Eligibility for British Columbia’s heat pump rebate has now been extended to select unit owners and renters of low-rise multifamily housing. As of mid-July, the provincial energy savings program may provide up to $8,500 toward the installation of a ductless air-source heat pump and heat pump water heater for condo and apartment dwellers who meet income and technical criteria.

The program initially targets individual suites within electrically heated buildings, but a rollout to gas-heated units is promised for later this year. Two income-delineated tiers of incentives are available, and applicants must obtain formal permission from their landlord or strata council before the rebate can be offered. As well, only 10 units per rental building or investor-owner within a condo building will qualify.

The provincial government has underwritten the installation of more than 27,800 heat pumps since it launched the rebate for the residential sector in June 2024. Since then, it has committed an additional $100 million, to be allocated in the fiscal years 2025-26 and 2026-27, to fund a switchover from other heating/cooling sources.

“We’ve had great success supporting the switch to heat pumps in single-family homes and in entire multi-unit residential buildings,” says Adrian Dix, B.C.’s Minister of Energy and Climate Solutions. “So, we’re expanding our support to focus on helping apartment renters and condominium owners.”

Households living in apartment buildings up to six storeys in height, multiplex residential buildings with at least six units or stacked townhouses may qualify. Rebates of $5,000 for a mini- or multi-split heat pump and $3,500 for a heat pump water heater are available for approved recipients in the tier-one income range, which tops out at $47,007 for single occupants or $87,350 for a household of four. Lower-value rebates of $4,000 for a heat pump and $2,800 for a heat pump water heater will be provided for approved recipients with higher, but still modest incomes, topping out at $61,697 for individuals and $114,647 for a family of four.

“We are encouraged by the expansion of the heat pump rebate program to renters and condo owners living in lower-rise MURBs. It’s been difficult for people living in these buildings to get relief from the extreme heat,” maintains Shauna Sylvester, a director with the non-governmental advocacy group, Urban Climate Leadership.

To qualify, condo or apartment dwellers must have an individual account with an electricity utility. Program participants must purchase equipment from B.C. Hydro’s approved list of products and engage one of its approved contractors. The chosen contractor must then complete the work and submit verifying documentation within six months of the date approval was granted in order for rebate funds to be released to claimants.

Rebates will not be offered for installations in units valued at more than $772,000 or in buildings that were completed less than 12 months previously. Recipients must be fulltime occupants and can receive only one rebate for each of an air-source heat pump and heat pump water heater.

“This program will support families and seniors in apartments and townhomes across B.C. managing affordability concerns, and ensure they have the opportunity to convert to heat pumps to provide a safe and healthy controlled climate for their homes,” says Tony Gioventu, executive director of the Condominium Home Owners Association of B.C. “Owners, tenants, and residents of strata properties are reminded to work with their strata councils to confirm they are complying with the local bylaws.”

Interested utility account holders who are outside the income thresholds for this program may alternatively qualify for B.C. Hydro’s separate rebate program. It offers up to $2,500 for a ductless heat pump and $1,000 for a hot water heat pump in electrically heated buildings.