To support both tenants and landlords affected by the COVID-19 crisis, the BC government has announced the Temporary Rental Supplement.
Administered by BC Housing, this program will provide eligible tenants with up to $500 per month for up to three months (April, May and June), paid directly to the landlords. The supplement is designed to help low and moderate-income renters facing financial hardship as a result of the COVID-19 outbreak, who do not qualify for other rental assistance programs. Those currently living in housing with rent subsidized by any level of government will not qualify for the TRS, including Income Assistance and Disability Assistance which each provide a shelter allowance.
Eligibility Requirements
- 2019 household income of less than $74,150 for households without dependents and $113,040 for households with dependents
- receiving or eligible for Employment Insurance, the Canada Emergency Response Benefit or experiencing a 25% loss in monthly household employment income as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic
- paying more than 30% of current monthly household income towards rent
Eligible households without dependents will receive $300 per month and eligible households with dependents will receive $500 per month. Tenants will still be responsible for paying the difference between their full rent and the supplement provided.
Application Process
The tenant starts the application and must have documents and photos prepared as the application process cannot be saved or paused. Applicants will require:
- Proof of address (driver’s license, utility bill, pay stub or mailed items addressed to the tenant at the rental address
- Proof of monthly rent amount, such as a signed tenancy agreement, rent receipt, or notice of rent increase
- Landlord’s details and contact information, including email address
- For any household member who is over the age of 19:
- Identification, such as a driver’s license, passport, or BC identification cardProof of 2019 income (2019 Notice of Assessment or T-Slips), or letter from EmployerProof of 2020 income loss related to COVID 19, and proof of receipt of Employment Insurance, Canada Emergency Response Benefit, Record of Employment, letter from employer, etc
Once the application has been reviewed and the tenant is considered eligible, the landlord will receive an email asking them to complete the application process. Landlords will be asked to confirm details provided about the tenancy, including rental address and monthly rent amount. Once the landlord’s application is complete, both parties will receive an email confirmation. You will only be required to apply once, and the subsequent months will be automatically paid.
Applications are now being accepted on the BC Housing website.
For information and resources on insurance and risk management for your rental properties, please contact an Acera Insurance Advisor.