The Housing Registry a comprehensive housing information service that provides a centralized database of applicant information those non-profit and co-operative providers of affordable housing can access at no cost to fill units as they become available.

The Housing Registry provides a single point of entry allowing households searching for subsidized housing to submit one application form to be considered for any available rent-geared-to-income housing units in developments managed by The Housing Registry members. Learn more.

Who can participate?

Housing Registry membership is open to all non-profit and co-operative providers of rent-geared-to-income housing in British Columbia.

What does the registry offer housing providers?

The Registry helps housing providers manage applicant lists by maintaining a current database of applicants. It also eliminates duplication among housing providers who would otherwise receive and process applications from many of the same individuals and households.

Eliminates the need to maintain extensive applicant files
Automation of manual processes
Built-in data integrity
No need to purchase or load special software, can be accessed through any computer with an internet connection.

Housing providers who use The Registry continue to maintain complete autonomy over their tenant/member selection and screening processes.

Why have The Housing Registry?

The Housing Registry was created to make it easier for low-income households to apply for subsidized housing. By applying to The Housing Registry, applicants can submit one application for subsidized housing and reach out to many housing providers and multiple developments. Additionally, The Housing Registry makes it easier for applicants to keep their files up to date when their living circumstances change which reduces duplication of effort between multiple housing providers.

What about my existing applicant list?

Housing Registry staff will work with you to transfer your existing applicant list to The Housing Registry database.

Once transferred, applicant calls requesting an application or reporting changes to an existing application can be directed to The Housing Registry office.

How do I fill units when they become available?

You access The Housing Registry through a secure internet connection to obtain a list of eligible applicants who have expressed an interest in your building or the community.

You are responsible for contacting applicants and following your regular selection and screening processes and updating the applicant file to reflect when an offer is made.

What are the computer requirements?

You need an Internet-ready computer, running a current version of Internet Explorer. A high-speed Internet connection is recommended.

You do not need to purchase or load special software. But you require virus protection and security on your computer to stop unwanted access.

How is The Housing Registry managed?

The Housing Registry is managed by The Housing Registry Council which consists of representatives from housing providers, the Co-operative Housing Federation of BC, community associations and BC Housing. The database is owned, maintained and administered by BC Housing.

How does The Housing Registry work?

The Housing Registry makes it possible for applicants to apply for housing with multiple housing providers by contacting one agency and completing one application form.

The Housing Registry inputs and processes application forms, maintains a database of these applicants, and works to keep applicant information current.

As a result, member housing providers no longer need to maintain an applicant list. They can select all rent-geared-to-income applicants from The Housing Registry database. The Housing Registry also accepts applications from households with incomes over the Housing Income Limits (HILs) who are looking for market or lower end of market units in developments managed by Housing Registry members.

Is there a membership fee?

There is no fee for membership in The Housing Registry; BC Housing provides the staff and resources to operate The Housing Registry.

If there is no Housing Registry office near me, how will applicants apply?

Applicants can download The Housing Registry Application Form from the BC Housing website and there are a number of application access points throughout B.C. Additionally, The Housing Registry will provide Housing Registry members with a supply of Application forms for you to hand out to applicants who attend your office.

Housing Registry members who are willing and able may have the opportunity to become an access point for the registry. The council will work with members to identify areas where another access point may be needed.