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Housing Services

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Resources for residents looking to find lodging in Vancouver and surrounding areas.

Homeless Shelters

Short-term shelters, usually on a night-by-night basis, for those who have nowhere else to sleep. May operate all year long or only during certain times (e.g., cold weather).

A listing of shelters in British Columbia that is updated twice daily, at around 11:30am and again at 7:30pm. You can also call 2-1-1 for help finding an available bed for the night.
Same basic content as the BC211 list above, but presented in a more user friendly format that allows you to filter by city, type of shelter, as well as by other important factors (e.g., pets allowed, wheelchair accessible, etc.). Availability of beds not updated as frequently as the BC211 list.
A searchable listing of BC shelter options. Updated daily. Includes year-round shelters, extreme weather response shelters (open and/or closed), drop-in centres, and temporary shelters.
A concise listing of shelters in Metro Vancouver, ideal for printing and posting on bulletin boards. Updated several times per year.

Temporary Housing

Temporary accomodation at reduced rental rate intended as a interim measure while more permanent housing is sought.

Vancouver operates 2 temporary housing facilites in partnership with local nonprofits. Both offer onsite supports and are intended as a transition between shelters/streets and more permanent housing.
Vancouver operates 12 temporary modular housing facilites in partnership with local nonprofits. All offer onsite supports.
A directory of transition houses and safe homes in British Columbia.
A directory of second-stage housing options in British Columbia for women who have left abusive relationships.
A directory of transition, second and third stage houses, safe homes, and other housing options for victims of violence in BC.
Program that provides a private apartment, furnished by donation, as temporary accommodation to homeless seniors up to three months while they seek housing.

Supportive Housing

Supportive housing is a type of government-subsidized housing that provides onsite staff to support tenant needs. It is intended for low-income individuals who require some measure of additional assistance in their daily lives, generally for reasons related to mental illness, substance use, medical condition, age, disability, or other persistent life challenge that would make it difficult to live completely independently. Check out the programs below for eligibility requirements and to apply.

For people who may have mental and physical health conditions, substance use and/or other challenges that puts you at higher risk of homelessness.
Stable, short-term housing for individuals participating in a substance use recovery program. By referral only.
A subsidized, assisted-living program that provides housing with support services to seniors and people with disabilities. By referral only.
Provides low-income seniors and people with disabilities accessible housing with supports.
A directory to help seniors find housing options across BC in the category that they are looking for (e.g., regular market rental, subsidized, assisted living, hospice, etc.). Includes the option to filter for places that are wheelchair-accessible, that allow pets, or that permit indoor smoking.

Affordable Housing

Affordable housing can come in many forms and goes by many names. Subsidized housing usually refers to long-term housing options for low-income individuals and families where the monthly rent is reduced to reflect the current income of the tenant. It can also be used to refer to other low-rent (i.e., below average market rate) rentals geared primarily towards those who earn a low-to-modest income. Nonprofit co-operatives, where residents own shares in and operate their building jointly, can also be viewed as a type of affordable housing even though expenses may end up being significantly higher than many can afford.

If you are able to live independently and meet the household, residency, income, and asset criteria, apply online to the Housing Registry to be considered for upcoming vacancies in your area.
If you earn too much to be added to the Housing Registry (see above) but are nevertheless struggling to find affordable housing, consider searching the Housing Listings (below) for below-market or co-op rentals.
A searchable list of affordable housing options in BC (includes subsidized, below market rentals, and co-ops). Eligibility requirements apply.
Learn about what co-operative housing entails in BC.

Market Rentals
Search for rental property in Vancouver.
Search for rental property in Vancouver.
Video-based course guides BC residents through the rental process, in preparation for submitting a strong rental application. Course participants who pass the final exam will earn a certificate to present to landlords.
Provides legal information about residential tenancy law in BC.

Rental Assistance

Rent relief programs, including various BC Rent Banks, are in place for eligible residents who are struggling to make their monthly rent or utility payments.

A program that provides low-income working families in BC with funds to cover their rent. Check here for eligibility requirements and how to apply.
A rental supplement available to low-income BC seniors (60 years old or over). Check here for eligibility requirements and how to apply.
A one-time, interest-free loan available to eligible Vancouver residents to cover rental payments or utility bills.
A low-fee, interest-free, short-term loan available to eligible Burnaby residents to cover rental payments or utility bills.
A low-fee, interest-free, short-term loan available to eligible New Westminster residents to cover rental payments or utility bills.
A short-term loan available to eligible Surrey and White Rock residents to cover rental payments or utility bills. Interest is charged, however it will be refunded to clients who attend a financial literacy workshop.
A one-time, emergency loan available to eligible Fraser Valley residents to cover rental payments or utility bills.

Home Ownership
Search for real estate property in Vancouver.
Become better informed before purchasing a new home, and learn about home warranty insurance coverage and claims.
Review sales and assessment values for properties in BC.
Apply online or call 1-888-355-2700 to reduce the property tax owing on your principal residence. Additional grant is available to seniors.
A low-interest tax deferal program for eligible homeowners in BC.
A list of tax credits, rebates, grants, and other topics of potential relevance to homeowners.
Call the 1-888-330-6707 helpline for owners and managers of rental housing.
Analysis and market trends for major centres across Canada including Vancouver and Victoria.
A guide by the VEC to current property prices by Lower Mainland municipality/neighbourhood.

Advocacy Organizations

Have a look at some of the local nonprofits who work towards ending homelessness by providing supportive and affordable housing facilities for people living with mental illness, addiction, or other challenges.

PHS
TRAC is a non-profit organization that provides free legal education, representation, and advocacy on residential tenancy matters.

Useful Websites

Click on "Housing" on the home page and enter your postal code to find services in your neighbourhood. You can also search by specific type of service.

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