top of page
Building 3-2020.jpg

Cowichan Rent Bank

Our office will be CLOSED as of 3pm on December 23rd and we will re-open on January 5th.

Please know that during our holiday closure, we will NOT be able to process any Rent Bank applications.

Please know that it can take up to 2 weeks to be approved for a Rent Bank Loan and receive funds, if eligible.

What is the Cowichan Rent Bank?

  • The Cowichan Rent Bank provides no-interest loans that must be repaid.

  • They are specifically for temporary and short-term financial crisis.

  • The applicant must be able to repay the loan without further financial hardship.

  • Must provide proof of income sufficient to cover ongoing monthly living expenses and repay a loan.

  • Applicant cannot be in bankruptcy/consumer proposal.

  • Loans can be used for damage/pet deposits, upcoming rent, unpaid rent, or BC Hydro utility bills.

  • The maximum loan request is $3000 and applicants must be owing less than $3,500 in rent or utilities.

What documents are required to apply for a Rent Bank Loan?

  • Two pieces of identification (one with a photo)

  • Proof of Tenancy or Intent to Rent (ex: Residential Tenancy Agreement, Lease
    Agreement, or other rental agreement)

  • Eviction notice or Utility Notice of Disconnection (if applicable)

  • Three months of bank statements from ALL bank accounts (including statements of all debt)

  • Proof of all sources of income (including child tax benefits, government assistance, etc.

    Please Note: BC Rent Bank and Cowichan Housing Association will use your personal information only for assessment and administration purposes in accordance with the guidelines of the BC Rent Bank Privacy Statement.

Cowichan Rent Bank Pre-Assessment Form

If you've looked over the eligibility requirements and feel you may be eligible, we encourage you to submit a pre-assessment here.

(There is no guarantee of funds for applying)

What is the process to apply for a loan?

Pre-Assessment Form

Complete the Pre-Assessment Form* Forms will be reviewed in the order they are received. If you do not have email access, please phone us to discuss other options.

*Submitting a Pre-Assessment does not guarantee financial assistance.  

1

Supporting Documents

Once a Rent Bank Case Manager has reviewed your initial information, we will contact you to discuss next steps. If you appear to meet the basic eligibility criteria, you will then be asked to submit bank statements, ID, proof of tenancy, and other supporting documents.

​

​​

​

2

Submitted for Review

If you still seem eligible for a Rent Bank loan, the Case Manager will submit an anonymous summary of your loan request and situation to the Loan Review Committee for a final decision of approval.

3

Loan Decision

Loan Review Committee will determine approval based on:

  • the likelihood a loan will stabilize housing,

  • the applicant’s financial stability, and

  • the applicant’s ability to repay the loan.

4

Final Decision

A Cowichan Rent Bank Case Manager will notify you of the Committee’s decision either way.

If the loan has been approved, the Case Manager will arrange a meeting with the applicant to complete the loan approval paperwork, including the loan repayment plan.

Loans are paid directly to the landlord via cheque and repaid by the applicant to Cowichan Rent Bank on a monthly automatic withdrawl.

5

Cowichan Housing Association is supported by BC Rent Bank, a program of Vancity Community Foundation funded by the Government of B.C.

Screenshot 2025-04-23 131959.png

We are committed to creating a culture of respect and dignity.

We welcome all who pass through our doors, regardless of age, race, ethnicity, disability, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, household composition, housing status, and/or belief system.

image.png

© 2025 Cowichan Housing Association

bottom of page