Subsidized Housing in Ottawa
Information verified October 2026 against the Ontario Resource Directory.
Subsidized housing in Ottawa means a home you can actually afford: rent set to your income, in a non-profit or co-operative building, arranged through one central list — the Social Housing Registry of Ottawa. This page explains what it is, who qualifies, how to apply, and what to do while you wait.
What subsidized housing means
Most subsidized housing in Ottawa is rent-geared-to-income (RGI): your rent is set at about 30% of your household’s gross income, instead of the market rent. The homes are owned by 60+ non-profit and co-operative housing providers across the city, and the Registry manages one shared waitlist for all of them — so one application covers every provider.
Who can apply
To apply for subsidized housing in Ottawa you must be 16 or older, a Canadian citizen, permanent resident or refugee claimant, and have a household income within the Registry’s limits. Each household member needs ID.
| Household size | Maximum household income |
|---|---|
| 1 bedroom | $62,000 |
| 2 bedrooms | $74,000 |
| 3 bedrooms | $80,000 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $94,500 |
If your income is above these limits you do not qualify for RGI — but the rent supplements below may still help.
How to apply
- Get the application — from the Social Housing Registry of Ottawa (online, by mail, or in person).
- Prove eligibility — ID for each household member, plus proof of income and status in Canada.
- Choose your preferences — building types and areas. The more flexible you are, the faster an offer can come.
- Keep it current — update the Registry every year and whenever your address, income or household changes. Miss an update and your application can be cancelled.
How long you will wait
Most applicants wait 5 years or more. The wait depends on your priority category, the unit size you need, and how flexible your building and area choices are. Smaller units and less-requested areas move faster; large family units in high-demand areas take longest. Some applicants are housed ahead of the chronological list: Special Priority (people fleeing domestic violence or human trafficking, often housed within months), people experiencing chronic homelessness, medical priority, and current RGI tenants whose unit no longer fits. Ask the Registry whether any priority category applies to you — many people qualify without realizing it.
The one-offer rule
When your name reaches the top and a unit matching your choices becomes available, you get one offer. If you turn it down without an approved reason, you go to the bottom of the waitlist and start over. Think carefully before refusing — and talk to the Registry about what counts as an approved reason.
Help while you wait
- Canada-Ontario Housing Benefit (COHB) — a portable monthly rent subsidy for eligible low-income Ontario households that pays part of a private-market rent while you wait.
- City housing allowances — the City of Ottawa’s own rent supplements for households on the waitlist.
- Below-market rentals — some non-profits offer below-market rents with shorter lists than RGI.
- Keep your file active everywhere — if you move within Ontario, transfer your application rather than reapplying.
For the full waitlist guide, see Ottawa Social Housing Waitlist. To explore registries, providers and benefits, use the social housing helper.
Need a place tonight?
Subsidized housing is long-term — it will not help you tonight. If you need a bed right now, call 3-1-1 (24/7 shelter intake) or see Emergency Housing & Shelters in Ottawa. For homeless shelters specifically, see Homeless Shelters in Ottawa.
Frequently asked questions
What does rent-geared-to-income mean?
Your rent is set at about 30% of your household’s gross income, instead of the market rent. The home is owned by a non-profit or co-operative housing provider, and the Social Housing Registry of Ottawa manages the shared waitlist.
What income limits apply to subsidized housing in Ottawa?
The Registry’s household income limits are $62,000 for a 1-bedroom, $74,000 for 2 bedrooms, $80,000 for 3 bedrooms, and $94,500 for 4 or more bedrooms. If your income is above these limits you do not qualify for RGI, but rent supplements may still help.
Can I apply if I am not a Canadian citizen?
Yes, if you are a permanent resident or a refugee claimant. You must be 16 or older, and each household member needs ID plus proof of income and status in Canada.
What is the Canada-Ontario Housing Benefit (COHB)?
COHB is a portable monthly rent subsidy for eligible low-income Ontario households. It pays part of a private-market rent, so it can help while you wait for a subsidized unit — and it moves with you if you move.
I need housing tonight — what do I do?
Subsidized housing takes years, so for tonight call 3-1-1 for emergency shelter placement, or see Emergency Housing & Shelters in Ottawa. Families should call 3-1-1 to be placed together.