Vancouver Rent Bank
January 4, 2021 – Important Notice:
In our collective efforts to help keep our community safe during BC COVID-19 health orders, the Vancouver Rent Bank drop-in will be closed until further notice. We will continue to accept and review on-line applications during this time.
If you require immediate assistance with your Vancouver Rent Bank or Violence Prevention Fund application, please feel free to call us at 604-566-9685 from Monday to Friday, 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM or leave us a voice message and one of our Case Managers will respond as soon as possible.
What Can Vancouver Rent Bank Do For me?
VRB can offer a short term, no interest loan to families and individuals that live in the City of Vancouver who are at risk of eviction or essential utility disconnection due to a temporary shortage of funds. VRB loans can also be used for a security deposit if current housing is deemed unsafe or unsustainable. We also provide applicants with the tools to better manage their financial resources.
In 2021 Vancouver Rent Bank applicants may be considered for non-repayable, one-time Housing Grants for those who are at risk of homelessness or are experiencing housing insecurity as a direct result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Please contact us for eligibility details.
Please see below for application criteria and guidelines. You can also contact us directly at 604-566-9685.
What can VRB loans and one-time housing grants be used for?
- Rental arrears/past due rent (not to exceed 2 months)
- Utility Arrears
- Security Deposits and/or First month’s rent
What is required to apply for a Vancouver Rent Bank loan?
- Must be a current resident of the City of Vancouver or will be a resident of the City of Vancouver
- Must have low-income (see chart below)
- Are 19 years of age or older as of application date.
- Have a bank account or receiving Income Assistance
- Have (or will soon have) a concrete, consistent source of income (can be government assistance)
- Have two pieces of ID, one with picture
- Can provide proof of tenancy
- Not be in the process of bankruptcy
- Have no un-discharged bankruptcies
- Have a sincere reason for any delinquency in debt/rental/essential utility payments
- Have/ will have long term, safe housing
- Can demonstrate on-going ability to pay monthly rent
- Experiencing temporary financial crisis and/or financial crisis due to COVID-19
- Owe no more than two months rental arrears
If you are not a current resident of the City of Vancouver, please visit https://bcrentbank.ca/locations/ for a current list of rent banks in British Columbia.
What if I live in subsidized housing?
If you live in BC Housing we will not be able to approve you for a loan for rent.We can contact your landlord to help negotiate a payment plan. If you live in other subsidized housing, we may be able to approve your loan application. However, the first step is to negotiate a payment plan with your landlord.
Is there a maximum amount I can request?
Yes. The maximum a single person may request is $1300. The maximum a family may request is $1800.
How are the funds provided?
If you are approved for a loan, the funds are provided in cheque form. The cheque is written and sent directly to your landlord, or the utility company such as BC Hydro or Fortis BC.
If you are a subletter or pay monthly rent to a roommate/primary tenant, please contact us before completing an application.
How do I apply for a loan from the Vancouver Rent Bank?
In order to start an application for a VRB loan, you will need to sign up, log-in, and complete a pre-assessment. You can do this by clicking here.
Is there a drop-in?
The Vancouver Rent Bank drop-in is currently closed until further notice. We will continue to accept and review on-line applications and will contact applicants by e-mail and telephone.
What else do I need to apply?
Once your application is received we will contact you with a list of required documents to send us.
Please do not send documents until we have requested them.
Example of required documents:
- 2 pieces of Valid ID (one with picture)
- Proof of Tenancy or Intent to Rent
- Eviction Notice (if applicable)
- Last 3 months of ALL bank account and credit card statements
- Payday loan statements (if applicable)
- Proof of income
- Recent Pay stubs, child tax benefits or ministry payments, application to EI, employment contract etc.
- If self-employed, most recent income tax statement
- Recent Utility bills
- If approved for a VRB Loan you will also be asked to submit a Void Check or Automatic Withdrawal Slip before payment is processed to your landlord or utility company.
When should you contact a member of the Vancouver Rent Bank?
If you have concerns about your ability to pay your rent or essential utility bills, then that would be a good time to call a member of our Vancouver Rent Bank team at 604-566-9685.
How long does the process take?
Application processing times can take anywhere from 1 to 2 weeks depending on the number of applications and enquiries we receive. For this reason, VRB cannot guarantee a response time. However, our team will do our best to follow up on your application as soon as possible and can provide referrals and temporary supports in the meantime. Feel free to call us if you would like more information: 604-566-9685
Is there an interview?
Yes. The interview process is very in-depth; we will ask detailed questions about past, current and future spending, budgeting, and income sources. The process can seem invasive; however, the goal is to determine if the applicant meets the program criteria.
How do I know if I have low income?
Please see the 2021 Housing Income Limits (HILs) chart below to find out if your current income is considered low in your community.
Housing Income Limits (HILs) represent the maximum gross household income for eligibility in many affordable housing programs. The HILs are based on figures established by CMHC, and are intended to reflect the minimum income required to afford appropriate accommodation in the private market.
| Planning Area Lower Mainland | 1 Bdrm or Less | 2 Bdrm | 3 Bdrm | 4+ Bdrm |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Abbotsford | $37,000 | $44,000 | $66,500 | $89,500 |
| Chilliwack | $34,500 | $46,500 | $60,000 | $64,500 |
| Hope | $27,000 | $37,500 | $42,000 | $54,000 |
| Powell River | $36,500 | $38,500 | $42,000 | $52,500 |
| Squamish | $51,000 | $58,000 | $69,500 | $90,000 |
| Sunshine Coast | $39,000 | $40,000 | $49,500 | $61,500 |
| Vancouver | $55,500 | $67,500 | $78,000 | $83,500 |
| Non-Market Areas | $74,000 | $83,000 | $90,500 | $96,000 |
How do I pay back the loan?
The maximum repayment term is two years.
This is an interest free loan, you will only be charged an administration fee of $1/month. Example of loan repayment amounts:
- A loan of $500 will require a monthly payment of approximately $22/month*
- A loan of $1000 will require a monthly repayment of approximately $43/month*
- A loan of $1,300 will require a monthly repayment of approximately $55/month*
*On a two year term.
Monthly payments are automatically withdrawn from your bank account. There is no repayment requirement for approved one-time housing grants.
Contact Vancouver Rent Bank:
By phone at 604-566-9685
By email at vrb@niccss.ca
By fax at 604-569-3779
Vancouver Rent Bank
(Operated by NICCSS)
#200-739 Gore Avenue,
Vancouver, BC V6A 2Z9