03/29/2020
Some facts...
What BC Tenants Want to Know
Q: Is rent still due on the 1st of the month?
A: Yes. Although some tenants will not be able to meet this obligation as a result of a significant and sudden decrease of income it does not mean it is not due and must be paid.
Q: Is the rental subsidy available for everybody?
A: No. The rental subsidy is specifically for residents who are being severely impacted by the COVID-19 crisis and are applying for Employment Insurance to get them through. As Premier Horgan said, “If you can pay your rent you should pay your rent. This fund is there for people who are truly in distress.”
Q: Who applies for the rental subsidy?
A: It is the responsibility of the tenant to apply for the rental benefit.
Q: Will the $500 rental subsidy come straight to me?
A: No. The rental subsidy will be payable directly to the Landlord.
Q: If I qualify for the $500 rental subsidy, am I still responsible for the remainder of the rent?
A: YES. Tenants will still be responsible to pay the balance of their rent that is owing.
Q: What if I still can’t pay the remainder of the rent that is owing?
A: If tenants still fall short on their rent, they should contact their landlord to let them know and try to arrange a payment plan that will allow tenants to get caught up.
Q: If the owner is getting a mortgage deferral, shouldn’t my rent be deferred too?
A: No. Firstly, not every property owner qualifies for a mortgage deferral. Secondly, if a property owner is approved for a mortgage deferral this does not mean they are saving any money, infact it can end up costing them much more. A deferral does not mean the payment is forgiven. It means the payment is still owing, but can be paid at a later time with added interest. Additionally, the mortgage is only one of a property owner’s many monthly financial obligations. There are also strata fees, property insurance, property taxes, Utility taxes and maintenance which still need to be paid each month.
Q: What about rent increases?
A: The provincial government has put a temporary freeze on all rent increases effective immediately. This means if you were served with a Notice of Rent Increase that was to come into affect April 1, the increase will not take place until the freeze has been lifted.
Q: If I don’t pay my rent, you can’t evict me, right?
A: At this time the BC government has put a temporary moratorium on evictions. That being said, if your rent isn’t paid it will continue to accrue as an amount outstanding and this unpaid rent will still be owed once the crisis is over as well as collections and other penalties may be applicable.
Q: Where can I find out more about the BC rent subsidy?
A: https://www.bchousing.org/news?newsId=1479155088004
Q: How do I apply for Employment Insurance?
A: Canadians can apply through the CRA My Account secure portal or through a My Service Canada Account
The Corporate Communications Branch is pleased to act as your first point of contact at BC Housing.
