Detailed Eligibility Criteria

1. Registered Owner and Relationships:

   • Eligibility for Deceased Owner’s Property: If the registered owner of the property has passed away, the surviving spouse or a relative who inherits the property can still claim the Home Owner Grant, provided they meet the other eligibility requirements. This can include proving that they are the rightful owner and that the property continues to be their principal residence.

2. Canadian Citizenship or Permanent Residency:

   • Proof of Status: You may need to provide documentation to confirm your status as a Canadian citizen or permanent resident. This might include a copy of your Canadian passport, citizenship card, or permanent resident card.

3. Principal Residence:

   • Primary Home: The Home Owner Grant is only available for properties that are used as your primary residence. This means it must be where you live for the majority of the year. Properties used as vacation homes, rental properties, or second homes do not qualify.

4. Grant Threshold and Value:

   • Annual Updates: The Grant Threshold is adjusted yearly. For instance, in 2024, the threshold might be different from previous years. You can find the current threshold on the government’s website or by contacting BC Assessment.
   • Property Valuation: Ensure you are aware of the assessed value of your property and how it compares to the threshold. If your property has multiple residences, be sure to calculate the partitioned value correctly to determine eligibility.

5. Partitioned Value:

   • Residences Definition: For a property with multiple residences (e.g., a multi-family dwelling), each unit must have independent facilities, such as a separate kitchen, bathroom, and living area. This allows each unit to be considered a separate residence for the purposes of calculating the partitioned value.
   • Calculation Example: If a property’s assessed value is $1,000,000 and it has three separate residences, each residence’s partitioned value would be $333,333.33. Each partitioned value must be below the Grant Threshold to qualify for the full grant.

6. Types of Residences:

   • Qualifying Units: Laneway homes, and multi-family units such as duplexes, triplexes, and fourplexes are eligible as separate residences if they meet the criteria for having independent living facilities.
   • Non-Qualifying Units: Suites or secondary suites within a principal residence do not count as separate residences. For example, a basement suite or an attic apartment within a single-family home does not qualify for a separate grant.

Applying for the Grant

1. Application Process:

   • Filing: You can apply for the Home Owner Grant through your municipal government or BC Assessment. Applications are usually submitted annually, with deadlines often aligning with property tax deadlines.
   • Forms: Complete the necessary forms accurately. These forms are available on the government’s website or from your local municipal office.

2. Documentation:

   • Required Documents: Be prepared to provide documentation such as proof of ownership, proof of Canadian citizenship or permanent residency, and any additional documents related to the property’s use.
   • Submission: Submit all required documentation along with your application. Incomplete applications may delay the processing or result in denial of the grant.

3. Deadlines:

   • Timeliness: Ensure that your application is submitted by the deadline. Late submissions might result in ineligibility for the grant for that year.

Reviewing and Updating

1. Annual Review:

   • Check Eligibility: Review your eligibility annually to ensure that you continue to meet all the criteria.
   • Keep Records: Maintain accurate records of your property’s assessed value, usage, and any communications with BC Assessment or municipal authorities.

2. Policy Changes:

   • Stay Informed: Tax policies and grant thresholds can change. Regularly check the BC Government website or contact BC Assessment for the latest updates and changes in policy.

3. Dispute Resolution:

   • Appeals: If you believe you are eligible but your grant is denied, you have the right to appeal the decision. Follow the appeals process outlined by BC Assessment or your local municipal office.

Please check the government websites for updates.