Subsidized housing in Ontario helps make rent more affordable for many people, but not everyone is eligible. This guide explains who may be disqualified, what the main eligibility barriers are, and what you can do if you’re unsure about your status—all based on up-to-date provincial rules. Understanding these requirements can help you avoid surprises and plan your next steps.

Who Decides Subsidized Housing Eligibility in Ontario?

Most social housing programs in Ontario, including Rent-Geared-to-Income (RGI) and supportive housing, are administered by municipal service managers. These organizations follow rules set out by the Housing Services Act, 2011 and the Residential Tenancies Act, 2006^[1][2]. For most housing issues or disputes, the Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB) is responsible for resolving applications and complaints related to residential tenancies.

Main Reasons You Could Be Disqualified from Subsidized Housing

The following factors typically lead to disqualification from subsidized housing in Ontario:

• Exceeding Household Income Limits: Your total household income (before taxes) cannot be above the maximum set by your local service manager. These income thresholds vary by municipality and household size.
• Owning Residential Property: In most cases, owning a home, condo, or land in Ontario or elsewhere can disqualify you—unless you sell the property within a specified period.
• False Information or Missing Documents: Not providing correct, complete, or updated information may lead to denial or removal from the waitlist.
• Rental Arrears: Owing money to a social housing provider without an approved repayment plan can be grounds for ineligibility.
• Criminal Activity: Serious criminal convictions, especially those involving violence or drugs in a previous subsidized unit, may affect eligibility.
• Not Living in the Unit as Your Main Home: You must intend to live in subsidized housing as your primary residence.
• Not Being a Canadian Citizen, Permanent Resident, or Other Eligible Status: You must have legal status in Canada (citizen, permanent resident, or refugee/protected status).

Each service manager might have additional local rules, so always check with your municipality for specific requirements.

Forms and Documents Needed

Applying for, keeping, or appealing subsidized housing often involves specific forms. Here are commonly required forms and what they’re for:

• Application for Subsidized Housing (varies by municipality)
  When and how used: Submitted to your local service manager when you apply. Typical documentation includes proof of income, status in Canada, and current housing details.
  Toronto application form & information
• Notice of Decision
  When and how used: If you’re denied or removed from the waitlist, you’ll get this notice stating the reason. You have 10 business days to request a review if you believe there’s been a mistake.
• Request for Internal Review
  When and how used: Use this form if you want to appeal a decision (such as disqualification) by your housing provider or service manager. The form and process differ by region. Peel Region appeal instructions

Keep copies of all documents submitted and ask for a dated receipt when you hand in forms.

Does Rental History Affect Your Eligibility?

Your previous rental history can impact your subsidized housing application in several ways, especially if you have outstanding arrears or a record of serious complaints. Unresolved debts to a subsidized landlord are a common reason for disqualification. For more on resolving disputes, see How to Handle Complaints in Your Rental: A Tenant’s Guide.

Keeping Your Eligibility for Subsidized Housing

To stay qualified for rent-geared-to-income or other social housing:

• File annual income reviews by providing updates on your household size and income.
• Pay rent on time and avoid accumulating arrears.
• Promptly report changes in your situation, such as adding or removing household members, or increases in income.

If you’re approved for subsidized housing and move in, it’s important to know your ongoing obligations as a tenant. Review Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained for an overview of what’s required.

Helpful Action Steps if You're Disqualified

• Ask for the reason in writing and check if you can provide missing documents.
• File a “Request for Internal Review” within 10 business days if you think there was an error.
• If you owe arrears, try to arrange a repayment agreement and provide proof to the housing provider.

If you believe your rights as a tenant are being denied, consider learning more about Tenant Rights in Ontario.

Looking beyond social housing? Browse apartments for rent in Canada to explore other affordable options.

Eligibility and Disqualification Rules: Quick Summary

• Eligibility is mostly based on household income, property ownership, immigration status, accuracy of information, and sometimes rental history.
• Your local municipal service manager handles applications and appeals.
• You have the right to appeal most disqualification decisions.

Make sure to check for rule changes with your local housing office, as policies and forms can be updated annually.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I apply for subsidized housing if I own a home?
   Usually, you must sell the home within a set timeframe to remain eligible. Ask your service manager about local rules and examples.
2. Will a past eviction automatically disqualify me?
   Not necessarily. While some serious offences may impact eligibility, most past evictions alone do not automatically disqualify you—especially if you've since paid any debts owed.
3. Is it possible to appeal a disqualification from subsidized housing?
   Yes. You have 10 business days to submit a “Request for Internal Review” after receiving a Notice of Decision denying or rescinding your application.
4. What documents will I need to prove income and status?
   Commonly required: most recent Notice of Assessment from CRA, pay stubs, government benefit letters, and proof of Canadian citizenship or immigration status.
5. What if my income goes up after I move into subsidized housing?
   You are still required to report this. Your rent may increase to reflect your new income, but you won't necessarily be disqualified as long as you remain under the income limit for your household size.

Conclusion: Key Takeaways

• Disqualification from subsidized housing is mainly due to income, property ownership, false information, or missing documents.
• You have the right to know the reason for any decision and to appeal.
• Stay current with forms and notify your service manager about any changes.

For tenants, planning ahead and understanding these rules means fewer surprises—and better access to the housing you need.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB) – Ontario's official dispute resolution body for residential tenancies.
• Ontario Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing – For general housing information and provincial assistance.
• Your local service manager – The first step for applications, forms, and eligibility reviews.
• Steps to Justice – Housing Law – Reliable, plain-language legal information for Ontario tenants.

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1. Housing Services Act, 2011. Read the Housing Services Act, 2011
2. Residential Tenancies Act, 2006. See the Residential Tenancies Act, 2006 (Ontario)
3. Landlord and Tenant Board. Visit the LTB official site

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