Renters in British Columbia who have lost income during the COVID-19 pandemic can now apply for the province’s temporary rental supplement.

The province will provide $300 (people with no dependents) and $500 (people with dependents) per month for people who can prove they’ve lost wages. That money will go directly to landlords within seven days of approval.

“We’re helping British Columbians get through this by halting evictions so renters will not lose their home. We’re helping them pay rent with the new temporary rental supplement – providing direct relief on the biggest month-to-month expense for most households,” said Selina Robinson, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing.

“Together with the other provincial and federal programs, the rental supplement will give people the financial support they need right now.”

The subsidy is restricted to individuals earning less than $74,150 a year or households with collective earnings lower than $113,040.

Right now, the supplement is only available until June, but people who have already paid rent for April can still apply for the relief. The money is addition to funding available from the federal government as well as B.C.’s $1,000 emergency benefit for workers.

For information about the temporary rental supplement, including eligibility criteria, head online here.