Rules in B.C. are so lax that practically anything can be called a den
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When can extra space in a condominium be considered a den? In British Columbia, the rules are so lax that practically anything can be called a den – including storage rooms and closets.
According to report by CBC News, this lack of regulation is often a source of confusion among B.C. homebuyers sifting through misleading listings "We often have this bedroom, den, flex space, storage room debate," Keith Roy, a realtor in B.C., told CBC News.
"This is one of those cases where beauty is in the eye of the beholder and one person's closet might be another person's den." But it also means homebuyers must exercise caution when scheduling a viewing.
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In their report, CBC News reached out to the Real Estate Association of B.C., the Real Estate Council of B.C., and the Ministry of Housing and Ministry of Finance, and all said that there are no hard rules on what features constitute a den – although a Ministry of Housing spokesperson said that a bedroom must have access to the outside of the unit through a door or window.
Craig Munn, executive director of the Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver, instead offered CBC News ‘guidance’ on the what a den should be – that is, any room without a closet.
Roy added that this is a good reason why homebuyers should consider hiring a realtor to help them in their search for the perfect home. Realtors have familiarity with the listing and its floor plan and know what the room is really like and what it can be used for.
