Renting
Renting on Hornby
On Hornby Island, only about 18% of the housing stock is available for rent compared to 30% for the province as a whole. The number of rental units available went down from 165 in 2001 to 100 in 2006 - a 40% decrease. 45% of Hornby households are paying more than 30% of their income on shelter which is generally considered the threshold level for affordability. The most effective way to secure rental housing on Hornby is through word of mouth, grass roots posters and contacting local property managers and real estate agents.
The Rental Assistance Program provides financial support to eligible renters. Other links and information for renters is provided below.
The Rental Assistance Program
The Rental Assistance Program was launched in October 2006 as part of Housing Matters BC. The program provides eligible low-income, working families with cash assistance to help with their monthly rent payments.
In 2008, the Government of British Columbia introduced the following enhancements to the Rental Assistance Program:
- The maximum income level has been increased to $35,000.
- The maximum rent ceiling has been increased to $900 for a family of three or less and to $940 for a family of four or more.
- There is a minimum benefit amount of $50 per month or $600 a year..
- Families whose youngest children are over 19 may now still qualify for the program if the child is under 25 and enrolled in full-time attendance at school, university or vocational institution or if the child of an age is accepted as a dependent for income tax purposes due to mental or physical infirmity.
Rental Assistance Program Eligibility criteria and application information.
For more information on the Rental Assistance Program, call BC Housing at 1-800-257-7756 or email applicantinquiries@bchousing.org
Shelter Aid for Elderly Renters (SAFER)
Provides direct cash assistance to British Columbians aged 60 or older who pay rent for their homes. On average, seniors involved in the SAFER program receive $169 a month.
Tel.: 1-800-257-7756
Email: ApplicantandSAFERenquiries@bchousing.org
Visit these links for further information
