Securing a Rental

70% of those experiencing homelessness don’t have ID. Why is this so important? Lack of ID impacts a persons ability to open bank accounts, obtain jobs, submit housing documents, etc. If you are in need of ID, this is your first step to secure housing.

• Click for BC Birth Certificate application.

• Click For Status Card applications.

• There are local organizations who can help with the process of obtaining ID. Check out the Street Reach Program.

• If you have a source of income take some time to budget. Be sure to plan for monthly expenses such as food, utilities, etc on top of rent.

  Check out this budget planner.

• Looking for work? Connect with your local WorkBC Centre for support and opportunity.

• If you are in need and have no other resources, you may be eligible for income assistance.

• For those who have experienced domestic violence, a history of homelessness, and or identify as Indigenous, some agencies have access to rental supplements.

Subsidized housing is long-term housing for people who permanently reside in British Columbia. Rental fees are calculated on a rent geared to income basis (30% of household total gross income, subject to minimum rent based on # of people).

The Rental Assistance Program provides eligible low-income working families with monthly assistance to help with their monthly rent payments. To qualify, families must have a total before-tax household income of $40,000 or less, were working at some point in the last year, and have at least one dependent child.

BC Housing offers many different programs, click here to learn more.

As you explore the rental market, have letters of recommendation from employers, past landlords, and personal references ready. As you need a home, landlords also need to know their investments will be respected. Write a letter about yourself, make yourself stand out. Love the outdoors? Share a little bit but be careful with your personal information.

Check out this article for some tips on what makes a great reference letter.