Finding affordable rental housing can be challenging for low-income tenants in Ontario. Fortunately, there are several government programs and subsidies designed to help make rent more manageable. This article explains the main options for rental assistance, who is eligible, and how to access these supports. You'll also find important links to application forms and where to get more help.

Overview: Support for Low-Income Renters in Ontario

Ontario offers a range of rental programs to help tenants with limited incomes secure affordable housing or receive financial support with market rents. The main forms of assistance include subsidized and social housing, rent-geared-to-income units, portable housing benefits, and emergency funding.

Main Types of Rental Assistance

• Social (Subsidized) Housing: Managed by local housing providers or municipalities, these units have rent based on income, typically no more than 30% of your household earnings.
• Rent-Geared-to-Income (RGI): Your rent is set according to your income, available in both municipal and co-op non-profit housing.
• Portable Housing Benefit Programs: Cash payments you can use towards rent in any private market unit, giving tenants more flexibility.
• Community Housing: Encompasses social housing, non-profit, and cooperative units with affordable rent.
• Emergency and Short-Term Assistance: Funding for tenants in urgent need, such as the Ontario Works Housing Stabilization Fund.

Eligibility and application processes vary, but almost all programs use your income, family size, and housing situation to assess need.

Applying for Subsidized and Social Housing

Social and rent-geared-to-income housing is coordinated by your local Service Manager. Wait lists can be long, but applying as soon as you’re eligible is recommended.

• Apply for social housing in Ontario through your municipal portal
• Required documents: ID, proof of income, household information
• Applicants must usually be Canadian citizens or permanent residents and not exceed local income thresholds
• If you need help, local housing access centres can explain forms and process

When you accept a subsidized housing unit, your tenancy will typically be governed by the Residential Tenancies Act, 2006. The official tribunal for all residential tenancies in Ontario is the Landlord and Tenant Board, which handles disputes and rights enforcement.

Portable Housing Benefit (PHB) Programs

If you don’t want to or cannot wait for social housing, you may qualify for a portable benefit such as:

• Ontario Portable Housing Benefit (OPHB)
• Canada-Ontario Housing Benefit (COHB)

These programs provide monthly payments based on your household size and income, and can be applied to any private rental on the open market.

Other Rent Support and Emergency Options

• Ontario Works Housing Stabilization Fund: Emergency funding for low-income renters facing eviction or moving to safer/cheaper housing. For eligibility and how to apply, contact your local Ontario Works office.
• Rent Bank Programs: Interest-free loans to cover rent arrears or deposits, available in many municipalities.

If you're dealing with unexpected repairs or rent increases, it's important to know your rights. For example, see Understanding Rent Increases: What Tenants Need to Know for more details about legal limits and how to respond.

Eligibility: Who Can Access Rental Programs?

Eligibility for social and affordable housing programs in Ontario generally includes:

• Low or moderate household income (amount depends on local service manager limits)
• At least one household member is a legal resident
• No history of rental arrears or eviction for cause (some exceptions may apply)

Check with your local housing provider, as each may set slightly different income cutoffs or requirements.

Key Forms and How to Apply

• Application for Rent-Geared-to-Income Housing (no province-wide number):
• Apply through your municipality’s social housing portal, such as Toronto’s Access to Housing.
• Canada-Ontario Housing Benefit (COHB) Application:
  • Available from your local service manager or online at COHB official page.
  • Used when applying for the portable benefit program if receiving a notice of eviction or at risk of homelessness.
• Request for Review of Eligibility or Priority: After applying to social housing, use this municipal form if you think your application for priority (such as urgent medical need or domestic violence) wasn’t handled correctly. Find details through your service manager.

Your Rights and Legal Protections

Tenants in subsidized and market rentals are protected by Ontario’s Residential Tenancies Act, 2006 and have recourse to the Landlord and Tenant Board of Ontario for all disputes related to rent, repairs, or evictions.¹

For more on your legal protections, see Tenant Rights in Ontario. You can also find tips on Tenant's Guide to Paying Rent: Rights, Responsibilities, and Tips to help you manage your rental payments effectively.

If you need to find private rentals that fit subsidy criteria, Browse apartments for rent in Canada with filters for price, location, and more.

FAQ: Common Questions About Affordable Rental Programs

1. How long are the waiting lists for subsidized housing in Ontario?
   Wait times depend on your location and situation. In many urban areas, the wait can be several years. Priority is given to urgent cases, such as survivors of abuse or those who are homeless.
2. Can I get help with rent in the private market?
   Yes, programs like the Canada-Ontario Housing Benefit (COHB) offer eligible tenants monthly payments to use towards their market rent.
3. Is there emergency rental help if I’m facing eviction?
   The Housing Stabilization Fund and local Rent Banks may provide emergency loans or grants to prevent eviction if you qualify.
4. Does the Residential Tenancies Act apply to social housing?
   Yes, most subsidized housing tenancies are covered by Ontario’s Residential Tenancies Act, 2006.
5. Can I apply for both social housing and portable housing benefits?
   Yes, you can apply for both; eligibility for portable benefits is often linked to your place on the social housing wait list.

Key Takeaways

• Ontario offers multiple rental assistance programs for low-income tenants, including social housing and portable benefits.
• Eligibility depends on income, household situation, and immigration status.
• Contact your local service manager early and keep your application information up to date.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Landlord and Tenant Board of Ontario – tenant dispute resolution and info
• Ontario Government Social Housing Information
• Canadian Institute of Housing (for general info)
• Local municipal housing access centres (find your Service Manager here)
• Legal clinics: Legal Aid Ontario (free legal help for eligible clients)

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1. See the Residential Tenancies Act, 2006 for all legal rules protecting tenants in Ontario.
2. Application forms and waitlist processes are coordinated by local Service Managers – a full list and information is available directly from Ontario’s housing information portal.

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