Account Login/Registration

Access KamloopsBCNow using your Facebook account, or by entering your information below.


Facebook


OR


Register

Privacy Policy

UPDATE: BC's temporary rental supplement extended until the end of August

(UPDATE: June 19 @ 9:20 am) - As British Columbia, the rest of Canada and the entire world continues to navigate its way through COVID-19, the Government of BC has extended assistance to renters to last for most of the summer.

The province's temporary rental supplement (TRS), which began on April 9, will now be in effect until the end of August.

<who>Photo Credit: City of Kelowna

"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," said Selina Robinson, minister of housing.

"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 non-payment of rent."

Although the ban on evictions for non-payment of rent will stay in effect, the ban on evictions for any other reasons will be lifted later this month.

The TRS program provides $500 per month for eligible households with dependents and $300 per month for eligible households with no dependents, while all eligible roommates are allowed to apply for the supplement separately.

Any money provided to these renters through the supplement will be paid directly to landlords on the renters’ behalf.

To learn more and apply online, click this link.

(Original story: March 25 @ 2:15 pm) - Premier John Horgan has announced a number of temporary measures to help renters in British Columbia.

It’ll offer households up to $500 a month towards rent for anyone who has lost their job or wages due to COVID-19.

“With lost jobs and lost wages due to COVID-19, many tenants are worried they can't make the rent,” said Horgan, who added that it’s a challenging time for landlords too.

“Our plan will give much-needed financial relief to renters and landlords. It will also provide more security for renters, who will be able to stay in their homes without fear of eviction or increasing rents during this emergency."

That security he’s talking to is a temporary halt on evictions and a freeze on rents, even annual rent increases, during this time.

Today’s measures have been put in place to help renters with low to moderate incomes who are facing financial hardship as a result of COVID-19, but do not qualify for existing rental assistance programs.

Any money provided to these renters through the supplement will be paid directly to landlords on the renters’ behalf.

"As we work together to fight this pandemic, we can't afford to leave anyone behind," said MLA Chandra Herbert, leader of the Province’s Rental Housing Task Force.

"That's why I delivered recommendations that address the immediate concerns of both landlords and tenants who are doing their best at this difficult time."

For the time being, in support of social distancing and self-isolation, renters now have the right to prevent landlords from accessing rental units without full consent.

The exception is in cases where access is urgently needed due to a health or safety concern or to prevent undue damage to the unit.

For more information on today’s announcement, click this link.



Send your comments, news tips, typos, letter to the editor, photos and videos to [email protected].



Weather
webcam icon

weather-icon
Fri
13℃

weather-icon
Sat
14℃

weather-icon
Sun
16℃

weather-icon
Mon
19℃

weather-icon
Tue
21℃

weather-icon
Wed
13℃
current feed webcam icon

Top Stories

Follow Us

Follow us on Instagram Follow us on Twitter Like us on Facebook Follow us on Linkedin
Follow Our Newsletter
Privacy Policy