Over the past two weeks, the BC government has announced extensions to its Temporary Rental Supplement program as well as the ban on rent increases and evictions for late or non-payment of rent.
The BC Temporary Rental Supplement provides eligible tenants up to $500 per month in rent support, paid directly to landlords. The program has now been extended to August 31, 2020. See our previous blog post for more information on the eligibility and application requirements. Tenants that have already been approved will not need to reapply and will receive an email to confirm their plans to remain at the same residence until end of August. Any new applicants, if approved, will receive the TRS for the month in which their application is received.
Although the BC government has extended the ban on rent increases as well as evictions for late or unpaid rent, landlords can now resume the following:
- Evictions for other reasons (any eviction notices served prior to the moratorium are now in effect and can be enforced by the courts).
- Access of rental suites with 24-hour notice to tenants, provided they adhere to public health guidelines including physical distancing, cleaning and wearing masks when appropriate.
- Personal service of documents.
Landlords may also continue restricting access and limiting the number of people in common spaces (i.e. elevators, gyms, etc.) as part of COVID-19 safety precautions.
Any outstanding balances on rent would be due once the moratorium on evictions for non-payment is lifted. It is anticipated that the government will roll out a framework requiring landlords to cooperate with tenants on repayment plans.
For information and resources on insurance and risk management for your rental properties, please contact a CapriCMW Risk Advisor.
