Stay housed when times get tough.

Don’t let a short-term financial crisis threaten your housing stability.

We all need a little extra help sometimes.

As a renter in British Columbia, you face some of the highest rental rates and one of the lowest vacancy rates in Canada. When an unforeseen crisis arises, you may find yourself having to choose between paying your rent, putting food on the table, or keeping the lights on.

Two adults and two kids smiling and giving a group hug

Rent banks provide financial assistance, resource support, referrals, and connection.

An eviction prevention and housing stability resource, rent banks offer financial assistance, referrals to a wide range of other services, and vital support to help renters move beyond their immediate crisis and go from simply surviving to thriving.

How to Apply

Get Involved

Get the help you need in 4 easy steps.

Applying for financial assistance is simple:

1. Confirm eligibility

Review the list of eligibility requirements to see if you qualify.

2. Fill out an application

Allow 15-20 minutes to tell us about your situation, finances, and other needs. You can do this online, or with the help of your local rent bank.

3. Await follow-up

A case manager will follow up to provide support, request documents, and ask questions to better understand your situation.

4. Receive and repay

If approved, funds are provided and a repayment plan is established.

Apply Now

We partner with rent banks across the province to help thousands of renters facing an unexpected crisis stay housed.

BC Rent Bank is a backbone organization providing funding to BC’s provincial rent bank network. We also support our rent bank partners with technology, resources, and training—and we’re using the data and information we collect to advocate for change within the renter market.

Donate

Learn More

$6.45M

in financial assistance provided directly to renters

4,970

households supported to avoid eviction or essential utility disconnection

10,770

people kept housed

17,000

additional supports offered to individuals

“I really didn’t have anyone else to turn to financially when I was trying to start a new life. One [step] away from drugs and abuse. The rent bank helped me pay for my home so that I wasn’t homeless and that helped me be able to start a new job. I was able to go into my interview feeling confident and not be a ball of nerves for the wrong reasons.”

“I was served so compassionately and efficiently.”

“I’m grateful for rent bank’s help. I would be homeless without it. The last time I checked there were no other options except temporary housing in a shelter. At my age (70) this would likely be the end of me. Rent Bank’s service was quick and efficient, very friendly and respectful. I can’t imagine it being any better. The service kept me in my home. Thank You!”

“Your assistance helped me keep my place and complete treatment. I’m now back at work full time and not using drugs.”

“Housing is so important, and without it I wouldn’t be able to secure the medication that I need to treat my chronic cancer and pain condition.”

“It is so amazing to have help when you don’t know what you’re going to do. Six months on, I am stable again and my crisis was just a moment in time that I needed help. But it was a moment that could have left me and my family homeless.”

“The rent bank was so helpful and the service was exceptional. The person who helped me was responsive and provided the emotional support that I needed. Also, he made a great effort to get my application processed quickly so that I could get the help that I needed in a timely manner. Thank you to the rent bank.”

Share your story

We’d love to hear about your rent bank experience! It only takes a few minutes, and any information you share is anonymous.