Provincial Update More Help Coming for BC renters

More help coming for BC renters and landlords

Province launches BC-Temporary Rental Supplement (BC-TRS) Program

The BC Government has enacted a number of measures to reassure tenants and beleaguered landlords since the COVDI-19 crisis began.

Since March 25th, the Province has halted all evictions to support renters who are facing a temporary loss of income due to the pandemic, and in early April, BC Housing announced plans for a new Temporary Rental Supplement (TRS) of up to $500 a month.

According to the BC Housing website, TRS is intended to help renters pay at least part of their rents while ensuring landlords continue to receive some rental income until the health emergency is lifted.

“We are putting in place measures that complement the federal crisis measures to support our most vulnerable populations and ensure they do not fall deeper into poverty as a result of COVID-19,” said Shane Simpson, Minister of Social Development and Poverty Reduction. “This is a stressful time for everyone, but for those struggling to put food on the table at the best of times, it is important that we ensure there are no additional barriers to get what they need to keep themselves and their families safe and healthy.”

Support for renters and landlords: BC programs to date To support people and prevent the spread of COVID-19, the Province of BC is introducing a new temporary rental supplement, halting evictions for non-payment of rent, and freezing rent increases.

The new BC Temporary Rental Supplement, or BC-TRS, will be administered by BC Housing to assist eligible low- and moderate-income renters who are struggling to pay their rent as a result of income loss or income reduction due to COVID-19.

Once a tenant is deemed eligible, the benefit will be paid directly to the landlord, ensuring at least a portion of each month’s rent gets paid. At this time, the program will be in place for a three-month period.

Who is eligible? The supplement is open to renters facing financial hardship as a result of the COVID-19 crisis, but that do not qualify for existing rental assistance programs. Currently the website states that tenants whose rent is subsidized by any level of government are not eligible, including those receiving Income Assistance or Disability Assistance, which already includes a shelter allowance.

Full details on eligibility for the program and information about the application process will be up on BC Housing’s website in mid-April.