Click here to apply for housing

Social Housing provides affordable rental housing for people whose income prevents them from finding adequate housing in the private rental market. Many people who live in social housing pay a rent that is based on their income. Rent-geared-to-income (RGI) is typically about 30% of a household's total gross income (gross means before income taxes, etc., are deducted).

Social Housing Locations

Click here to view a detailed listing of housing available in the Region.

Who Can Apply for Social Housing?

• Everyone who lives with you must be a legal resident of Canada or a refugee claimant
• At least one person in your household must be 16 years of age or older
• No one in your household can owe money to a social housing provider (unless you are currently repaying the money)
• No one in your household can be under a deportation, departure or exclusion order
• You must be able to live independently with or without support services. You must arrange for any support services that you need.

Is There a Waiting List for Social Housing?

• Yes, there is a waiting list and sometimes it can be long. When you apply for housing, your name is added to the waiting list based on your application date. The sooner you apply, the better. If you need housing, fill out an application form (PDF) as soon as possible.
• There is a Special Priority policy for victims of domestic violence who need emergency access to affordable housing to leave an abusive relationship
• Because of the long waiting list for social housing, York Region is working hard to increase the supply of affordable housing.

Types of Social Housing

Co-operative Housing These communities offer both rent-geared-to-income and market rent housing. Living in a co-operative means that you are a member of the corporation that owns and manages the housing community. If you are interested in living in a co-operative, you must attend an information session. Most co-operatives also require you to attend an interview with their membership committee before offering you housing. Co-operative members are expected to participate in the operation of their community though committee work or other activities. Non-Profit Housing A mix of rent-geared-to-income housing and market rent housing. These housing communities are owned and operated by community-based organizations. Some non-profit housing communities are just for seniors, other housing communities are for families and singles. Housing York Inc. (HYI) York Region's housing company owns and operates rent-geared-to-income and market rent housing units across York Region. Rent Supplement (Landlords) York Region has rent supplement agreements with a number of private landlords. Rent supplement tenants pay rent geared-to-income (RGI) in regular rental apartments. The Region pays the landlord the difference between the tenant's RGI rent and the market rent for the unit.

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