Next steps

Victoria announces next steps to support renters, landlords

Jun 19, 2020 | 8:35 AM

VICTORIA — British Columbia’s provincial government is extending the temporary rental supplement (TRS) until the end of August 2020.

The Province says it’s to support renters and landlords and note it will also maintain the moratorium on rent increases and evictions for non-payment of rent, while enabling other notices to end tenancy to resume.

“COVID-19 has touched all aspects of our lives and our economy. While we are seeing good success at limiting the spread of COVID-19 thanks to everyone’s joint efforts, it has been a difficult time for many,” says Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing Selina Robinson.

In a news release, the ministry says people who have already been approved for the TRS do not need to reapply.

“They will receive an email asking them to confirm they plan to live at the same address through July and August. New applications will also be accepted until Aug.31 and will be eligible for a supplement for the month they are received and all subsequent months.”

The moratorium on evictions has been in effect since March 30 and will continue for non-payment of rent. As the province moves forward with B.C.’s Restart Plan, the ban on evictions for reasons other than unpaid rent will be lifted later this month.

The government says it is committed to giving people advance notice before lifting the moratorium on evictions for non-payment of rent at a future date.

Between April 9, when the TRS program began, and June 15, BC Housing received more than 90,000 applications.

The TRS program provides $500 per month for eligible households with dependents and $300 per month for eligible households with no dependents.

Landlords wishing to have an existing notice of eviction enforced will be able to apply to begin that process July 1.