Many organizations respond to disputes on an ad hoc basis, because people worry about setting precedents. But just as you need to inform people about the process for handling garbage disposal, you also need to let them know the process for handling conflict, because conflicts are unavoidable.

The best way to respond to conflict is to deal with it. Denying or avoiding the conflict does not make it disappear. As long as the conflict remains unresolved, it will continue, and may become worse.

Establish a Process

Your organization needs a consistent, clearly articulated policy and process for dealing with disputes that is respectful of all parties, and is understood and supported by residents, staff, and directors. Everyone’s role and authority should be defined, and the Board needs to let staff know what role they are expected to play. The process must be accessible to everyone. Meetings, publications, and posters can all be used
to get the message out.

Many housing co-ops have a Member Relations Committee to deal with disputes. If not, the co-op Board handles this responsibility. Co-op policies often provide for mediation and/or arbitration if parties are unable to resolve the issue.

For more information on dispute resolution, click here.

Residential Tenancy Branch

Check out the Residential Tenancy Branch website to find out more information on the tenant /landlord rights and the dispute resolution process.

Complaints Resolution Process

BC Housing is committed to working with its many stakeholders and partners to provide housing and services for British Columbians in greatest need, with the highest standard of service available. We take complaints seriously and are committed to receiving, handling, and resolving complaints in a consistent, objective, fair, and timely fashion. If BC Housing receives complaints from the tenants of our housing provider partners, they will be redirected to the housing provider unless the complaint relates to an issue within our own mandate, such as rent calculation. Read more about the Complaint Resolution Process.