Province extends rent supplement, eviction ban

The B.C. government is extending the temporary rental supplement until the end of August as the COVID-19 pandemic continues to affect the province.

It will also maintain the moratorium on rent increases and evictions for nonpayment of rent, the government said in a news release Friday.

Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing Selina Robinson acknowledged the pandemic has been a difficult time for many.

“Recognizing the financial challenges faced by many people, our government is extending the TRS and maintaining the rent freeze and the ban on evictions for nonpayment of rent. We’re continuing to protect renters as we also ensure landlords are receiving some income during this time,” Robinson said, in the news release.

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 nonpayment of rent.

As the province moves forward with its restart plan, the ban on evictions for reasons other than unpaid rent will be lifted later this month.

The rental supplement is in addition to funding available from the federal government and the $1,000 B.C. Emergency Benefit for Workers. It is part of the province’s $5-billion COVID -19 Action Plan to provide income supports, tax relief and direct funding for people and businesses, and to support the services people count on.