BC Housing – Rental Assistance Program (RAP)

Description

Provides monthly rent subsidies to low-income working families renting in the private market.

View Full Benefit Details

Benefit Amount

Varies based on income, family size, and rent.

Eligibility Criteria

  • You have a total before-tax annual household income of $60,000 or less ($40,000 before April 2025).
  • You have at least one dependent child. A dependent child is unmarried, a stepchild, adopted child or legal ward, mainly supported by you.
  • Dependent children are:
    • under 19 years of age, or
    • under 25 years of age and are full-time students at a secondary school, university or vocational institute. Education providers must be a recognized place of study that grants diplomas certificates or degrees, or
    • of any age, because of a mental or physical disability as defined by Canada Revenue Agency.
  • You have less than $100,000 in assets.
  • You file an annual income tax return.
  • You do not receive income or disability assistance through the B.C. Employment and Assistance Act or the Employment and Assistance for Persons with Disabilities Act (excluding Medical Services only).
  • More than 30% of your household income goes towards household rent. Or, you pay pad rental for a manufactured home or trailer that you own and occupy.
  • You have lived in BC for 12 months.
  • You meet the program residency requirements.

Application Process

  1. Get the Application Form
    You can obtain the RAP application form in three ways:
    • Online: Download from the BC Housing website.
    • By Mail: Call 604-433-2218 or 1-800-257-7756 to request a paper copy.
    • In Person: Visit a BC Housing office during business hours.
  1. Gather and Attach Supporting Documents
    Refer to the RAP Application Checklist and include:
    • Section B: Bank Information
      • Required for direct deposit.
      • Submit a completed Direct Deposit Form with either:
        • A VOID personalized cheque, or
        • A bank-stamped letter with your account info.
    • Section C: Household Information
      • Proof of Canadian status for all household members:
        • Birth certificate, PR card, IMM documents, or refugee documents.
    • Section E: Proof of Rent
      • Provide one of the following:
        • Rent receipt (last 3 months)
        • Rental contract or tenancy agreement
        • Notice of rent increase
        • Cashed rent cheque (bank-stamped if a copy)
    • Section F: Proof of Assets
      • Include:
        • Bank statements (30-day period)
        • Letters from financial institutions
        • Property assessment or land title (if applicable)
    • Section G: Proof of Income
      • Two options:
        • CRA Consent Form (RAP Income Verification Request), or
        • Copies of your T1 Tax Return and Notice of Assessment
      • Additional income documents (e.g., pensions, self-employment income) may be required.
  2. Submit Your Application
    • Choose one of the following methods:
      • Online: Upload via Program Upload Form
      • In Person: Drop off at a BC Housing office.
      • By Mail:
        Rental Assistance Program
        BC Housing
        101-4555 Kingsway, Burnaby, BC, V5H 4V8
        Note: Submit photocopies only, not original documents.

Appeal Process

Contact BC Housing.

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1-888-975-9990

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