Research

Watch this webinar in partnership with the Tenant Resource and Advocacy Centre on your rights and responsibilities as a tenant

Useful Websites

BC211 – Housing – Click on “Housing” on the home page and enter your postal code to find services in your neighborhood. You can also search by specific type of service including finding shelters and emergency housing services.
Landlordbc.ca – Call the 1-888-330-6707 helpline for owners and managers of rental housing.
Tenant’s Survival Guide Online – e-book provides basic but highly informative education on residential tenancy law in British Columbia.
Living Together or Living Apart: Common-Law Relationships, Marriage, Separation, and Divorce– Explains the basics of family law in BC
Human rights in Tenancy Videos from BC Human Rights Clinic

Government Resources: Subsidized and Supportive Housing

BC Housing – BC Housing works in partnership with the private and non-profit sectors, provincial health authorities and ministries, other levels of government and community groups to develop a range of housing options.
BC Housing – Information for Tenants
BC Housing Emergency Shelter Map
BC Housing – Supportive Housing- For people who may have mental and physical health conditions, substance use and/or other challenges that puts you at higher risk of homelessness.
BC Housing – Subsidized Housing – Subsidized housing is long-term housing for people who permanently reside in British Columbia. Rental fees are calculated on a rent geared to income basis (30% of household total gross income, subject to minimum rent based on # of people).
BC Housing – Addiction Recovery Program – Stable, short-term housing for individuals participating in a substance use recovery program. By referral only.
BC Housing – Independent Living BC Program – A subsidized, assisted-living program that provides housing with support services to seniors and people with disabilities. By referral only.
BC Housing – Affordable Rental Housing – If you earn too much to be added to the Housing Registry but are nevertheless struggling to find affordable housing, consider searching the Housing Listings (below) for below-market or co-op rentals.
BC Housing – Housing Listings – A searchable list of affordable housing options in BC (includes subsidized, below market rentals, and co-ops). Eligibility requirements apply.
Second-Stage Housing Providers List – Second-stage housing assists women who have left abusive relationships make plans for independent living.
Transition Houses & Safe Homes List – Find and contact a transition house or safe home near you.

Youth Housing

SAJE Housing Supports & Rent Supplement Program
SOS Children’s Village BC – Youth 1 Year Aging Out of Care Program
AGEDOUT – Learn life skills, seek out information on housing and other topics for youth
BC Government Child and Youth Mental Health Clinics – provides referrals for youth to access subsidized housing and healthcare supports
Nanaimo Youth Services Association Housing Centre -provide safe, supportive and/or affordable housing and personal development options to youth between the ages of 16 and 25 years old.
Friendship Lelum Aboriginal Youth Safe House – Nanaimo – Provides short-term, emergency shelter for youth ages 12 to 18 who are experiencing stressful situations and have been identified as at-risk.
Regional District of Nanaimo Youth Housing Support- Several organizations in the region (covering Nanaimo, Parksville, Qualicum, Lantzville and surrounding areas) may be able to help you find housing and other supports you may need.

Seniors Housing

BC Housing – Shelter Aid for Elderly Renters (SAFER) – A rental supplement available to low-income BC seniors (60 years old or over). Check here for eligibility requirements and how to apply.
Senior Services Society – Temporary Housing Program
Seniors Services Society – Seniors Housing Directory of BC – A directory to help seniors find housing options across BC in the category that they are looking for (e.g., regular market rental, subsidized, assisted living, hospice, etc.). Includes the option to filter for places that are wheelchair-accessible, that allow pets, or that permit indoor smoking.

Homeowner’s Resources

BC Government – Home Owners Grant – Apply online or call 1-888-355-2700 to reduce the property tax owing on your principal residence. Additional grant is available to seniors.
BC Government – Property Tax Deferment Program – A low-interest tax deferal program for eligible homeowners in BC.
Government of Canada – Homeowners – A list of tax credits, rebates, grants, and other topics of potential relevance to homeowners.
Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) – Analysis and market trends for major centres across Canada including Vancouver Island

Other Government Information

Housing Homepage
- Includes information on strata housing, Indigenous housing, home owner grants, real estate in BC, and the BC Building Code.
Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner
BC Assessment – Find Information on Property in BC – Review sales and assessment values for properties in BC.

Residential Tenancy Branch site
- For landlords and tenants of residences.
- Includes guides for being a new landlord, rent increases, forms, dispute resolution, and the Residential Tenancy Branch contact info

Non-Profit Resources

Tenant Resource and Advocacy Centre (TRAC) – Information Line for free help – 1-800-665-1185
BC Rent Bank – Each rent bank provides financial and support services to tenants in specific regions of the province. All financial assistance is paid directly to the landlord or utility company by the local rent bank. 2023 Housing Income Limits (HILs) needed to qualify for a loan.
Co-operative Housing Federation of BC – FAQs – Learn about what co-operative housing entails in BC.
Renting it Right in British Columbia – Video-based course guides BC residents through the rental process, in preparation for submitting a strong rental application. Course participants who pass the final exam will earn a certificate to present to landlords.
John Howard Society
M’akola Housing Society – provides safe, affordable and appropriate homes primarily for Indigenous people and families.
Salish Lelum Housing Society – provides essential services to Nanaimo and area Indigenous population