B.C.’s temporary rental supplement program – that provided either $300 or $500 to eligible renters – is being extended until the end of August.

New applications will be accepted until the end of August, but people who have already been approved do not need to reapply as they will get an email asking them to confirm they plan to live at the same address through July and August.

“COVID-19 has touched all aspects of our lives and our economy. While we are seeing good success at limiting the spread of COVID-19 thanks to everyone’s joint efforts, it has been a difficult time for many,” Housing Minister Selina Robinson said.

“We’re continuing to protect renters as we also ensure landlords are receiving some income during this time.”

Premier John Horgan says government is also continuing to develop new programs that could potentially use the $1.5 billion the province has earmarked for recovery.

“We have been working very cooperatively with the Federal Government. The Canada Emergency Response Benefit is a key part of our ability to enhance programs without it all being on the backs of British Columbians. The federal government has been very responsive in that regard,” he said.

“We are going to continue to work with them so that we can refine our programs so that we can mesh them seamlessly in the months ahead.”

In addition to announcing the extension, the government is maintaining the moratorium on rent increases and evictions for non-payment of rent, but it is allowing other notices to end tenancy to resume later this month. It will include evictions in instances when someone new has bought a property with the intention to move in, or in instances where a tenant is putting the landlord or others at risk.

“As we move forward with carefully restarting the economy and look to a new normal, we are taking a similarly phased approach to rental housing,” Robinson added, noting that depending on the type of eviction, it will require a notice period of between one and four months.

“We’re recognizing that there are situations where it is safe and reasonable to return to normal processes, but we’re also continuing to protect people who have lost income because of the pandemic from losing their homes.”

The province is also creating a framework that will require landlords to work with tenants to repay rent that is owed over a reasonable period of time.

“Government has been clear that tenants who have not experienced financial difficulties are expected to continue to pay rent,” added a ministry statement. “Tenants will also be responsible for outstanding rent when the ban on evictions for non-payment is lifted.”

Horgan says Robinson is working with stakeholders on a range of issues when it comes to the rental market, adding that the province remains committed to ensuring that people get the help they need to navigate the pandemic.

“We’re focusing now on recovery and stimulus. That means the largest infrastructure package that’s ever been tabled. It means jobs in communities right across British Columbia,” Horgan added.

“[Finance Minister] Carole [James] has a number of other initiatives available to her and we are going to be trying to mesh those with the programs that are already in place. We don’t want any more administrative burdens, we want to make sure that we can get dollars into people’s hands.”