British Columbia government is suspending evictions and offering a $500 monthly rebate to help renters and landlords

The British Columbia government is suspending evictions and offering a $500 monthly rebate to help renters and landlords during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Premier John Horgan says the government is also imposing a freeze on rent increases.

Horgan says many tenants have lost their jobs and are worried they won't be able to pay their rent and they should not be forced out when health officials are telling them to stay at home.

The money will be paid directly to landlords on the behalf of renters for the next four months.

Horgan says while he knows $500 doesn't go a long way to covering the cost of most rents, there are other government programs that will also help with those costs.