Housing Programs & Tips
Community Housing
Community housing is also called subsidized or rent-geared-to-income (RGI) housing. The cost of rent is lower because it is matched to your income, not to the size or type of housing.
Example: A 3-person family with a monthly income of $1,500 would pay about $450 (30% of $1,500) to rent a 2-bedroom apartment that has a market value of $900.
You qualify for a subsidy based on your income. If you cannot find a place to live for 30% or less of the income of everyone living in your home, you may want to apply for community housing.
The Coordinated Housing Access Centre (CHAC) keeps a waiting list for most of the Community Housing in the Region. Get an application form on the CHAC website or pick one up at a 
community housing access sites.
There are not enough units for all the people who need Community Housing. If you apply, your application is checked. If you qualify, your name goes on a waiting list. CHAC will call you when they have a unit for you. Look at the Coordinated Housing Access Centre (CHAC) website for more information.
Housing Incentives & Funding Resource Guide
The Region of Waterloo offers a Housing Incentives and Funding Resource Guide. The guide includes programs offered by the Region and other community partners like the Government of Canada, Province of Ontario, area municipalities, non-profit agencies and private organizations.
On the Region of Waterloo government website you will also find many local housing programs and initiatives that offer financial help for renters with a lower income.
Rent Bank and Eviction Prevention
Lutherwood Housing Action Centre offers the Rent Bank and Eviction Prevention program. The program provides information on:
- Landlord and tenant relations
- The eviction process
- Tenant rights and responsibilities.
Interest-free loans may be given to people who may be evicted (removed) from their housing or people who cannot find good housing that they can afford.
Waterloo Region Energy Assistance Program
The Waterloo Region Energy Assistance Program provides assistance paying utility bills to people who have low incomes and who cannot pay their rent and utilities.
Energy Efficiency Programs
You can save money on heating or other utilities and make your home more comfortable by making it more energy efficient. The Residential Energy Efficiency Program has more information.
You may also be interested in information about Renting a Home or Buying a Home.
For more information…