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Apply for Rent-Geared-to-Income Housing
Rent-Geared-to-Income or social housing is a unit for which the tenants pay no more than 30% of their
household income in rent. Household income must be below Household Income Limits set by the province.
How Long Will I Have to Wait? What if I Don't Agree With a Decision? Frequently Asked Questions
To Apply for Rent-Geared-to-Income (RGI) housing complete the following Five Steps:
Step One - Read Applicant Information and Choose Building(s) | ||||
Please review the Building List to decide which building is the best for you (Rent-Geared-to-Income and CWHS Affordable). |
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Step Two - Complete Application | ||||
An RGI application can be completed online or by printing a paper copy. You only need to submit your application in one format. To complete an online application, you will need the following Internet browser: Firefox, Chrome, Edge. Please note that Internet Explorer is a compatible browser. If you need help completing an application please contact Housing Services: 519.837.5492 x4060.
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Step Three - Select Priority Status, if applicable | ||||
You may qualify for Special Priority Status or Local Priority. Look at the descriptions below. If any of the circumstances seem to apply to you please contact our office.
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Step Four - Gather Documents | ||||
Whether you are submitting a paper or an online application, you are required to include documentation to confirm your eligibility. Please ensure that you have included all of the appropriate identification and supplementary forms with your application. Provide the following for all household members:
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Step Five - Submit Completed Application | ||||
Online Application
Paper Application Completed applications can be mailed or dropped off at: 138 Wyndham St. North For Assistance Appointments can be made with staff to meet at the Fergus and Mount Forest location. Regular Business Hours:
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Who is Eligible for RGI? |
To be eligible for affordable housing you must meet the following criteria:
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How are Vacancies Filled? |
The system for selecting households is based primarily on date of application. Special priority may be given to your application if a member of the household is being or has been abused; or if a household member is being or has been trafficked. There is also a local priority granted to households meeting the description of Local Priority. |
What is the Wait Time for Housing? |
The waiting time will vary depending on the housing location you choose and the number of bedrooms you need. The average wait time is 5 years and some have waited longer than 8 years to be housed. |
How do I keep my information up to date? |
You must notify the County of Wellington Housing Services - Applicant Services:
As an applicant for RGI assistance, you are required to keep your file updated in order to be on the centralized waiting list and maintain your eligibility status. It is your responsibility to notify the County of Wellington Housing Services of any changes in the information or documents you previously submitted. The minimum reporting time is thirty (30) days. Manage Your Account - Online If you have an existing application you can manage your information by registering your account. With this account you can view and modify your current application, building selections and make changes to your household information. To register for an online account, you will need the following information: If you you not have the information listed above please contact cwlclerk@wellington.ca or 519.837.5492 x4060 and request an Online Registration Letter. |
What happens once I submit my application? |
Applicants for RGI assistance will be contacted within 30 days of receipt of their application for housing if applications are complete and meet eligibility requirements. You will be notified within seven (7) business days if your application is incomplete. |
How will I be contacted with an offer? |
You may be contacted either by telephone, in writing or via email. Please make sure that the County of Wellington Housing Services has up to date contact information, so you (or an alternate) can be contacted when a unit becomes available. With written consent, communication may take the form of electronic data exchanges (email). |
What should I do while I wait for an offer of housing? |
It is important that you keep your application up to date. You must notify the County of Wellington Housing Services about any changes to any of the information you have given us in application form. You must do this within thirty (30) days of the change occurring, for example:
If you do not do this, your application may be cancelled and you will have to re-apply. |
How much rent can I expect to pay? |
A geared-to-income rent or housing charge is based on 30% of your gross monthly household income from all sources (before taxes and deductions). If your only source of income is Ontario Works or Ontario Disability Support Program, the charge is based on a social assistance housing charge scale. Additional charges may apply depending on the location. When your housing charge is calculated, all assets of the household are also taken into consideration. In addition, services and utilities vary by property. The County of Wellington Housing Services can advise you of the situation at each location and will clarify rent calculation upon offer. Affordable Rent is based on 80% of average market rent in the region. Additional charges for utilities and parking my vary by building. Affordable rents must be within set income limits. |
What size unit am I entitled to? |
You can indicate the size of unit (number of bedrooms) you want to live in. Your choice must fall within a range of unit sizes determined by your household size. Generally the rules are:
You can choose more than one unit size if it fits your household size. For example a couple with three children may choose a three or four bedroom unit. |
What if I do not agree with a decision about my application? |
If you disagree with a decision about your application, we do recommend that you try to work with the person who made the decision. If you are unable to, you can request a review by completing and sending us the Request for Review of Decision form that was mailed to you with your decision letter. If you do not have this form, please call the Review of Decision Coordinator at 519.837.5492 x4361 or email reviewcoord@wellington.ca. Please note that only certain types of decisions are reviewable. The following decisions made by the centralized waiting list or a housing provider are reviewable by the Review of Decisions system:
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