September 2021

The Renter Office is pleased to announce applications are now OPEN for the third round of Renter Services Grants on our new online grant portal, VanApply!
 
The Renter Services Grants will support non-profit organizations to empower Vancouver renters to understand their legal rights, pursue their rights and retain their housing through community programming and innovative projects. Renter Services Grants are intended to enhance the capacity of renter-serving organizations to support and advocate for renters across Vancouver.
 
We recognize that the previous application process was laborious and created more work for many non-profit organizations. That’s why we’ve streamlined the process by going online and making it easier for organizations to apply.
 
How to Apply
Before you apply for the grants, we encourage you to check out the following how-to guides and videos on navigating the new system:

1. Introduction to VanApply
2. Managing organization profiles
3. Applying for grants

Application deadline for Renter Services Grants is Tuesday November 2, 2021 at midnight.

Got questions?
We are co-hosting two information sessions with the Social Policy grants team. Renter-serving organizations can join a session to learn more about both grant streams, have their questions answered and address any issues with the VanApply portal. Register below with your preferred date for a WebEx invitation link.

• Virtual Info-session – Sept. 22, 2-4:30 pm – REGISTER
• Virtual Info-session – Sept. 29, 9-11:30 am – REGISTER

Apply for grants

This month, we’re highlighting the critical work of First United Church and their Legal Advocacy Program through our ongoing video series on past Renter Services Grants recipients.
 
Operating since the 1970s, First United’s Legal Advocacy Program has helped many renters across the Downtown Eastside with legal advice and legal representation at the Residential Tenancy Branch. We are proud to support First United’s critical work to support renters in disputing evictions, applying for repair orders and stabilizing their rental housing through our grants.

Watch the video

The Renter Office is here to support you with any questions you have. Please email or call us through the Renter Enquiry Line. 

• renteroffice@vancouver.ca
• 604-673-8291

If your tenancy issues fall under the Residential Tenancy Act, we will connect you with Residential Tenancy Branch and other community resources. We offer phone services in Mandarin and Cantonese and hope to offer additional languages in the future. Let us know if there’s a language that you’d like our services to be offered in through the contact details above.

Stay tuned next month for more information on upcoming tenancy education classes provided by community organizations.

Is there a topic you’d like to see covered in this newsletter? Reach out to us with your ideas and suggestions: renteroffice@vancouver.ca