Housing subsidies available in BC

From the Housing section of My Help Book for Victoria and Vancouver BC. (updated as of December 2014)

To find most housing and rental subsidies available to BC residents check BCHousing.org (click on "Find Housing" top left corner for subsidies list).

Or call BC Housing: 
Toll free from anywhere in BC: 1-800-257-7756 
Vancouver: 604-433-2218 
Victoria: 250 475-7550

Full BC Housing phone and fax numbers list



MAIN SUBSIDIES

For Seniors - SAFER subsidy program 

• For renters age 60+ who pay over 30% of their gross monthly income for rent.
• See eligibility and application information here. 
• If you need help with applying, contact your local MLA. 

For Families - Rental Assistance subsidy program
For families with dependent children (under age 19; or under age 25 and in school; or defined as dependent under tax rules).

• See detailed list of eligibility rules here. 
  
• Go to application page here.
  
• If you need help to apply, contact your local MLA. 

For Home Owners

• BC Home Owners Grant (qualifying home owners can reduce property tax)
• BC Property Tax Deferment Program (for qualifying homeowners).
  

Home Adaptation subsidies

• Home Adaptations For Independence (HAFI) Financial help for low-income people with disabilities and seniors with minor home adaptations. Ph: 1-800-407-7757 ext.7055; Vancouver 604-646-7055
• BC Seniors' Home Renovation tax credit: Financial help for accessibility modifications.

Energy Efficiency programs

• Low-income BC Hydro or Fortis BC customers may be eligible for free Energy Saving Kits.
• Home owners (and others) may be eligible for renovation rebates and other programs. 
• See LiveSmart BC for more information

See more subsidy information (including for people with disabilities) at BC Housing.org

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CO-OP HOUSING IN BC

• BC Co-op Housing ---1-866-879-5111 (toll free)
• Vancouver Co-op and Social Housing
• Victoria Co-op Housing --- 250-384-9444

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HELP FOR  HOUSING AND RENTAL PROBLEMS

• Tenant's Rights Action Coalition:
  1-800-665-1185 (toll free in BC); Vancouver 604-255-0546
  Tenant's Survival Guide online here. 
• BC Residential Tenancy Branch (Government of BC):
  1-800-665-8779 (toll free);
  Vancouver 604-660-1020; Victoria 250-387-1602
• BC Condo Owners Association: 1-877-353-2462 (toll free)

• Manufactured (mobile) Home Owners of BC: 1-877-222-4560 (toll free)
• Povnet - Tenant Rights information and links to help you find a housing advocate. 
  

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HOUSING COSTS IN VICTORIA AND VANCOUVER
According to CMHC's Fall 2014 Rental Report, the average rent for a one bedroom apartment in Victoria is $850 per month, however, a survey of recent (Nov-Dec 2014) Craigslist ads shows the average rent for a one bedroom in the Victoria region is closer to $900/month. For Vancouver, CMHC's average rent for a one bedroom apartment is $1020, however, recent Craigslist ads show the average closer to $1100/month.

• BC Non-Profit Housing Association - Affordability Housing Map
• Province of BC - Housing Information
• CMHC - Average Rents in BC (cities) 
• CMHC Rental Reports for Victoria, Vancouver and Kelowna

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