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.
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 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.
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:
If you’re a renter in B.C., the following organizations can give you information on your rights and responsibilities.
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:
Great resources on this page include these BC Housing pages:
as well as these websites:
Seniors who need a range of home health services or who need housing that provides assistance with personal care and hospitality services or care and supervision on a 24-hour basis, should see:
Are you looking for housing options that provide seniors with some daily assistance? See:
Did you know that renters are eligible for grants to improve the safety of their homes? For more information, see: