CASH is a non profit society comprising of volunteers from all walks of life. The society was originally formed to advocate for cost effective solutions to the leaky building crisis. Since our inception in 2000, it became apparent that housing problems extended beyond the leaky building problem. In 2003, the Society undertook to fulfill the need for a housing advocacy group working in the interests of all British Columbians dealing with defective, premature housing failures and/or any other issue that threatens the success of BC housing consumers.

Some of us have direct experience with housing problems while others have become interested in protecting housing consumers as a result of our business or personal experiences. Our common bond is a concern that:

• Housing consumer protection shortfalls have abandoned innocent, hard working citizens of all ages;
• Thousands of homeowners are barely able to cope emotionally and financially when facing enormous costs to rectify housing problems;
•  Justice for homeowners has been exclusive, elusive, expensive, onerous and drawn out;
• Homeowners have gone into foreclosure or bankruptcy through no fault of their own and;
• Some homeowners have suffered severe health consequences from the stress of housing problems, and/or exposure to mould or other toxic substances.

We, as concerned citizens are committed to advancing policies to improve the security and financial independence British Columbians' seek in their home investment and the contribution self-sufficient people provide to an economy. As "BC's Housing Consumer Advocate," our ultimate goal is to protect British Columbians in their largest lifetime investment - their homes.

We formed a non-profit society as a vehicle for our efforts. Consumer Advocacy and Support to Homeowners (CASH) Society is registered with the Registrar of Companies for BC.

To protect the housing consumers of British Columbia, the Society will:

a.) act as a housing consumer watchdog by monitoring homeowner experiences, consumer protection legislation and policies, and residential building industry practices;

 

b.) Network with individuals, communities, and other like-minded organizations that support an environment that promotes sound, durable housing construction, renovations and repairs;

 

c.) Create awareness, advance, support, and advocate for the implementation of legislation and public policy that adequately protect homeowners;

 

d.) Provide the public with information on our efforts and initiatives;

 

e.) Raise funds to achieve our goals.

We want:

a.)   Increased housing related research and access to data and information to assist British Columbians in making an informed home buying decision and to allow for a comprehensive analysis of the Homeowner Protection Act and/or other regulation intended to protect housing consumers;

b.)    Homes to be built right the first time with energy efficiency, durability, indoor air quality considerations and maintenance affordability in mind;

c.)    Homes to be a safe and reliable place for BC families to invest and live in;

d.)    BC housing consumers to have the same input into legislative and policy decisions affecting housing and/or homeownership as does any other commercial stakeholder and;

e.) Government(s) and elected officials to advance and implement proper housing consumer protection and timely, cost effective dispute resolution mechanisms.

Are you in the residential construction or related industry or a homeowner that would like to see improvements to housing consumer protection in BC?

Become a CASH Society director  

Director's Page