Looking for Housing

How to apply for Housing

There are long waiting lists for non-profit housing. In some areas, people can wait up to ten years for a non-profit home. In other places, the wait is much shorter.

To join the waiting list in your area, you need to contact a co-ordinated access centre.  These centres give information on the non-profit, co-op and public housing in your area.

You can also apply directly to a local non-profit. You must apply directly to the non-profit you wish to live in if:

• you do not need a subsidy
• you need a unit modified for people with disabilities
• there is no co-ordinated access center in your area.

Although each area has its own policies, some rules are the same across Ontario:

• You will be asked to fill out an application form. Everyone in your household 16 and over must sign the form.
• Most units are offered on a first come, first served basis. If you are a victim of any kind of family abuse (wife abuse, elder abuse, child abuse) you will be given priority. In some areas, other groups are given priority. Ask your co-ordinated access system for details.
• You can choose to apply for one building or many. The more buildings you apply for, the faster you will move up the list.

But be sure that the buildings you choose are the ones you really want to live in. If you are offered a unit, you may refuse it. But if you refuse three units, you will be taken off the list.

If the information you put in your application form changes, you must tell the co-ordinated access center within 10 business days*, or you could be cut off the list. (* Some municipalities allow longer than 10 days)

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Subsidy Guidelines

About 80% of non-profit tenants pay rents based on their income. This is know as "rent-geared-to-income" or "RGI" rent. These tenants pay about 30% of their monthly household income on rent. Use this calculator to find out the ideal monthly rate you should pay for rent-geared-to-income housing.  A subsidy paid directly to the non-profit covers the difference between the RGI rent and the full rent.

You are eligible for subsidy if:

• each member of your household is either a Canadian Citizen, permanent resident of Canada, or a refugee claimant
• at least one household member is 16 years or older
• If you are a former social housing tenant, you must have paid any arrears in full, and have no convictions for misrepresenting your income or fraud for at least 2 years (or longer in some areas)
• If you own a permanent residence, you must sell the property within 6 months (or longer in some areas) of moving in
• If you are disabled, you must be able to live independently or arrange for your own support, unless the supports are part of the services provided by the non-profit

You apply for subsidy at the same time as you apply for housing.

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Ontario Tenant Rights
Legislation Affecting Ontario Tenants