Information for Tenants

Tenant Handbook

Download a copy of the Tenant Handbook . It is also available in:

• Tenant Handbook - Chinese version
• Tenant Handbook - Farsi version
• Tenant Handbook - Korean version
• Tenant Handbook - Punjabi version
• Tenant Handbook - Tagalog version

BC Housing tenants are given a Tenant Handbook when they move in to a directly managed property.

Inside the Tenant Handbook you’ll find easy access to helpful information on dozens of subjects, including:

• Conflicts and complaints
• Emergency contacts
• Electricity
• Keeping pets
• Laundry
• Parking
• Recycling

You’ll also find useful information on ways you can lower your utility bills and save energy. At BC Housing, we support energy conservation. Our goal is to reduce energy and electricity use and the production of greenhouse gases on all our housing sites.

Tenant Forms

• Declaration of Income and Assets  – This information helps us calculate your rent and establish your eligibility for subsidized housing.
• Freedom of Information Request  – Access your information by completing this form and submitting it to [email protected].
• Housing Transfer Request – Want to move homes? See your Tenant Handbook to find out if you’re eligible. Then, download and complete this form.
• Notice to Landlord  – Give this completed form to your landlord or building manager when you’re moving to a new home.
• Pet Ownership Rules  | Pet Registration & Approval – Find out what pets you’re allowed to keep, how to register your pet and what rules apply.
• Pre-authorized Rent Payment  – Arrange to pay your rent directly from your bank.
• Tenant Requirements - Moving Out Checklist  – Use this list to keep track of things you need to do before moving out. When you’ve moved out, your building or site manager will do a final unit inspection. If you’ve missed an item on this list, you could be charged.

Emergency & Maintenance

For urgent building repairs, call your building or site manager. If it’s after hours call the site office number for your region, listed in the table below.

Helpful Links

These links apply to all renters whether you're a tenant renting in the private market, a tenant living in subsidized housing or one of our tenants living in a BC Housing directly managed property.

• The Residential Tenancy Branch – provides landlords and tenants with information and dispute resolution services.
• The Residential Tenancy Act– explains the rights and responsibilities of landlords and tenants, including the terms of tenancy agreements, rent increases, the ending of tenancy agreements and the arbitration process for resolving disputes.
• The Tenant Resource & Advisory Centre  – is a non-profit organization that promotes the legal protection of residential tenants across B.C. by providing information, education, support and research on residential tenancy matters.

BC Housing Programs

• Rental Assistance Program – provides rental assistance for low-income working families with children under the age of 19 and a household income of less than $40,000. We pay housing assistance directly to eligible households to assist these families in meeting monthly rent payments in the private housing market.
• Shelter Aid For Elderly Renters – is a program that helps make rents affordable for B.C. seniors with low to moderate incomes. Shelter Aid For Elderly Renters provides monthly cash payments to subsidize rents for eligible B.C. residents who are 60 and older.