Secondary Suite Incentive Program (BC Housing)
A BC forgivable-loan program that helped homeowners build a new secondary suite on their principal residence to rent out below-market, effectively turning a homeowner into a small affordable-housing landlord. New applications are now closed.
What you get
Money for building upgrades
Who it's for
Homeowners building a new secondary suite on their principal residence who agree to rent it at or below BC Housing's Rent Affordability Limits and not to an immediate family member (child, parent or sibling).
This takes you to the official website
What to have ready
Documents they may ask for
- Government ID for everyone in your household, if available
- A copy of your lease or rent agreement
- Recent rent receipt, ledger, or proof of what you owe
- Recent pay stubs, benefit statement, or income proof
- ODSP, Ontario Works, CPP, OAS, or other benefit statement if you have one
- Recent bank statement, if the program asks for it
What to say when you call
“Hi, I found your housing support program and I want to check if I can apply. Can you tell me the current rules, documents needed, and the next step?”
Use the official page first, then call 211 if you are not sure where to start.
Can I get this?
You have a good chance if this sounds like you:
- (Program is no longer accepting new applications as of March 31, 2025.)
What to do next
Check off each step as you go — we'll remember where you are.
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The fine print
More details about the money
Forgivable loan of 50% of construction cost to a maximum of $40,000 (minimum construction cost $20,000; minimum loan $10,000), plus about $2,000 covering BC Housing's legal fees. Forgiven at 20% per year over 5 years if conditions (including the below-market rent) are met; otherwise interest accrues at the Royal Bank prime rate plus 2.00%.
Amounts and eligibility change. Confirm the current figure with the program administrator through the official link before you rely on it.
The full eligibility rules
Homeowners building a new secondary suite on their principal residence who agree to rent it at or below BC Housing's Rent Affordability Limits and not to an immediate family member (child, parent or sibling). (Program is no longer accepting new applications as of March 31, 2025.)
Good to know
Verified live, including all financial terms (50% / $40,000 max, $20,000 min cost, $10,000 min loan, ~$2,000 legal fees, 20%/yr over 5 years, RBC prime + 2.00% on default, principal-residence and below-market-rent conditions, no immediate-family tenants). VERIFIED CLOSED: 'As of March 31, 2025, BC Housing is no longer accepting applications to this program'; existing pre-approvals honoured. Included as a verified-but-closed landlord incentive; check for any successor intake before relying on it.