The association representing landlords in British Columbia says the amount of money renters receive from the province’s rental supplement program isn’t enough.
Last month, the provincial government unveiled a temporary rental subsidy program that provides eligible renters who have been financially impacted by COVID-19 up $500 a month for rent. Under the program, renters with no dependents receive $300, while renters with dependents receive $500. Renters, however, do not receive the money directly, since it is provided directly to their landlord.
But Landlord BC, the industry association representing owners and managers of rental housing, says those payments are “inadequate for a vast majority of renters relative” their money rent and is urging the province to increase the subsidy to $750 per month for renters with no dependents, and $1,000 per month for renters with dependents, before May 1.
“We are predicting a significant spike in the number of renters unable to pay their rent. We are therefore calling for immediate action from the B.C. government. Specifically, we are asking that effective May 1 the current rent supplement benefit amount be increased to $750 per month for renters with no dependents, and $1000 per month for renters with dependents.”
The association is also asking the provincial government to drop the income test from the eligibility criteria, which currently sits at $74,150 for singles and couples without dependents and $113,040 for households with dependents, and extend the program to August 2020.
In a statement to CHEK News the Province said ” Our government has put in place the strongest rental support program in the country with the highest level of direct financial support to help pay tenants’ rent.”
Landlord BC says the provincial government and BC Housing have shown “leadership” during the pandemic as rent cheques for April 1 came quickly but stressed that the amount of money must be increased as the “stakes” are very high for many right now.
CHEK News
