Coronavirus (COVID-19) Canada – Support For Landlords

[LAST UPDATED: November 26, 2020]

The federal and provincial governments continue to take major steps in ensuring that individuals, small businesses, and landlords can navigate and survive this global pandemic. As programs are still being formulated and rolled out, we’ve put together a list of resources for landlords. Click on the specific topic, province, or territory below to learn more:

Table of Contents

COVID-19 Federal Support For Landlords

• As of November 23rd, 2020, Canadian business owners who have seen a drop in revenue due to the pandemic can apply for the Canadian Emergency Rent Subsidy (CERS). This covers up to 65% of their commercial rent or property expenses, backdating to September 27, 2020, until June 2021.
• Canadian employers whose businesses have been affected by COVID-19 may be eligible for Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS), a subsidy of 75% of employee wages for up to 12 weeks, retroactive from March 15th, 2020, to June 6th, 2020.
• The Temporary 10% Wage Subsidy is a three-month measure allowing eligible employers to reduce the amount of payroll deductions required to be remitted to the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA). You do not need to apply for the subsidy, the subsidy is calculated when you remit these amounts to the CRA.
• Businesses and individuals are eligible for Income Tax-Deferred Payments – penalties and interest will not be charged if payment requirements are made by September 1st, 2020. Filing dates have also been extended. 
• If you already receive Goods and Services Tax/Harmonized Sales Tax (GST/HST) and have filed taxes in 2018, you have received a one-time increased payment on April 9th.
• The Canada Emergency Business Account (CEBA) provides interest-free loans of up to $40,000 to small businesses and not-for-profits. Repaying the balance of the loan on or before December 31, 2022, will result in loan forgiveness of 25% (up to $10,000).
• BDC, Canada’s bank for entrepreneurs, and Export Development Canada (EDC) have launched the new Small and Medium-sized Enterprise Loan and Guarantee program to help Canada’s financial institutions provide credit and liquidity options. To access these loans, business owners must contact their primary financial institution.
• To avoid layoffs, the Work-Sharing Program provides income support to employees eligible for EI benefits who are working a temporarily reduced work-week.
• Expected to roll out mid-May, the Canada Emergency Commercial Rent Assistance (CECRA) will partner with provinces and territories, and seek to provide loans to commercial property owners who in turn will lower or forgo the rent of small businesses for the months of April (retroactive), May, and June.
• For post-secondary students and recent graduates who are ineligible for CERB or for EI, the government has proposed Canada Emergency Student Benefit (CESB). The CESB would provide up to $1,750 per month for eligible students from May through August 2020. The CESB will be delivered by CRA, more details to follow this summer.

COVID-19 Provincial Support For Landlords

British Columbia

The government of BC has put forth a handful of financial supports for landlords and small businesses. It has announced a temporary rent supplement paid directly to landlords and a number of other benefits. See the full breakdown of financial support for BC Landlords and how to deal with tenants below:

Financial Support

Utilities: BC Hydro, FortisBC, EPCOR will be offering special assistance for customers impacted by COVID-19. This includes deferring bill payments and arranging flexible payment plans.

Rent Relief: The Temporary Rent Supplement is a payment of up to $500/month that will be paid directly to landlords.

Other Assistance: The BC Emergency Benefit for Workers provides a tax-free, one time $1,000 payment for B.C. residents whose ability to work has been affected due to COVID-19.

Tax Deferrals and Small Businesses: lnformation on reducing the school property tax rate for commercial properties and other initiatives here.

Dealing with Tenants

Evictions: Effective April 1st, landlords cannot give new notices to end tenancy. Existing order will not be enforced except under limited circumstances during the state of emergency. 

Landlords with existing orders for eviction can take them to the courts beginning July 2, 2020, for enforcement and can enforce a writ order effective immediately.

Rent Payment Regulations: Landlords and tenants may enter into a payment deferral agreement if the tenant faces difficulties paying rent. (See here for payment deferral template.) Otherwise, payments are due the date outlined in your tenancy agreement. 

Roommate & Guest Policies: Landlords can reasonably restrict or schedule the use of common or shared areas to support social distancing. 

Rent Increases: While notifications of upcoming rent increases may be given, no rent increase is permitted until December 1, 2020. If a landlord does collect the increase amount during the period that rent increases are not allowed, the tenant can deduct the additional amount from future rent payments. As announced June 19, 2020, the Province is maintaining the moratorium on rent increases and evictions for non-payment of rent. However, other notices to end tenancy may resume effectively immediately.

Ontario

Financial Support

Utilities: As of March 24th, the province has suspended time-of-use electricity pricing for 45 days. Rates for time-of-use customers are set at the lowest price, no action is required. This includes:

Hydro One, Alectra Utilities, Toronto Hydro, Hydro Ottawa, Sudbury Hydro, OEB: TOU Electricity, Enbridge Gas, and EPCOR

Rent Relief: Currently not available.

Other Assistance: Tenants may be eligible for Ontario emergency assistance, supplements paid will be calculated on a case-to-case basis.

Tax Deferrals and Small Businesses: The province is also deferring the property tax payments that municipalities make to school boards by 90 days. Speak to your local municipality for more information on property taxes and municipal service fees.

Dealing with Tenants

Evictions: No new eviction orders will be issued until further notice. Landlords can still apply online for eviction orders, however sheriff’s offices will postpone any scheduled enforcement of current eviction orders. Tenants must pay rent while an eviction order is not being enforced. 

Rent Payment Regulations: Landlords and tenants may enter into a payment deferral agreement(PDF) if the tenant faces difficulties paying rent. Otherwise, payments are due the date outlined in your tenancy agreement. Landlords and tenants are encouraged to work together on rent payment plans (see here for rent deferral agreement template).

Rent Increases: No provincial update available.

Alberta

Financial Support

Utilities: In Alberta, there will be a utility bill deferment for electricity and natural gas until June 18th, 2020, regardless of the service provider. This also applies to sub-metering.

Rent Relief: Currently not available.

Tax Deferrals and Small Businesses: Alberta corporate income tax balances and installment payments coming due between March 18th, 2020 to August 31st, 2020 are deferred until August 31st, 2020. Education property tax rates will also be frozen at last year’s level.

Dealing with Tenants

Evictions: Evictions are suspended for non-payment of rent and/or utilities before May 1st, 2020.

Rent Payment Regulations: Landlords and tenants are encouraged to work together on a Rent Payment Plan if tenants are unable to pay for rent.

Rent Increases: Effective April 1st, no rent increase is permitted during Public Health Emergency, and late fees cannot be applied to late rent payments until June 30th.

Saskatchewan

Financial Support

Utilities: All Crown utilities will implement bill-deferral programs allowing a zero-interest bill deferral for up to six months for those affected by COVID-19.

Rent Relief: Currently not available.

Other Assistance: Tenants may qualify for the Self-Isolation Support Program, which provides financial assistance for workers who are in self-isolation to counter the spread of the COVID-19 virus.

Tax Deferrals and Small Businesses: Saskatchewan businesses may have three-month relief from penalty and interest charges on remitting PST. Saskatchewan Workers Compensation Board (WCB) is waiving premium penalties for employers effective April 1st until June 30th, 2020. You may also qualify for the Saskatchewan Small Business Emergency Payment Program.

Dealing with Tenants

Evictions: Eviction suspension effective March 26th until end of State of Emergency. This applies to new applications for eviction and existing eviction orders only.

Rent Payment Regulations: Currently not available.

Rent Increases: Currently not available.

Manitoba

Financial Support

Utilities: Manitoba Hydro and Centra Gas will not be charging late fees or interest on missed payments, or disconnecting services.

Rent Relief: Currently not available.

Tax Deferrals and Small Businesses: Extended tax filing deadlines for Retail Sales Tax until June 22th, 2020 for small and medium businesses. The province is also rolling out the Manitoba Gap Protection Program which provides $6,000 loans to small businesses who do not qualify for federal assistance.

Dealing with Tenants

Evictions: The Manitoba government announced a freeze on all rent increases, set to take effect between April 1st and May 31st.

Rent Payment Regulations: Landlords and tenants are encouraged to work out a payment plan if tenant has difficulty paying rent.

Rent Increases: Only rent increases scheduled to take effect on April 1st or later are frozen. If the rent increase took effect before April 1st, tenants are required to pay the amount that they were given three months written notice.

Quebec

Financial Support

Utilities: Hydro-Quebec will not cut off power for nonpayment, nor charge administration fees for overdue bills. There will be no planned service interruptions for system maintenance, and clients can enter into a payment arrangement with Hydro Québec to defer payment.

Rent Relief: Currently not available.

Other Assistance: The provincial government encourages individuals and businesses to take their Support Questionnaires to determine eligible programs.

Tax Deferrals and Small Businesses: Small businesses may receive loans from the provincial government, to be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

Dealing with Tenants

Evictions: Suspended until the end of the provincial public health emergency.

Rent Payment Regulations: Currently not available.

Rent Increases: Currently not available.

New Brunswick

Financial Support

Utilities: NB Power and Saint John Power are offering payment plans and waiving late fees. Contact your provider to arrange payment plans.

Rent Relief: Currently not available.

Tax Deferrals and Small Businesses: Small business owners can apply for working capital loans through the NB Small Business Emergency Working Capital Program. The Government of New Brunswick will defer loan and interest repayments for up to six months on existing provincial loans. Penalties on late tax filings may be waived on a case-by-case basis.

Dealing with Tenants

Evictions: Suspended effective March 19th to May 31st. This applies to evictions for non-payment of rent only.

Rent Payment Regulations: Currently not available.

Rent Increases: Currently not available.

Newfoundland and Labrador

Financial Support

Utilities: NL Hydro and Newfoundland Power are offering payment plans and will not be disconnecting any customers. Contact your provider to arrange payment plans.

Rent Relief: Currently not available.

Tax Deferrals and Small Businesses: Currently not available.

Dealing with Tenants

Evictions: Suspended March 26th until 30 days after eviction. This applies to eviction notices received after March 26th; those with income affected by COVID-19 only.

Rent Payment Regulations: Currently not available.

Rent Increases: Currently not available.

Nova Scotia

Financial Support

Utilities: NS Power and Halifax Water are offering payment plans and will not be disconnecting any customers. Contact your provider to arrange payment plans.

Rent Relief: Currently not available.

Other Assitance: Tenants may be eligible for the Worker Emergency Bridge Fund, a one-time payment of $1,000 for workers who do not qualify for Employment Insurance.

Tax Deferrals and Small Businesses: Small businesses may be eligible for the rent deferral program, be sure to apply on the recommended timelines.

Dealing with Tenants

Evictions: Suspended effective March 19th for three months. This applies to tenants whose income have been impacted by COVID-19 only.

Rent Payment Regulations: Currently not available.

Rent Increases: Currently not available.

Prince Edward Island

Financial Support

Utilities: Maritime Electric is working with customers on a case-to-case basis. The Charlottetown Water and Sewage Facility will not be charging fees on late payments and all disconnections for non-payment are suspended until further notice.

Rent Relief: Temporary Rental Assistance Benefit applications available online. Eligible tenants will receive $1,000 over three months, paid directly to the landlord.

Other Assistance: The COVID-19 Income Support Fund is accepting applications until April 30. Employers can support employees through the Gift Card Program. Individuals and businesses also have access to the COVID-19 Special Situation Fund.

Tax Deferrals and Small Businesses: The provincial government has announced many property tax relief initiatives including deferring provincial property tax and fee payments until December 31, 2020, and providing interest relief for tax year 2020, including all past due amounts. PEI businesses affected by COVID-19 can also apply for the Business Adaptation Advice Program, granting funding for maintaining and rebuilding businesses through the crisis.

Dealing with Tenants

Evictions: The Prince Edward Island Housing Corporation has placed a moratorium on evictions from provincially-owned social housing units until June 2020.

Rent Payment Regulations: Currently not available.

Rent Increases: Currently not available.

Northwest Territories

Financial Support

Utilities: Customers are encouraged to speak to Northwest Territories Power Corporation to set up payment plans to ensure their electricity service is not impacted in the future.

Rent Relief: Not currently available.

Other Assistance: The Income Assistance program has been adjusted to provide more aid to its existing clients.

Tax Deferrals and Small Businesses: Currently not available.

Dealing with Tenants

Evictions: Suspension effective April 3rd for public housing (NWTHC). However, evictions are allowed for very limited circumstances related to health and safety.

Rent Payment Regulations: Landlords and tenants are encouraged to work out payment plans to defer rent payments.

Rent Increases: Currently not available.

Yukon

Financial Support

Utilities: ATCO Electric Yukon and Yukon Energy have both committed to not disconnecting power for non-payment and offering flexible bill payment options to residents and business owners.

Rent Relief: Currently not available.

Tax Deferrals and Small Businesses: Yukon has introduced a few supports for businesses, including a Paid Sick Leave Rebate.

Dealing with Tenants

Evictions: Effective March 26th, regulations prevent evictions for 90 days for residential tenants who are self-isolating or unable to pay their rent on time due to COVID-19. Read more on the Tenancy Act COVID-19 Regulation here.

Rent Payment Regulations: If the tenant cannot pay rent and has given the appropriate notice to the landlord, the payment of rent is deferred until the day when the tenant is able to pay rent or the regulation is no longer in force – whichever comes first.

Rent Increases: Currently not available.

Nunavut

As of April 23th, there are no known or presumptive cases of COVID-19 in the territory and no renter-specific initiatives have been announced. However, utility aid is offered by Qulliq Energy Corp.

Rent Relief Application Process

British Columbia and PEI have set forth provincial rent relief measures. Landlords are encouraged to take the initiative to review the application process and forwarding tenants the proper resources below. Both landlords and tenants will have required fields to fill out, while the final funds are directed to the landlord to ensure the rent or a portion of the rent is properly paid.

If your tenant is struggling to pay rent due to income effects of COVID-19, we kindly encourage you and your tenant to follow the following rent relief application processes:

BC Temporary Rent Supplement Application

   BC Rent Relief Application for Landlords & Tenants

1. Tenants must start the application process, and should inform landlords in advance.
2. Tenants must gather all documents – including landlord contact information – before the application process begins.
3. Once the application is received, an email will be sent to the landlord to complete the process. Landlords will be asked to confirm details around tenancy, rental address, and monthly rent amount.
4. Confirmation emails will be sent to both the tenants and the landlord.
5. Payment will be made directly to the landlord.

PEI Temporary Rental Assistance Benefit Application

   PEI Rent Relief Application for Landlords & Tenants

1. Tenants must begin the application process.
2. Tenants should notify landlords before the beginning process, as they may require a copy of the tenancy agreement or a rent receipt.
3. Tenants remain responsible for the full amount of the rent under the tenancy agreement.
4. Confirmations will be sent to both the tenants and the landlord.
5. Payment will be made directly to the landlord.

Downloadable Resources

Rent Repayment Plan Template

Landlords and tenants in British Columbia must enter into a Rent Repayment Plan for any unpaid rent payments or utilities during the state of emergency. Landlords and tenants in other provinces are also encouraged although, it is not mandatory. 

Rent Deferral Agreement Template

Landlords and tenants may enter into a payment deferral agreement if the tenant faces difficulties paying rent. Landlords and tenants are encouraged to outline any rent deferrals in a contractual agreement. 

COVID-19 Information for Landlords

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For other landlord and tenant resources related to COVID-19, check out our previous posts:

• Coronavirus (COVID-19) Canada – Resources for Landlords and Tenants
• Coronavirus (COVID-19) Canada – Update For Landlords and Tenants
• Coronavirus (COVID-19) Canada – Rent Relief For Renters

For more information on community initiatives to combat COVID-19, check out our Information through Illustration series:

• What’s the difference between quarantine, self-isolation and social distancing?
• Social Distancing: Do’s and Don’ts