As Canada’s tax deadline approaches on April 30, renters across the country may be leaving money on the table. Whether you live in a downtown condo, a basement suite, or subsidized housing, there are provincial and federal tax credits that can put real cash back in your pocket.
Some renters could qualify for up to $1,600 in tax credits, just for paying rent last year. These refundable credits can reduce the amount you owe or boost your refund — and the best part is, you may still be eligible even if your rent was supported by a subsidy or housing program.
If you’re unsure what you qualify for, this guide breaks down five key credits every Canadian renter should consider before filing.
Table of Contents
British Columbia: The B.C. Renter’s Tax Credit
Who’s Eligible?
If you rented a home in B.C. for at least six months in 2023 and were 19 or older by the end of the year, you may qualify — including if you lived in employer-provided housing, subsidized housing, or paid rent through a support program.
What You Could Get
- Up to $400 for individuals with an adjusted income of $63,000 or less
- Partial amounts if your income is between $63,000 and $83,000
This is a refundable credit, meaning you’ll receive it even if you don’t owe any tax.
How to Claim It
- Fill out the B.C. Credits tax form (BC479) when submitting your return through the CRA
- You’ll need to provide: your address, total rent paid, how many months you lived there, and your landlord’s name
If you forgot to claim it, request a change after receiving your notice of assessment.
Manitoba: Renters Affordability Tax Credit
Who’s Eligible?
Any Manitoban who paid rent on their principal residence during 2023, including those in social housing or receiving non-EIA Rent Assist benefits.
What You Could Get
- Up to $525 ($43.75 per month you rented)
- Up to $825 total if you’re a senior, depending on your family net income
- Set to increase to $575 in 2025 and $625 in 2026
How to Claim It
- Claim it through your Manitoba tax return
- Have your rental details and landlord’s name ready when filing
Most tax software will guide you through the process based on your residency and rental situation.
Ontario: Energy and Property Tax Credit (OEPTC)
Who’s Eligible?
Ontario renters with low to moderate income who paid rent or qualifying energy costs in 2023. You must have lived in Ontario on December 31, 2024, and meet at least one of the following:
- Be 18 or older
- Have a spouse or common-law partner
- Be a parent
What You Could Get
- Up to $1,283 if you’re 18–64
- Up to $1,461 if you’re 65 or older
- Additional $285 for those living on a reserve or in long-term care
- $25 more if you lived in a student residence
This credit is paid monthly as part of the Ontario Trillium Benefit (OTB), starting in July. If your total benefit is under $360, you’ll get a lump sum in June instead.
How to Claim It
- Submit Form ON-BEN with your 2024 tax return
- Include your rent or housing expenses in the appropriate sections
The CRA administers the payments, which may include other credits depending on your eligibility.
Quebec: Solidarity Tax Credit
Who’s Eligible?
Quebec residents with low to middle incomes who rented an eligible residence as of December 31, 2024. You must have an RL-31 slip from your landlord to qualify for the housing component.
What You Could Get
Based on Revenu Québec’s estimator, renters could receive:
- Around $1,256 for a single person
- Up to $1,600 for a couple
- Up to $1,910 for a family of four
Exact amounts depend on household income, size, and which parts of the credit you’re eligible for.
How to Claim It
- Complete Schedule D in your 2024 Quebec income tax return using details from your RL-31 slip
- Set up direct deposit, as Revenu Québec does not issue paper cheques for this credit
Payments start in July 2025 and are usually monthly for amounts over $800.
Bonus: Federal Home Office Expenses Deduction
Who’s Eligible?
If you worked from home in 2024 due to an agreement with your employer — even a verbal one — you may be eligible to deduct part of your rent and other expenses from your taxable income.
What You Could Get
This is a deduction, not a credit. It lowers your taxable income, which could result in hundreds of dollars saved, depending on your income and how much space you used for work.
For instance, if your home office takes up 10% of your living space, you can deduct 10% of your rent, electricity, and internet.
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How to Claim It
- Get Form T2200 signed by your employer
- Use Form T777 to calculate and report expenses
- Claim the deduction on line 22900 of your federal return
- Keep receipts in case the CRA requests proof
Final Thoughts: Don’t Miss Out on Credits You Deserve
With tax season coming to a close, it’s more important than ever to check which benefits you’re eligible for. Renters in B.C., Manitoba, Ontario, and Quebec all have access to generous refundable tax credits that could mean a bigger refund — or at least a smaller bill.
Make sure to gather your rental documents, check your eligibility by province, and file before the April 30 deadline.
Need help calculating what you’re owed or finding the right forms? I can walk you through that next — just ask!