Single Room Occupancy (SRO) Upgrading Grant

Steps to apply

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  Step 1: Review the grant details for each stream

  Stream 1: Non-profit SRO upgrading grant

  This stream of the SRO Upgrading Grants provides funding to non-profit SRO owners and operators, including Chinese societies, for capital improvements to buildings they own or operate.

  Applications should propose medium to large projects that improve safety and livability.

  Review Applicant Guidelines for Non-profit SRO Upgrading Grant PDF file (210 KB)

  Stream 2: Private SRO upgrading grant

  This stream of the SRO Upgrading Grants provides funding to private SRO owners for capital improvements to existing SRO buildings.

  Applications should propose medium to large projects that improve safety and livability.

  Review the Applicant Guidelines for Private SRO Upgrading Grant PDF file (200 KB)

  Stream 3: Peer-based building improvement initiative grant

  This stream provides funding for non-profit organizations to partner with SRO owners on tenant-led repairs and maintenance. For example, painting or fire safety education.

  Applications should propose small-scale projects that improve safety and livability.

  Review the Applicant Guidelines for Peer-Based Building Improvement Initiative Grant PDF file (192 KB)

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  Step 2: Check if you’re eligible 

  Stream 1: Non-profit SRO upgrading grant

  Non-profit owners or operators may be eligible if the building is listed in Schedule A of the SRA By-law PDF file (413 KB).

  Chinese societies that own or operate SRO-type, low-income seniors housing in the DTES may also be eligible.

  To apply, you must:

  • Submit recent financial statements (audited or unaudited)
  • Provide confirmation of the lease agreement between the private owner and non-profit operator if the building is privately owned
  • Be in good standing with City of Vancouver and provincial regulations, including life safety by-laws, SRA Vacancy Control, and the Residential Tenancy Act
  • Have at least 90% occupancy within the subject building

  Stream 2: Private upgrading grant

  You may be eligible if you own and/or operate a building listed in Schedule A of the SRA By-law PDF file (413 KB).

  To apply, you must:

  • Submit recent financial statements (audited or unaudited)
  • Be in good standing with City of Vancouver and provincial regulations, including life safety by-laws, SRA Vacancy Control, and the Residential Tenancy Act
  • Have at least 90% occupancy within the subject building
  • Have average rents at or below the current average SRO rent. As of 2026, the average SRO rent is $660 a month.

  Stream 3: Peer-based building improvement initiative grant

  You may be eligible if you own and/or operate a building listed in Schedule A of the SRA By-law PDF file (413 KB).

  To apply, you must:

  • Submit recent financial statements (audited or unaudited)
  • Submit organizational documentation
  • Submit a proposal for the initiative, including cost estimates
  • Provide permission from the SRO building owner for the non-profit to carry out the initiative, if applicable 
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  Step 3: Review funding, agreements, and permits

  Streams 1 and 2

  Information icon Funding and agreements apply to both streams. Permit requirements vary depending on the scope of work.

  How funding is calculated

  Funding is based on a $10,000 for each room (door) formula. For example, a 10-room SRO building may receive up to $100,000 in grant funding.

  Agreements you must sign

  Successful applicants must:

  • Enter into a housing agreement, registered on title, which outlines requirements related to affordability, term, and tenure of the housing
  • Sign a grant agreement with the City, which sets out the terms and conditions of the funding

  Permits and approvals you may need

  Depending on the scope of work, additional approvals may be required:

  • Work that requires a development permit will also require a Council-approved SRA permit
  • Work that requires tenants to temporarily or permanently relocate will require both a Council-approved SRA permit and a Tenant Relocation Plan PDF file (707 KB)

  Stream 3

  How funding is calculated

  Applicants may receive funding for up to 3 separate initiatives each funding year, with a maximum of $100,000 for each initiative.

  Agreements you must sign

  Successful applicants must sign a grant agreement with the City, which sets out the terms and conditions of the funding.

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  Step 4: Check key dates

  Information icon These dates apply to both streams and are subject to change at any time.

  2026 intake

  • Application period: June to July 2026
  • Council approval: October or November 2026 (anticipated)

  After approval

  • November 2026 (anticipated): Successful applicants notified and first payment issued
  • May 2027 (anticipated): Interim report due and remaining funding issued
  • At project completion: Final report deadline

  Future intakes

  • February 2027
  • July 2027
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  Step 5: Submit your application

  Apply through VanApply for your stream

  1. Access VanApply and create a profile.
  2. Search for “SRO Upgrading Grant”.
  3. Complete and submit your application.

  Review the VanApply Help Guide if you need support using the portal.

  Questions? Email [email protected]