Rent-Geared-to-Income Housing

Rent-Geared-to-Income housing provides deeply affordable, safe, clean housing in your community, along with support from local housing providers.

On this page

• What is rent-geared-to-income housing?
• Who can apply?
• How does it work?
• Local occupancy standards
• Special priority status
• Apply
• Questions?

What is rent-geared-to-income housing? 

Rent-geared-to-income (RGI) housing helps make rent affordable for households with low or moderate incomes. Your rent is based on about 30% of your gross monthly income, or a set amount if you receive Ontario Works or ODSP. This means you pay what you can afford, not market rent.  

Who can apply? 

You may qualify if: 

• At least one household member is 16 or older and can live independently 
• You are a Canadian citizen, a permanent resident, or have refugee status 
• Your household income and assets are within provincial limits 
• You do not owe money to any social housing provider—unless you have a repayment plan in place 

How does it work? 

• All applications go on a Centralized Waiting List
• Units are offered in order of application date, except for Special Priority Status cases (e.g., victims of abuse or human trafficking) 
• Additional charges may apply for utilities, parking, or laundry 

Local occupancy standards 

Local Occupancy Standards are rules that determine what size unit your household can apply for. They ensure that units are neither overcrowded nor underused. 

If you live in a unit that is too large for your household, your Housing Provider will add you to the Centralized Waiting List for a smaller unit. If you request a unit outside these standards, you may need to provide documentation for exceptions. 

Largest unit allowed:

• One bedroom for every two household members who are spouses
• One bedroom for each additional member
• Extra bedrooms may be approved for:  
  • Medical needs (with documentation) 
  • Joint custody arrangements (children who live part-time in the home) 
  • Foster children (with proof of fostering) 

Smallest unit allowed:

• One bedroom for every two household members 
• A bachelor unit is allowed for:  
  • One person 
  • Two spouses or partners