As LandlordBC pushes for an expansion of the rental subsidy program in B.C., its CEO is also calling for the income test to be removed.

Speaking on NL Newsday, David Hutniak doesn’t think that will lead to a misuse of the program.

“Folks have to apply, they have to prove that they’ve suffered some consequences from COVID-19,” he said. “I think that there is enough integrity built into the process, plus landlords has to complete a portion of the application.”

“We’re hoping that people who truly need the help will take advantage of it, but we need to make this more broadly available.”

As it stands, people with no dependents need to have made less than $74,150 last year, while those with dependents need to have an income less than $113,040 to qualify.

“You know they are unable to pay their rent, and so we feel that if this is really going to be truly helping renters, that income test really should be eliminated, thereby helping a wider swath of potential candidates for this program.”

BC Liberal Housing critic Todd Stone previously told NL News that the income test is preventing some people who need help from getting it. Hutniak echoed those comments.

“You know everybody is really rushing to implement all sorts of programming. Is it perfect? No. Is there some point in time where we’re going to see some abuse for any of the programming, you know, I suspect we will. I’m going to look at this more optimistically,” Hutniak added.

“We’re trying to help people here.”