British Columbia

BC Rent Bank

Moderate application

BC Rent Bank is a program of Vancity Community Foundation, with funding provided by the Government of B.C. BC Rent Bank supports a network of community-based rent banks throughout the province. Together, they help prevent evictions and support housing stability for renters across British Columbia.

Rent banks serve low-to-modest income renters who are unable to pay rent or essential utilities due to an interruption in earnings or an unexpected expense. A renter must be experiencing a temporary or short-term crisis and not in need of ongoing support to pay rent or utilities. Rent Banks offer financial assistance and referral support services to help renters who are experiencing unexpected housing challenges.

Rent bank assistance may be used to cover the following:

  • Rent (upcoming payment or arrears)
  • Hydro, gas, or water bills (upcoming payment or arrears)
  • Security deposit, pet deposit, or first month’s rent once housing has been secured.

Rent banks offer interest-free micro-loans, the average loan is less than $2,000. Each rent bank sets its own loan maximums based on current market rental rates. Repayment terms can range from 6-36 months.

Applicants must meet the following criteria:

  • Be over the age 19 or an emancipated minor
  • A renter in British Columbia
  • Experiencing a crisis that has impacted your ability to pay rent or utilities (gas, hydro, water)
  • Owing less than $3,500 in rent or utilities
  • Able to provide proof of income sufficient to cover ongoing monthly living expenses and repay a loan
  • Part of a low-to-modest income household
  • Free from undischarged bankruptcy

If you are a renter who receives benefits from the Government of B.C., such as Income Assistance (IA) or Persons with Disabilities (PWD) assistance, please contact the Ministry first, as you may be eligible for crisis funding.

Please contact your utility provider before applying to BC Rent Bank to arrange a repayment plan or ask whether financial assistance is available.

If you do not meet the eligibility criteria and would like information on other rental assistance options, please visit BC Housing’s website or call BC 2-1-1.

Documents listed in this section are examples of what can be included with your application. Please review the application instructions (How to Apply tab) to confirm the supplemental and required documents for this benefit.

During the application process, you may be asked to provide the following:

  • Proof of tenancy
  • Two-three months of banks statements
  • Two pieces of identification (ID); including one piece of photo ID
  • Utility bill, if applicable

Based on your address, your application will be directed to the community-based rent bank that serves your area in B.C.

To apply you must complete the following steps:

  1. Review and confirm your eligibility.

  2. Complete and submit a pre-assessment form. Individuals can do one of the following:

OR

  1. A case manager will ask you some questions about your situation, and will also request the following documents to confirm eligibility:
  • Proof of tenancy
  • Two-three months of banks statements
  • Two pieces of identification (ID); including one piece of photo ID
  • Utility bill, if applicable
  1. If approved, funds are distributed to your landlord or utility company. Repayment terms can range from 6-36 months.

Please note the application process can take between 5-10 business days to process. Once your application is received, your local rent bank will contact you within a couple of business days.

If you have questions after submitting your application, please contact your local rent bank.

Last reviewed: October 14, 2026