Evictions and Assisted Living

Evictions

Evictions from assisted living are governed by the residency agreement and the eligibility criteria for assisted living. The residency agreement must describe the circumstances under which the resident may no longer reside in the assisted living residence, as well as how a facility will decide to end a residency. A residency agreement should also include the circumstances that would allow a facility to change the terms of residency and the procedures the facility will follow for terminating a residency, especially when it comes to giving advance notice.(1)

A resident may be required to leave an assisted living facility if they:

• fail to pay fees;
• have care needs that can no longer be met in assisted living;
• are no longer able to make decisions that will allow them to function safely in assisted living and no longer have a spouse living with them who is willing and able to make decisions on their behalf;
• exhibit behaviours that jeopardize the safety and well-being of themselves or others; or
• are not complying with the terms of the residency agreement.(2)

Health authorities must work collaboratively with the resident and assisted living service provider to arrange for the resident to move out of the assisted living residence.

While the law regarding eviction procedures from long-term care and assisted living is patchy, care facility operators should have procedures in place that ensure a fair, timely and effective process. Operators are bound by their duty of transparency and accountability under the Residents’ Bill of Rights.(3)

The resident should receive a clear warning letter which contains the grounds for eviction and the process that will be followed. The letter should indicate what changes the resident can make to avoid eviction and the date by which these changes must be made. If the offending activity or behaviour is corrected, the operator must indicate a date when the eviction warning becomes void (a sunset clause). Some facilities may issue a second warning letter before proceeding with a formal eviction letter.

Chapter 6 – Resolving Problems provides more advocacy tips and a guide on where to bring concerns and complaints regarding older adults receiving care.

References

1. “Assisted Living Regulation,” BC Reg 189/2019, Sch C, online: <http://canlii.ca/t/9lrn>.
2. “Assisted Living Regulation,” BC Reg 189/2019, ss 44-49, online: <http://canlii.ca/t/9lrn>; British Columbia, Ministry of Health, “Home and Community Care Policy Manual,” (6 February 2023) at 5.B, online: <http://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/health/accessing-health-care/home-community-care/accountability/policy-and-standards/home-and-community-care-policy-manual>.
3. “Community Care and Assisted Living Act,” BC 2002, c 75, Sch, online: <http://canlii.ca/t/84lk>.

This information applies to British Columbia, Canada. Last reviewed for legal accuracy by Seniors First BC, February 2024.