Behind in your rent? Need assistance with next month’s rent? Behind in your essential utilities? The Burnaby Rent Bank may be able to help.
Many Burnaby renters have been impacted by the pandemic and public health orders resulting in layoffs, decreased work hours and businesses closing their doors. Low to moderate income renters are struggling to meet their monthly expenses, pay rent and are feeling the stress of possible eviction in the midst of a housing affordability crisis.
The Burnaby Rent Bank is here to help individuals and families remain housed.
Positive Impact
Rent banks help renters maintain their housing by providing low to moderate income households with no interest, low fee loans. Loans up to $1,400.00 for single renters and up to $1,700.00 for families (two or more people in a family relationship) are available. The repayment of these loans are within flexible time frames to address this unexpected crises. Past clients have also stated that they are “paying it forward” for others in financial need when they fully repay their loans. Landlords are able to support and keep good tenants. This leads to a more positive relationship between the renter and the landlord as well as providing housing stability.
Funding and Contact
Currently, the Burnaby Rent Bank operates under the auspices of The Lower Mainland Purpose Society. Funding for this project has been provided by BC Rent Banks which is operated by the Van City Community Foundation with additional funding by the City of Burnaby.
The Burnaby Rent Bank began as a temporary program in response to Covid-19 in April 2020. It became a permanent program in October 2020. To date the Burnaby Rent Bank has supported 28 people to remain housed in Burnaby.
The Burnaby Rent Bank officially opened its doors on January 21, 2021.
Burnaby Rent Bank Office is located at: Unit 1 (second floor), 4075 Kingsway, Burnaby, BC V5H 1Y9.
For further information, contact the Burnaby Rent Bank at: 778-727-1142 or email: [email protected]
