![]() ![]() More than half of them live in Vancouver which has the highest rents in the province. “Ideally it (the rental cap) would rise to the average rent for that area,” she said.Ĭurrently, 20, 241 low-income British Columbian seniors - over the age of 60 - receive the SAFER subsidy. It they are short that amount every month how can they sustain it,” said Mackenzie. “It doesn’t matter if it’s $50 or $500 deficit. The SAFER rental cap has risen just 9 per cent in the same time period, which means more seniors are left with a deficit each month. She said the current SAFER rental cap is not realistic in high housing markets like Vancouver and Victoria, which has seen the average rental price increase 34 per cent over the past 10 years. Mackenzie believes one of the answers is providing additional financial aid to renters through the SAFER grant. Seniors Advocate Isobel Mackenzie said she’s heard some seniors muse about moving into subsidized residential care early, if they can qualify, in order to avoid high market rents. In order to be a true deterrent, the fine would have to be raised, he said.ī.C. Under the Residential Tenancy Act, landlords can be fined if they illegally evict a tenant, but the $5,000 fine isn’t much of a deterrent since the new higher rent quickly covers the cost, Chandra Herbert said. Residential Tenancy Branch and ended up moving to the Fraser Valley to find a comparable sized suite for $1,000. The senior couldn’t afford the $50 to lodge a complaint with the B.C. Instead, it was rented to a new tenant for $1,800 - an increase of $800 a month. Some landlords falsely claim the suite will be used by a family member or get seniors to “self-evict” by tricking them into signing one year leases then raising the rent dramatically after the year ends, he said.Ĭhandra Herbert worked with one senior who was evicted after the landlord claimed the apartment would be used by a family member. But they are increasingly targeted for eviction to clear the way for the landlord to increase the rent for a new tenant, said Chandra Herbert. Seniors who have rented the same apartment for years in the West End, typically pay half of that amount. The average monthly payment for Canada Pension Plan and Old Age Security is less than $1,200 a month, while rent for a one-bedroom apartment new to the market in the West End is $2,000 to $2,300. Vancouver’s West End MLA Spencer Chandra Herbert said many elderly renters live in fear their rent will rise beyond their ability to pay. After some coaxing, she agreed to let the 411 Seniors Centre help her with the application. She never complains because she knows the reality of what is out there and wants to avoid any trouble,” said Monica Murguia, of the 411 Seniors Centre Society, who acted as a translator for an interview with Postmedia News.ĭuring the interview de los Angeles Flores learned she would be entitled to a provincial rental subsidy called SAFER (Shelter Aid for Elderly Renters) but she’s reluctant to apply saying she doesn’t want to be a burden to society. She helps them take care of their children twice a week. “She’s very grateful and always available to give a hand to the landlord. Westcoast Homes & Design Previous Issues.Vancouver Sun Run: Sign up & event info. ![]()
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