Private Landlords Provide Affordable Housing with NRH

“Geared to income” housing has been implemented in many different formats throughout areas across Ontario for many years now. 2001 Census reports show that 600,000 households (14% of all Ontario Households) have trouble accessing affordable housing and 125,000 were on the waiting list for subsidized housing.

The program generally operates by providing rental housing to tenants at a rate of 30% of their income. A family of 4 earning 1700/mo. would pay 510/mo. for their 3 bedroom apartment. A market rent for a comparable unit might be 875/mo. which is over 50% of the family income. There is an application process for subsidized housing as well a review for existing residents. Changes in income or the needs of the family require the adjustment of rent or accommodation at times.

 

Low-income housing can be provided by government sponsored programs or it can be delivered by private landlords. If a private rental property owner wishes to offer geared-to-income housing, they can apply to the local government organization for approval. The rental property & units are inspected and evaluated to ensure that the quality of the accommodations is suitable and appropriate. Landlords are required to deliver the same service to subsidized units as they would to regular rentals. They must maintain the property by keeping the building and grounds in good repair. The landlord receives the rent paid by the tenant as well as the difference between the reduced rate & market rate from the subsidized program. Private rentals are reviewed regularly to ensure that the rent charged is consistent with the market rent in the area.

 

Niagara Regional Housing is the organization that delivers the services and operates the Rent-Supplement program in communities from Grimsby to Fort Erie. On average, the program manages about 700 rent-supplement units in the region at any given time.