Vancouver renters to gain valuable supports after $500K in City funding
“Supporting vulnerable renters, including seniors who face some of the highest risks of displacement, is an important part of the City’s work to keep people housed,” said Mayor Ken Sim in a release.
“This investment will help community organizations provide legal support, advocacy and housing stability services so residents can stay in their homes and communities.”
Sixteen non-profit organizations will receive a share of the $500,000 allocated through the Renters Services Grant.
They include TRAC Tenant Resource & Advisory Centre Society and Access Pro Bono Society of British Columbia, which helps Vancouver renters with free legal services and representation at Residential Tenancy Branch dispute resolution proceedings and all levels of court.
Rainbow Refugee Society also received grant funding for its Queer Housing Advocacy and Support Program, which helps LGBTQIA+ refugees and newcomers find safe, inclusive, and affordable housing.
Rainbow Refugee
Downtown Eastside SRO Collaborative Society also received financial support for its Chinatown Tenant Education and Empowerment Project. The society assists residents of Chinatown SRO and Benevolent Society buildings with workshops like renters’ rights and responsibilities, as well as gives proactive support to prevent eviction.
The City of Vancouver also added that council approved an additional $500,000 from the Empty Homes Tax Reserve to fund the Renter Services Grant program for next year.
Vancouver saw the biggest increase in rent in Canada last month after consecutive months of decreases.
While rent is still down in Vancouver compared to last year, according to the latest report from Rentals.ca, the city saw the highest rent increase on the platform in February compared to every other city in Canada.
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In February, Vancouver hit an average apartment asking rent of $2,664, a 1.3 per cent increase compared to January 2026.
Despite Vancouver’s month-over-month increase, Rentals.ca says it was a positive month for rent nationally regarding affordability.
“Rents have declined on an annual basis for the 17th consecutive month, as well as falling by 1.3 per cent on a month-over-month basis, the largest decrease in February since 2020. However, rents rose month-over-month in the key markets of Vancouver, Ottawa, Calgary, Edmonton and Montreal,” Rentals.ca’s report states.
“Rental affordability improved significantly, with the rent-to-income ratio falling to 29 per cent, its lowest level in over six years and below the industry benchmark of 30 per cent,” the report adds.
With files from Amir Ali