BC Housing receives many requests each year from tenants wishing to transfer to another unit or another building. There are no guarantees whether a transfer will be approved or how long it will take as transfers are evaluated along with new applications for housing.

Basic Transfer Eligibility Criteria

have lived in unit for a minimum of one year
tenancy is in good standing
have no outstanding debts including chargebacks, rent arrears or audit arrears
still meet basic eligibility requirements for housing, and
one of the following transfer reasons outlined below

BC Housing may approve a transfer if:

Tenant place of employment or schooling has changed and transportation is either unavailable when needed, or commute is more than three hours round-trip. Please note that a letter of employment or school registration verification needs to be provided;
A change to household size or composition requires a different size unit (over-housed tenants are required to move to an appropriately-sized unit);
Household member has a medical condition that would be stabilized or improved by a change of location. Please note that a physician must provide documentation that supports the need for a medical transfer; or
Household member’s well-being is at serious risk from trauma, violence, harassment or other undesirable consequences. Please note that supporting documentation from the police or an appropriate social agency needs to be provided.

If a tenant would like to transfer and/or is unsure of eligibility for a transfer, please contact your Non-Profit Portfolio Manager who can advise you regarding options. If the tenant is behind in rent payment or owes BC Housing any money when offered a transfer, it is expected that all outstanding charges will be paid in full before the transfer. The transfer may be cancelled or put on hold until all outstanding charges are paid in full.