Initial lack of clarity regarding the subsidy program is off-putting for some: landlord

If landlord isn’t cooperating with subsidy, BC Housing will figure out another option

BC Housing will not share information about landlords with illegal suites

VANCOUVER (NEWS 1130) — The B.C. government has clarified its position for tenants and renters involved with illegal suites who may be trying to access the COVID-19 relief program.

BC Housing is now telling the landlords of illegal suites that their information will not be shared with any other government bodies.

A tenant in an illegal suite in Surrey expressed concern over the weekend about his landlord refusing to fill out a subsidy application.

“Tenants — you can still get the rental supplement if you live in an ‘illegal’ suite,” BC Housing says in a tweet, in response to a NEWS 1130 story about tenants in illegal suites.

“If your landlord isn’t cooperating, please let us know so we can figure out another option,” the tweet reads further.

“Landlords — we won’t share your info with any other government bodies.”

Tenants – you can still get the rental supplement if you live in an “illegal” suite. If your landlord isn’t cooperating please let us know so we can figure out another option. Please call us 1-877-757-2577. Landlords – we won’t share your info with any other government bodies. — BC Housing (@BC_Housing) April 13, 2020

Meanwhile, Justin Fung, with Housing Action for Local Taxpayers, said illegal suites are a key component of affordable housing.

“A lot of affordable rentals – those which are under market rates, a lot of them on Vancouver’s eastside – fall into that category,” he said.

“They may not be up to code, the rent might be paid under the table, the suites might be rented to family and friends under an informal agreement.”

Landlords, he added, are also dependent on the suites for rental income.

Daniel, who is attempting to rent out an illegal suite in Metro Vancouver, said the initial lack of clarity in the subsidy program is off-putting for someone like himself hoping to find a renter.

“Because a lot of people think when you have an illegal suite that means it’s unsafe,” he added. “Though there are some suites that are probably unsafe, mine certainly is not.”