Paid rent in B.C.? Check the refundable credit worth up to $400.
Eligible renters who occupied B.C. rentals for at least six one-month periods in 2025 can claim a refundable credit of up to $400.
✓ Checked: Aug 6, 2026
Rent records may be worth more than a folder of receipts. The B.C. renter’s tax credit is claimed on the tax return by eligible low- and moderate-income renters. If you already filed without it, a return can sometimes be changed.
The 2025 amount
For 2025, the maximum is $400 when adjusted income is $64,764 or less. It falls by 2% of income above that threshold and reaches zero at $84,764. Couples use adjusted family income and only one spouse or common-law partner claims the household credit.
The credit is not proportional to the amount of rent. It is refundable, so any amount beyond combined federal and B.C. tax owing is included in the refund rather than sent as a separate benefit payment.
Basic eligibility
You generally need to have paid rent and occupied eligible B.C. rental units for at least six one-month periods during 2025. You must have been a B.C. resident on Dec. 31 and meet the age, parent, spouse or common-law condition.
Months at different eligible addresses can be combined. Periods shorter than a month do not count as a one-month period. Unrelated roommates may each claim if they individually meet all conditions.
Some payments do not count as rent
Payments to certain close relatives, rent-to-own payments, campsites, moorage and manufactured-home sites do not qualify. Employer-paid accommodation may also be excluded when it was not included in income.
Keep e-Transfer records, receipts, agreements and messages showing who was paid, for which address and for which month. CRA may ask for support after filing.
Information to prepare
Form BC479 asks for each rental address, total rent paid, number of eligible months and the landlord or company paid. If you moved, prepare a separate line of information for each address.
- Rental address
- Eligible months
- Total rent paid
- Landlord or company name
- Payment records
If you already filed
If you omitted the credit, wait for the Notice of Assessment and then request a change to the return through CRA’s process. Do not submit a second original return.
Ask CRA when individual facts are unclear. People with modest income and a simple tax situation may also qualify for free help through the Community Volunteer Income Tax Program.
