BC's renter's tax credit pays up to $400 a year to renters with low and moderate incomes. It's refundable, so you get it even if you owe no income tax, and it's claimed on your tax return. Many eligible renters never claim it. Here's who qualifies, how much you get, and how to claim this year's and past years' credits.
Who qualifies
- You lived in BC on December 31 of the tax year.
- You were 19 or older, a parent, or living with a spouse or common-law partner.
- You rented an eligible unit in BC, under a tenancy agreement, licence, sublease or similar arrangement, for at least six one-month periods in the year. They can be in different units.
Some housing types don't count. Check the Province's list if you live in subsidized or institutional housing. Employer-provided housing counts if you pay rent to the employer and rent month to month.
How much you get
| Tax year | Full $400 up to | Credit reaches zero at |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $64,764 | $84,764 |
| 2026 | $66,189 | $86,189 |
A single renter with $58,000 of net income gets the full $400.
A couple with $72,000 combined income in 2026 gets about $284: $400, minus 2% of the $5,811 above the threshold.
How to claim
- Claim it on your BC tax return for the year, on the BC credits form that comes with your T1 (tax software handles it when you answer the rent questions).
- Keep your rental records, such as the tenancy agreement and rent receipts or bank records, in case CRA asks.
- The credit started in the 2023 tax year. If you missed it for 2023 or 2024, you can ask CRA to adjust those returns.
Renting now, buying later
If you're renting while saving to buy, the programs that matter most are the First Home Savings Account and the Home Buyers' Plan, plus BC's first-time buyer transfer tax exemption.
- First Home Savings Account: $8,000 a year, tax-deductible going in and tax-free coming out for a first home.
- Home Buyers' Plan: up to $60,000 from your RRSP.
See the first-time buyer guide, and compare costs with the rent vs buy calculator.
Rent increases on an existing tenancy are capped at 2.3% for 2026 and 2.2% for 2027. See the rent rules in our investor guide.
Questions people ask us
How much is the BC renter's tax credit?
Up to $400 a year. For the 2026 tax year, the full credit applies to household adjusted income up to $66,189, and it falls by 2% of income above that, reaching zero at $86,189. For 2025 the thresholds were $64,764 and $84,764.
Who can claim the BC renter's tax credit?
BC residents on December 31 who were 19 or older, a parent, or living with a spouse or partner, and who rented an eligible unit in BC for at least six one-month periods in the year.
Is the renter's tax credit refundable?
Yes. You receive it even if you owe no income tax, but you must file a tax return to claim it.
Can both roommates claim the renter's credit?
Roommates who aren't spouses or common-law partners can each claim, based on their own income, if each meets the rules. A couple claims once, using combined income.
Can I claim the renter's tax credit for past years?
The credit began with the 2023 tax year. If you were eligible and didn't claim it, you can ask CRA to adjust your 2023 or 2024 return.
778-918-5990
Renting now, planning to buy?
Dan can show you what your savings and income could buy, which first-time buyer programs apply, and how long it would take to get there.
