Centralized Waiting List
Purpose
Housing Services is responsible for maintaining the Centralized Waiting List for over 180 properties.
Description
By completing one application form, applicants have access to apply for several affordable housing options:
- Cooperative housing communities
- Non-Profit housing communities
- Housing units managed & operated by NRH
- Rent Supplement Program (units within the private sector)
- Housing Allowance Program
In order to assist applicants to make appropriate housing selections, according to the needs of their household, Housing Services maintains a directory of affordable housing options, including:
- Locations within each municipality
- Size of units available
- Building mandate (family, senior or integrated)
- Amenities & services located in surrounding community
- Accessibility modifications to support those households with special needs
Criteria for Eligibile Applicants
- Household members must be Canadian citizens, permanent residents of Canada or refugee claimants
- No member of the household can be under an enforceable removal order under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (Canada) to leave Canada
- Applicants must be prepared to declare all household income to determine eligibility
- One member of the household must be 16 years of age or older
- There cannot be any money owing to any other affordable housing provider
- The applicant must be able to live independently, with or without support services
- No one in the household has been convicted of an offence in relation to rent-geared-to-income assistance
- Homeowners must agree to sell their home within 180 days after receiving rent-geared-to-income assistance
In order to ensure that applicants with existing arrears pay the outstanding balance, Housing Services manages a local arrears database and participates in a province-wide former tenant arrears database.
Most Frequently Asked Questions
How long will aplicants have to wait for housing?
It is impossible to predict how long applicants will have to wait before housing becomes available. The length of time before a unit becomes available varies greatly depending on the locations chosen, the unit size required, and the number of applicants on the waiting list.
How are people chosen for housing?
The system for selecting households is based primarily on date of application. Special Priority Policy (victims of violence fleeing abuse), Urgent Status, or Homeless Status may be given to applicants for these categories. Supporting documentation is always required.
What happens after an affordable housing application is processed?
Once the application is complete, eligibility is assessed. Applicants will be notified in writing, within seven business days, advising of eligibility. If the application has been deemed eligible, the applicant will be placed on the waiting list(s) selected. If the application has been deemed ineligible, the applicant will be notified and the application will not be placed on the waiting list.
What should applicants do if information changes?
If there is a change in any of the information that has been provided, applicants are required to notify Housing Services within 30 days of the change occurring. Keeping application information current helps to ensure placement once a suitable unit becomes available.