Provincial government announces rental support, landlord restrictions, and an eviction moratorium
The provincial government announced a temporary $500 per month rental supplement for renters in BC today along with other rental-related measures in response to the COVID-19 situation in the province.
The rental supplement will be available to low-to-moderate income renters who have lost income due to the COVID-19 crisis and will be paid directly to landlords through BC Housing.
The announced measures also:
Halt evictions by ensuring landlords can’t issue new notices to end tenancy for any reason, except in situations where it may be needed to protect health and safety, or to prevent undue damage to the property.
Halt enforcement of existing eviction notices, except in extreme cases where there are safety concerns.
Freeze annual rent increases during the state of emergency starting April 1.
Prevent landlords from accessing rental units without the tenant’s consent except in situations where it may be needed to protect health and safety, or to prevent undue damage to the property.
Restrict the ways that landlords and renters can serve notices.
Allow landlords to restrict their tenants and guests from using common areas.