Social Housing FAQs
If your question isn't answered here please write to us at housing@london.ca and we will respond promptly.

What are the Social Housing Choices?
Social Housing providers are located throughout the City of London and the County of Middlesex. There are four types of assisted housing: Co-operative housing, Non-profit housing, Public housing and Rent Supplement housing.

Does the Housing Division help with private market rentals?
No, most private rental housing in the City of London and County of Middlesex is provided by private landlords. Your best source of information on available rental accommodation is the classified advertisement section of local newspapers or the Yellow Pages in the local telephone directory.

Is the Housing Division a tribunal for landlords and tenants issues?
No, any issues with respect to residential landlords and tenants rights and obligations are part of the Ontario Rental Housing Tribunal, a Provincial agency. The Tribunal has a team of Mediators, who work with landlords and tenants to resolve certain types of disputes through mutual agreement. Call the Tribunal's toll free telephone information service at 1-888-332-3234.

What is rent-geared-to-income?
Rent-geared-to-income is rent you pay based on your gross monthly income

Where do I apply for assisted housing?
Applications are currently taken for the London Middlesex Housing Corporation units, Non-Profits and Co-operatives at the Housing Access Centre at 379 Dundas Street, Suite 116 (519-661-0861). The Housing Access Centre maintains the centralized waiting list on behalf of the Housing Providers.

How do I apply for assisted housing?
Complete an application for rent-geared-to-income housing and include supporting documents such as: proof of permanent residency in Canada (immigration/refugee papers, birth certificate, citizenship card, Canadian passport, etc) and proof of income including government monies (GICs, employment pay stubs, OSAP, etc).

What if I can't get some of the information that Housing Access Centre wants in order to complete my application?
If you are unable to get the information that the Housing Access Centre need please talk to staff at the Housing Access Centre about your options.

Who do I notify if I have changes to my information?
You MUST notify the Housing Access Centre (HAC) (519-661-0861). You are responsible to notify HAC of any changes such as your address, phone number, and change in selection of locations other than those you chose on your initial application, the number of people in your household changes and the contact person on your application changes in order to maintain your eligibility status.

How many offers do I get?
You get three housing offers. However, you have the choice of turning down two offers if you are not happy with the unit or location but if you turn down the 3rd offer your file will be cancelled and you will be removed from the waitlist and would be required to fill out another application and you will receive a new start date.

How long does it take to be housed?
It is very difficult to determine how long it will take to be housed. The length of time to be housed takes into consideration your income level, the housing selection(s) you made, the turnover rate of the Housing Providers you choose, and the status you are given at the time your application has been reviewed/approved i.e. if you are homeless, or fleeing an abusive situation.
NOTE: Anyone claiming any of the situation(s) must have document(s) from someone in a professional position written on their organization/company letterhead supporting the request).

Why does it take so long to get housed?
A Housing Provider must have a vacant unit in order for it to be filled from the waitlist. It is difficult to predict when a vacancy is going to occur. In addition, the wait list has many households looking for housing.

How long is the waiting list?
There is really no answer to this question, since each housing provider has their own waitlist and there is a different waitlist for each building/townhouse and then a different waitlist according to bedroom size.

Will I be required to sign a lease?
Yes. For a tenant of the London and Middlesex Housing Corporation and Private Non-profit you are required to sign a lease; as a Co-operative member you are required to sign an occupancy agreement.

If I have no income, what proof is required?
You can inquire about basic financial assistance under the Ontario Works, child support, benefits from Employment Insurance, and any person who is 65 year of age or older can inquire about receiving Old Age Security, Guaranteed Income Supplement, Canada Pension, support from immigration sponsorship. You will have 30 days to provide proof that you attempted to obtain one of these sources of income. Failure to do so will result in loss of your subsidy and the rent would increase to market.

If I pay market rent and my income is reduced will, my rent be adjusted?
A household currently housed, as market rent, which is on the centralized waiting list for rent-geared-to-income (RGI) assistance, will receive that assistance when its application reaches the top of the Housing Provider's list. If a household's preference is to remain in its current location and is not on the centralized waiting list as per O. Reg. 339/01, Section 12 (2) and the household becomes eligible for RGI assistance, the ranking date for this new application is the original date that the household occupied the market rent unit with the Housing Provider.

What happens if my income increases while on RGI assistance?
Your rent will increase and you may begin to pay market rent because of an increase in income. After twelve (12) consecutive months of paying maximum (market) rent the household is no longer a rent-geared-to-income household and becomes a market rent household.

If my 16 year old is receiving an income will this change my rent?
Earnings from all or any sources must be reported. If your 16 year old is a full time student and working part-time the income is not included in the rent calculation.

Where do I call if I have a problem with my unit?
All inquiries and problems will be handled by your Housing Provider, Coordinator, or Property Manager.

What happens if I live in a RGI Housing project (including LMHC) and want to transfer to a different RGI Housing Provider?
You will be required to complete another RGI Housing Application and apply to the Housing Access Centre and go back on the waitlist with a new start date.

Are appliances and parking included in my rent?
In some housing projects, appliances and services are included. In other accommodations tenants must supply appliances and pay for some or all services - it varies by property.

Is there any special priority that would enable me to obtain housing sooner?
There are four categories on our waiting list:
1. Special Priority - this status on the waiting list is reserved for individuals who are victims of domestic abuse by another individual or whose personal safety is significantly at risk
2. Urgent - this status on the waitlist is reserved for individuals who are homeless or in the risk of homelessness, serious medical, health, and/or social needs which would result in severe hardship or personal risk, individuals who use the emergency shelter system, families separated due to lack of affordable housing. However, the income must be in the high need category
3. High Need - this status on the waitlist is reserved for individuals whose annual income is less than or equal to the amount set in Legislation for the size of unit the household occupies
4. Chronological - this status on the waitlist is reserved for individuals who qualify for RGI housing. Income exceeds the maximum high need income, but is still within the Household Income Limits established for the City of London and Middlesex county.

How do I get assigned Special Priority?
To get assigned Special Priority, which is for victims of family violence, you must have supporting information for verification purposes. This information may be attached to your housing application form for RGI assistance or submitted separately. However, providing this information does not guarantee the special priority status.

Can I appeal any decision made by HAC regarding my application?
Yes, you have the right to appeal any decision made by the Housing Access Centre by simply submitting a detailed letter to the manager with any new information and stating the reason why you feel the decision should be reviewed. A letter responding to your appeal will be sent to you once a decision has been made.

If I owe arrears to a previous social housing provider or LMHC, will I still be qualified for rent-geared-to-income housing?
If you owe any arrears (including money for damages) to a social housing provider and/or LMHC, you should arrange to repay it with that landlord. You must have a signed repayment agreement in place in order to be placed on the Waitlist. It is important that your repayment agreement remains in good standing; if you default on your payments, your name will be removed from the Waitlist and you would lose your application date. It is important to remember that you will not be offered Rent-Geared-to-Income-Housing until the entire arrears amount is paid in full.

How much will my rent be with RGI Housing?
There are numerous ways to calculate rent, depending on the source of income. In general, rent is established by calculating 30% of the adjusted family income for the month or by applying a rent scale. The Housing Provider (not the Housing Access Centre) will calculate your rent as part of the initial housing offer process.

Can tenant(s) request a review of the decision made for Rent Increase?
A tenant is entitled to request an internal review of rent changes. The request must be submitted within 10 business days after the date when the notice is received by a tenant.

Does Social Housing accept applications for a two bedroom unit based on equipment needs?
Sometimes a two bedroom unit is provided to applicants that qualify for a one bedroom ONLY if they have extra equipment. A two bedroom unit is not usually provided to an applicant with a scooter or wheelchair but for someone that has an electric wheelchair, a regular wheelchair, and a racing wheelchair for sports. Another example is someone who is diabetic and is going to start home dialysis as soon as they are housed and they need the extra room for the dialysis machine and all the supplies that go with it.

What would need to be altered or added to the application for consideration in being granted a two bedroom unit based on equipment needs?
What you need to do is select the place(s) you would like to live at on the housing selection sheet(s) that have two bedrooms and are wheelchair accessible units. You will need a letter to accompanied the application from a professional/doctor/organization for proof of why you need the 2 bedroom unit and details about your condition.

Do you have to be living in the City of London to apply for housing?
No, you can apply for housing in the City of London and live outside the area.

Does the Housing Access Centre provide emergency housing?
No, The housing Access Centre does not provide emergency housing. Emergency Shelters provide emergency housing. A list of shelters are available by clicking on the link.

If I am living in a unit that is larger than I am eligible for, what will happen?
You can only apply for a unit you are eligible for. The Housing Access Centre Staff can assist you further on this.

What is the limit of income acceptable for applying for housing assistance?
The yearly maximum household limit to qualify for Rent-Geared-to-Income Assistance differs for every unit size. For example:

The maximum household income limit to qualify for Rent-Geared-to-Income Assistance in the City of London is: Bachelor-$20,500.00, 1-Bedroom-$26,500.00, 2-Bedroom -$32,000.00, 3-Bedroom-$39,000.00, and 4-Bedroom+-$47,500.00.

The maximum household income limit to qualify for Rent-Geared-to-Income Assistance in the County of Middlesex is: Bachelor-$19.000.00, 1-Bedroom-$24,500.00, 2-Bedroom-$29,500.00, 3-Bedroom-$34,500.00, 4-Bedroom-$44,500.00.

If I am over the maximum income level to apply for housing, can I still apply for social housing?
If you were over the income limit you cannot apply for housing, you should have to apply directly to the Housing Provider for a Market Rent unit.

  Disclaimer | Home | E-mail