Freeze on rental rates

BC Temporary Rental Supplement (BC-TRS)

Provides up to $500/month if you have a dependent, up to $300 without a dependent towards rent, paid directly to landlords.
Renters will fill out the first part of the application, the second part will then be sent to landlords and when the two applications are matched, the funds will be dispersed to the landlord.
Applications open mid-April. More info here.

Tenants should pay rent wherever possible. The legislation still requires that tenants pay rent in full and on time.
The state of emergency temporarily suspends a landlord’s ability to end a tenancy if a tenant does not pay the rent in full and on time
A tenant who has not paid rent could face eviction once the state of emergency is over
For more information: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/housing-tenancy/residential-tenancies/covid-19

BC Hydro is halting all service disconnections for non-payment of bills and reducing electricity rates by 1%
COVID-19 Relief Fund applies a 3-month credit to your BC Hydro account for eligible customers (avg credit will be $477). You need to be eligible for Employment Insurance, the Canada Emergency Response Benefit, or the B.C. Emergency Benefit for Workers
COVID-19 Customer Assistance Program offers bill deferral and payment plans for customers struggling due to impacts of COVID-19.
Customer Crisis Fund is an existing program that grants of up to $600 off your energy bill.

Existing shelters still active and additional emergency options may be available. New spaces have been secured for those without a safe place to self-isolate.
Call 2-1-1 or search online.

Many renters in BC are forced to make a decision between paying rent and paying for food. The income support programs offered from the government have left many falling through the cracks. The Vancouver Tenants Union has developed a guide for renters to navigate through the crisis and organize with their neighbours.
Visit BCRentCrisis.ca if you have questions or want to safely organize your building during the COVID-19 pandemic. Download the Renter’s Toolkit and other resources to get started.