Understanding Housing in Ontario
Confused by the jargon? Here's what the different types of housing actually mean, who they're for, and how to get them — explained simply.
Subsidized housing
Subsidized housing is any housing where a government or non-profit reduces your rent below the normal market rate. It's an umbrella term that includes rent-geared-to-income (RGI) units, portable benefits like COHB, and below-market "affordable" units. The goal is simple: make sure housing costs don't consume too much of a low- or moderate-income household's budget.
Rent-Geared-to-Income (RGI)
RGI is the most common form of deep subsidy. Instead of paying a fixed rent, you pay roughly 30% of your household's gross monthly income toward rent — the government covers the rest. If your income goes down, your rent goes down too.
Example: a household earning $24,000/year (about $2,000/month) would pay roughly $600/month in an RGI unit, regardless of the unit's market value. Estimate your RGI rent →
You access RGI by applying to your local service manager's centralized wait list. Wait times vary widely — from a couple of years to well over ten in high-demand cities.
Social housing vs. affordable housing
| Type | How rent is set | Who provides it |
|---|---|---|
| Social / community housing | Usually RGI (~30% of income) | Municipal housing corporations, non-profits, co-ops |
| Affordable housing | A set rent below average market (often 80% of market) | Non-profits, private developers with government funding |
| Market rental | Full market rate | Private landlords |
Housing co-operatives (co-ops)
A housing co-op is a community owned and run by the people who live in it — its members. There's no outside landlord. Many co-ops mix full "housing charge" (market-style) units with subsidized units for lower-income members. You apply directly to each co-op, become a member, and take part in running the community.
Find co-ops near you through CHF Canada's directory or our providers page.
Supportive housing
Supportive housing combines an affordable home with on-site or visiting support services — for example help with mental health, addictions, developmental disabilities, seniors' care, or recovery from homelessness. It's designed for people who need more than just a roof to stay housed and well. Referrals often come through health or community agencies rather than the standard wait list.
Market rental
Market rental is regular private-market housing at full price, set by the landlord and supply and demand. It has no income test and no wait list, so it's the fastest option — but the most expensive. Benefits like COHB exist specifically to help low-income households afford market rentals while they wait for deeper subsidies.
General eligibility & wait times
- Age: usually at least 16 years old.
- Status: legally allowed to live in Canada (citizen, permanent resident, or refugee claimant).
- Income & assets: within limits set by your service manager.
- No arrears: you generally can't owe money to a past social housing provider.
- Wait times: vary by area, unit size and priority status. Ask your service manager for current estimates.
Ready to start? Find your local registry and apply →