|
| Homeowner Grants, Rebates & Legal Resources |
|
Links content:
Scroll down to find the information
|
The information and links below are provided for RESEARCH PURPOSES only. CASH Society does not make any representation as to the accuracy of the views expressed on these sites or as to the effectiveness of the product and/or service provided. Programs, services, fees, grant limits, exemptions, deadlines and/or eligibility criteria could change at anytime without notice. Readers should verify any information provided below by clicking on the "more" button and by consulting the government, organization, business or agency responsible for administrating the program or service.
| BC Property Assessments: |
- 2009 BC PROPERTY ASSESSMENTS: What's new?
- BC HOMEOWNER GRANT INCREASES IN 2007
- INCREASED PROPERTY ASSESSMENTS: What does that mean?
| Legal Actions/Assistance: |
Class Actions:
- CANADIAN ZONOLITE CLAIMS: Canadian Zonolite claims against W.R. Grace must be filed on or before August 31, 2009
- PROPOSED ZONOLITE-ASBESTOS INSULATION CLASS ACTION: Actions have been filed in the Federal and British Columbian Courts. For information on how to join the class:
Legal Assistance:
- COURT SERVICES: Small claims court for actions under $25,000.00.
- LEGAL SERVICES SOCIETY: Legal aid could include representation by a lawyer for people who meet the financial criteria, legal advice and legal information. Priority is given to people with low incomes.
- THE LAW CENTRE: Provides advice, assistance and representation to clients who cannot afford a lawyer as well as legal education programs in the Capital Regional District.
- LAW STUDENTS' LEGAL ADVICE PROGRAM: UBC law students offer free legal advice and legal representation at clinics located throughout the Greater Vancouver Regional District.
- THE WESTERN CANADA SOCIETY TO ACCESS JUSTICE: Pro bono services for those that meet the financial criteria.
- THE SALVATION ARMY BRITISH COLUMBIA PRO BONO LAWYER CONSULTATION PROGRAM: Pro bono services for those that meet the financial criteria.
- LAWYER REFERRAL SERVICE: Canadian Bar Association (British Columbia) provides consultation with a lawyer for up to 30 minutes for a fee of $25.00 plus taxes.
- LAW SOCIETY OF BC: Finding a lawyer web page.
- THE SUPREME COURT SELF-HELP INFORMATION CENTRE: Provides free information and access to referrals to help individuals prepare for court if they can't afford a lawyer.
Alternative Dispute Resolutions:
- INSURANCE DISPUTE RESOLUTION SERVICES OF BC: Provides (insurance only) dispute resolution which includes home warranty. At the time of writing, the service offered an initial free 1/2 hour consultation, and $75.00 plus GST for each hour thereafter. Mediation costs are $150.00, plus taxes for the first hour and $75.00, plus taxes if the dispute does not get resolved in the first hour of mediation. Note: Above mediation charges apply to both parties. Costs of arbitration vary.
- OTHER FORMS OF DISPUTE RESOLUTION MECHANISMS IN BC:
| Grants for Low Income Earners or their Landlords: |
Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation provides a number of grants for low income homeowners or landlords accommodating housing needs for low-income earners. Annual budgets are limited and eligibility is based on meeting the criteria established by CMHC. Considerations to determine the amount of the grant and criteria to qualify may include; but is not limited to; property type, value and location of the property, income levels, and the type of repairs/upgrades wishing to be done. The grant limits indicated below are the maximum available to Canadian residence and may not reflect the maximum amounts available to British Columbians. For more details on the maximum grant amounts, and eligibility requirements for CMHC's grant programs listed below click on the "more" button or BC residents can contact CMHC toll-free at 1-800-639-3938.
Residential Rehabilitation Assistance Programs: Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) through the Residential Rehabilitation Assistance Program (RRAP) offer financial assistance such as:
- HOMEOWNER RRAP: Low-income households who own and occupy substandard housing wishing to repair their dwellings to a minimum level of health and safety may be eligible for a grant up to $24,000 depending on the location of the property and meeting the eligibility criteria established by CMHC. Low-income owners of leaky homes may also qualify for this grant.
- RRAP FOR PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES: Homeowners and landlords wishing to undertake accessibility work to modify dwellings occupied or intended for occupancy by low-income persons with disabilities may be eligible for a grant up to $36,000 depending on the location of the property and meeting the eligibility criteria established by CMHC.
- RENTAL RRAP: Landlords of affordable housing needing to pay for mandatory repairs to self-contained units occupied by low-income tenants may be eligible for a grant up to $36,000 per unit depending on the location of the property and meeting the eligibility criteria established by CMHC. Mandatory repairs are those required to bring properties up to minimum levels of health and safety;
- SECONDARY/GARDEN SUITE RRAP: Homeowners and landlords that create a secondary/garden suite to assist in the creation of affordable housing for low-income seniors and adults may be eligible for a grant up to $36,000 per unit depending on the location of the property and meeting the eligibility criteria established by CMHC.
Home Adaptations for Seniors' Independence: Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation helps homeowners and landlords pay for minor home adaptations to extend the time low-income seniors can live in their own homes independently. Assistance is a forgivable loan of up to $3,500 based on meeting the criteria established by CMHC.
Emergency Repair Program: Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation assists low-income homeowners or landlords with low income occupants in rural areas to make emergency repairs required for the continued safe occupancy of their houses. Up to $11,000/unit is available depending on the location of the residence and meeting the eligibility requirements.
| Assistance for Owners of Leaky Homes: |
No-Interest/Deferred Loans: If you live on a low income see Residential Rehabilitation Assistance Programs (listed above) for possible forgivable grants.
On July 31, 2009, Minister Rich Coleman announced, effective immediately, the discontinuation of the no-interest loan program.
August 25, 2009 - CASH Society Press Release regarding Abrupt End to the No-Interest Loan Program
Leaky condo PST rebate deadline now past The deadline for the PST rebate on eligible leaky condo repairs was 4 p.m. June 30, 2010
| Energy Efficient Home Purchases or Upgrade Incentives: |
Up to $10,000 Federal & Provincial grants/rebates:
On August 14, 2009, Minister Blair Lekstrom announced the end of the provincial program.
Homeowners currently in the program have up until March 31, 2011, or 18 months after their initial energy assessment, to complete their retrofits and follow-up energy assessment.
Get up to $5,000 in tax-free federal grants for new furnaces, windows, doors, insulation, hot water tanks, heat pumps, geothermal heating, solar, tankless water heaters, air conditioners ...
Another website to visit:
10% rebate on CMHC mortgage insurance fees: Buyers or homeowners who have less than 25% down payment for their home purchase may require mortgage insurance. Homeowners who choose CMHC to provide mortgage insurance may qualify for a rebate program for qualifying energy efficient homes or renovations. The 10% rebate on Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporations' mortgage insurance premiums may be applicable if:
- you purchase of a CMHC qualifying energy efficient home;
- you purchase and make CMHC qualifying energy efficient renovations;
- you undertake CMHC qualifying energy efficient renovations to your existing home.
Note: CMHC also offers extensions on mortgage amortization periods of up to 35 years for those meeting the energy efficient criteria. Conventional maximum amortization periods are typically no longer than 25 years. Extending amortization periods affects the amount of mortgage payments applied to the principal of the outstanding mortgage debt. Readers should consult an accountant and/or mortgage expert prior to extending the mortgage amortization period.
Federal grants for eligible energy efficient upgrades: A maximum $5,000.00 per home grant could be available for energy efficient upgrades. The program is called the ecoENERGY Retrofit program. An assessment and use of certain products is required. For more details
BC Hydro Rebate Programs: BC Hydro has a number of rebate programs including:
- Fridge Buy Back Program ($30.00)
- Home Electronics
- Window Offers
- Lighting Specials
- Mail In Rebates
- Appliance Rebates (up to $50.00)
- Low Income Program
For details and eligibility criteria:
FortisBC Rebate Programs: FortisBC customers in South Central British Columbia have a number of rebate programs including:
- New Home Improvement Program
- Home Improvement Program
- Air Source Heat Pump Rebate
- Ground Source Heat Pump Rebate
- Fluorescent Light (CFL) Bulb Rebate
- Washer/Dryer Rebate
Reduced Water Use Rebate Programs: Many BC local governments provide rebates to homeowners that undertake replacing items which will reduce water consumption. These rebate programs are available only to residents on municipal or electoral area water systems.
To find your local governments website visit
Once in your local governments website type "Rebates" in the search engine/field.
| Other Programs: |
Other grants, rebates, discounts and incentives not listed above may be available to help you use less energy, switch to renewable energy and produce less waste.
