Rental and Affordable Housing
Last updated on November 15, 2023Rent Assistance
Shelter Aid for Elderly Renters
If you are 60 or over and don’t want to move, but have trouble paying your rent, Shelter Aid for Elderly Renters (SAFER) may be able to help. SAFER, which is run by BC Housing, provides monthly cash payments to eligible B.C. seniors who pay more than 30 per cent of their before-tax income for rent.
- Website: Shelter Aid for Elderly Renters (SAFER)
- Call toll-free: 1-800-257-7756 (604-433-2218 in the Lower Mainland).
Affordable and Subsidized Housing
Living in affordable or subsidized rental housing is another option for low-to-moderate-income seniors who don’t need special support or home care services.
BC Housing
BC Housing offers a range of housing assistance programs, as well as affordable or subsidized housing for senior renters with low to moderate incomes. BC Housing manages public housing in B.C., and maintains the housing registry, a subsidized housing listing and application service. The housing registry includes public housing, non-profit, and co-op housing.
- Subsidized Housing
- Find a BC Housing program that could help you
- Call toll-free: 1-800-257-7756 (604-433-2218 in the Lower Mainland).
Co-operative Housing Federation of B.C.
Most non-profit and co-op housing complexes have their own registries and application systems. For information on how to apply to co-op housing complexes across the province visit:
Renters' Rights and Responsibilities
If you’re a renter in B.C., the following organizations can give you information on your rights and responsibilities.
Renter/Landlord Dispute Resolution
Please note: if you live in BC Housing facilities, there is a separate complaints resolution process. If you are dissatisfied with BC Housing on any level, you can submit a complaint. For more information about the process, see: