If you or a member of your household is a victim of domestic violence or human trafficking you may qualify for Special Priority. Please complete the Special Priority Application in addition to our Application for Community Housing.
For more information about the Special Priority Policy and resources for survivors of abuse and trafficking see the Ontario government's web page.
Do you have units for persons with physical disabilities?
Some units are specially modified to accommodate someone with a physical disability. You can print or download a Request for Accessible or Modified Unit or please complete the online Request for Accessible or Modified Unit Form (accessible) in addition to our Community Housing Application. Please note that most apartment buildings in our region are accessible and offer elevators.
How do I request ground floor accommodations?
Please fill out a separate Request for Ground Floor Accommodation if required. Applicants and tenants who only want offers of ground floor units, must provide medical verification of a condition or disability that requires a ground floor only unit. Most apartment buildings offer elevators or lifts and have a fire safety plan in place to assist those who require assistance in the event of an emergency. Applicants who request ground floor only accommodation can potentially be waiting longer for a community housing unit.
What happens after I apply?
You will receive notification from Housing Services within 30 days of being added to the waiting list. When it is close to the time when you may receive an offer for housing, you will be notified by phone to provide more detailed information including financial information, proof of citizenship. At the same time, we will complete a review of your housing selections.
What size of units can I apply for?
A household is eligible to be housed in a unit of a size determined in agreement with the following principals:
- Individuals who are spouses of each other are given one bedroom.
- A unattached individual who is 16 years of age or over is given one bedroom.
- Children are given separate bedrooms. However, children of the opposite sex or same sex may share a bedroom if the applicant desires.
- Bachelor units are normally given to one individual. However, a two-person family is eligible for a bachelor unit, if the applicant requests it.
- A single parent is eligible for a unit in which the parent would share a bedroom with a child, if the applicant requests it.
A household is eligible to be housed in a unit type determined in agreement with the following principles:
- A housing project with a mandate of seniors will require at least one member of the household to be at least 60 years of age, except in the case of a modified unit which can be occupied by a person of any age with a physical disability and deemed eligible for the modifications of the unit.
Special requests will only be considered for medical reasons. Each special request will be carefully assessed. The household will be asked to provide documentation to substantiate the need for this special consideration by completing the Additional Bedroom Request - Medical Reasons form. The household will be notified whether or not they are approved.
What can I do if I don't agree with a decision that has been made?
A household may request a review of a decision made to the City's Review Body under one of the following areas:
- Ineligibility for rent-geared-to-income assistance
- The size and type of unit that a household is eligible for
- The household's priority status on the waiting list(s)
- Amount of rent payable by the household
- Loss of eligibility for rent-geared-to-income assistance
- Eligibility for special needs housing
Complete a Request for Review form for consideration or for your convenience you can also download a Request for Review application.
Can I apply for market rent housing?
You can apply online for Market Rent or download a copy of our Market Rent Housing Application to apply by mail, email or in person.
