[LAST UPDATED: December 28th, 2020]
In addition to extensive federal initiatives outlined in Canada’s Economic Response Plan, each Canadian province and territory has made efforts to put forward measures surrounding rent relief, rent freeze, eviction bans and more to protect Canadian renters.
Below we’ve provided links to key resources to help renters better understand the different rent relief initiatives offered by each province during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic in Canada. Click on the province and territory that applies to you:
Table of Contents
NOTE: The situation is fluid and constantly evolving, we encourage you to visit this page regularly for the most up-to-date information.
British Columbia
Call 811 
Visit the BCCDC
BC UPDATE: December 28, 2020
BC Recovery Benefit: One-time direct deposit payout of up to $1000. Open for applications as of December 23, 2020.
BC UPDATE: July 17, 2020
Temporary Rent Supplement – BC TRS: Extended until the end of August, 2020. Rent increases have been cancelled for 2020, and will resume on July 10th, 2021, at which time the limit for rent increases is 1.4%.
Rent Payments: Tenants are required to resume rent payments in full on September 1st, 2020.
Rent Repayment: Landlords and tenants are required to enter into a rent repayment plan for any outstanding rent from March 18th – September 1st. These payments must be agreed upon by all parties, paid monthly, and completed by July 2021.
Eviction Prohibition: Landlords may not issue Notice to End Tenancy for Non-Payment of Rent if the tenant resumes rent payments in full on September 1st, unless the tenant had outstanding rent payments prior to March 18th, 2020. Late payments during the emergency period are not considered “cause” for eviction, and landlords cannot charge fees for any missed rent during the state of emergency. A tenant cannot be issued a Notice to End Tenancy for unpaid rent during the emergency unless they have defaulted on their repayment plan.
FREE Rent Repayment Template: Download Here
The provincial government is offering a variety of rent relief initiatives including up to $500/month to eligible renters whose employment has been adversely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic and has called for a moratorium on most evictions. Here is the breakdown:
- Rent Relief: A temporary rent supplement of up to $500/month will be paid directly to landlords.
- Rent Payments: No rent increase is permitted during State of Emergency.
- Eviction Prohibition: Effective April 1st. This applies to both new eviction orders and existing eviction orders. However, eviction is allowed under very limited circumstances related to health and safety.
- Utilities Aid: 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.
- Additional Financial Support: BC Recovery Benefit| Emergency Benefit for Workers | Climate Action Tax Credit | Low-income seniors supplement | Income assistance supplement | Disability assistance supplement
For a list of provincial initiatives see BC’s COVID-19 Action Plan.
>> Recommended Reading: Renting During COVID-19: A Renter’s Journey
Ontario
Call 1-866-797-0000 Visit Ontario.ca
Currently, the only provincial rent relief comes in the form of a moratorium on evictions. Renter advocacy groups are pushing the provincial government to do more. Here is the breakdown:
- Rent Relief: Currently not available.
- Rent Payments: Currently not available.
- Eviction Prohibition: Effective March 19th until further notice. However, eviction notices may still be given, but evictions will be postponed unless related to urgent issues.
- Utilities Aid: Hydro One, Alectra Utilities, Toronto Hydro, Hydro Ottawa, Sudbury Hydro, OEB: TOU Electricity, Enbridge Gas and EPCOR
- Additional Financial Support: Support for Families | Low-income seniors supplement
Visit Ontario.ca for more COVID-19 updates.
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Alberta
Call 811 Visit Alberta.ca
The Emergency Isolation Support is no longer accepting new applications, however rent increases have been cancelled. Here is the breakdown:
- Rent Relief: Currently not available.
- Rent Payments: Effective April 1st. No rent increase is permitted during State of Emergency, and late fees cannot be applied to late rent payments for next 3 months.
- Eviction Prohibition: Effective April 1st to May 1st. This applies to all evictions, including non-payment of rent only.
- Utilities Aid: ENMAX and EPCOR
- Additional Financial Support: Emergency Isolation Support (now closed)| Residential education property tax rate freeze
Restrictions may apply, see The Government of Alberta website for more details.
Saskatchewan
Call 811 Visit Saskatchewan.ca
The provincial government hasn’t announced specific relief for renters but has ensured job-protected leave and removed the requirement of 13 consecutive weeks of employment to accessing sick leave. Here is the breakdown:
- Rent Relief: Currently not available.
- Rent Payments: Currently not available.
- Eviction Prohibition: Effective March 26th until end of State of Emergency. This applies to new applications for eviction and existing eviction orders only.
- Utilities Aid: SaskPower and Saskatoon Light and Power
- Additional Financial Support: Self Isolation Support Program | PST Remittance Deferral and Audit Suspension
For COVID-19 updates, visit The Government of Saskatchewan website.
Manitoba
Call 1-888-315-9257 Visit gov.mb.ca
No specific provincial rent relief announced as of April 14, but Premier signalling some assistance is on the way. Here is the breakdown:
- Rent Relief: Currently not available.
- Rent Payments: Currently not available.
- Eviction Prohibition: Effective April 1st to May 31st or until further notice. However, eviction is allowed under very limited circumstances related to health and safety.
- Utilities Aid: Manitoba Hydro
- Additional Financial Support: Cash Flow Tax Relief
Call Manitoba Government Inquiry for updates: 1-866-626-4862 or 204-945-3744 or check Government of Manitoba website for COVID-19 updates.
>> Recommended Reading: Social Distancing Rules In Canada
Quebec
Call 1-877-644-4545 Visit Quebec.ca
Quebec housing officials are suspending some measures that would allow landlords to evict tenants or reclaim housing during the COVID-19 crisis. Here is the breakdown:
- Rent Relief: Currently not available.
- Rent Payments: Currently not available.
- Eviction Prohibition: Effective March 21st until end of State of Emergency. This applies to new eviction orders and existing eviction orders. However, evictions are allowed for very limited circumstances related to health and safety.
- Utilities Aid: Hydro-Québec
- Additional Financial Support: Temporary Aid for Workers Program (now closed) | Government Assistance Programs for Workers
For the latest COVID-19 updates, visit Government of Quebec website.
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New Brunswick
Call 811 Visit NewBrunswick.ca
The Workers Emergency Income Benefit has closed for new applications, but eviction prohibition is still in place. Here is the breakdown:
- Rent Relief: Currently not available.
- Rent Payments: Currently not available.
- Eviction Prohibition: Effective March 19th to May 31st. This applies to evictions for non-payment of rent only.
- Utilities Aid: NB Power and Saint John Power
- Additional Financial Support: Workers Emergency Income Benefit (now closed)
Visit Government of New Brunswick website for the latest COVID-19 updates.
Newfoundland and Labrador
Call 811 Visit gov.nl.ca
The province is currently working on rental relief as Premier Dwight Ball made a statement stating that help is coming from the provincial and federal governments for renters in Newfoundland and Labrador. Here is the breakdown:
- Rent Relief: Currently not available.
- Rent Payments: Currently not available.
- Eviction Prohibition: Effective March 26th until 30 Days after eviction. This applies to eviction notices received after March 26th; those with income affected by COVID-19 only.
- Utilities Aid: NL Hydro and Newfoundland Power
- Additional Financial Support: Currently not available.
For more COVID-19 updates, visit Government of Newfoundland and Labrador website.
Nova Scotia
Call 811 Visit Novascotia.ca
The province has banned eviction on any tenants whose income has been impacted by COVID-19. In addition, the Worker Emergency Bridge Fund offers a one-time payment of $1000. Here is the breakdown:
- Rent Relief: Temporary Rental Supplement of $250/month per household will be provided.
- Rent Payments: Currently not available.
- Eviction Prohibition: Effective March 19th for three months. This applies to tenants whose income have been impacted by COVID-19 only.
- Utilities Aid: NS Power and Halifax Water
- Additional Financial Support: Income Assistance increase|Worker Emergency Bridge Fund
Visit the Government of Nova Scotia website for COVID-19 updates and other assistance information.
>> Recommended Reading: Tips For Moving During The COVID-19 Pandemic
Prince Edward Island
Call 811 Visit PEI.ca
Specific provincial initiatives have been announced to help renters. Here is the current breakdown:
- Rent Relief: Temporary Rental Assistance Benefit of $1,000 across a 3-month period per household will be provided.
- Rent Payments: Currently not available.
- Eviction Prohibition: Effective March 30th to June 30th. This applies to provincially-owned housing units only; eviction enforcement on all other properties still apply.
- Utilities Aid: Charlottetown Water and Sewer Utility
- Additional Financial Support: Income Support Fund (Application Deadline: April 30, 2020) | Employee Gift Card Program | Emergency Income Relief for the Self-Employed
For more COVID-19 updates, visit the Government of PEI website.
Northwest Territories
Call 1-800-661-0844 Visit hss.gov.nt.ca
Specific provincial assistance for renters have been announced. Here is the current breakdown:
- Rent Relief: Currently not available.
- Rent Payments: Tenants can defer rent payments to later date.
- Eviction Prohibition: Effective April 3rd. However, evictions are allowed for very limited circumstances related to health and safety.
- Utilities Aid: Northwest Territories Power Corporation
- Additional Financial Support: Income Assistance (IA) supplement
Visit the government website for the latest COVID-19 updates.
Yukon
Specific provincial assistance for renters have been announced. Here is the current breakdown:
- Rent Relief: Currently not available.
- Rent Payments: Tenants whose income has been affected by COVID-19 can defer rent payments of up to 90 days.
- Eviction Prohibition: Effective March 26th for 90 days. This applies to tenants or members of households subject to health protection measures only.
- Utilities Aid: ATCO Yukon and Yukon Energy
- Additional Financial Support: Paid Sick Leave Program
For COVID-19 updates, visit the official government website.
Call your local health center Visit Nunavut
As of April 14th, 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.
For more COVID-19 updates, please visit the official government website.
COVID-19 Rent Relief Infographic (Updated Apr 9): Download Here
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