March 2024
Logo features a red chevron shape resembling a rooftop above the acronym "CMHC" and its French equivalent "SCHL," with a small maple leaf in between the two acronyms.

Buying a Home

Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC)
Links to information from Canada Housing and Mortgage Corporation about buying a house. Content includes home-buying step by step, the First-Time Home Buyers’ Tax Credit, expansion of the Home Buyers’ Plan (HBP), planning and managing a mortgage, and information for newcomers.
Last reviewed March 2024
Logo with six rectangles and a circle in six bright colours to represent people, and "People's Law School."

Buying a Home

People’s Law School
Buying a home is an exciting life event. Learn the key factors to consider before you make an offer, and the steps involved in buying a home in British Columbia.
Last reviewed March 2024
Logo with six rectangles and a circle in six bright colours to represent people, and "People's Law School."

Dial-a-Law: Buying a Condominium

People’s Law School
Buying a condominium is a lot like buying a house. But there are also important differences. Learn the key things to consider before making an offer to buy a condo.
Last reviewed March 2024