When rent takes most of your income, rent geared to income housing in Brantford can make a lasting difference. With rent geared to income, often called RGI, your rent is based on what your household earns rather than on market prices.
At Friendship House in Brantford, we know how heavily housing costs weigh on many of our neighbours. We do not manage housing, but this guide explains how the City of Brantford’s centralized wait list works, how to apply and how to keep your place in line.
Quick answer
How do I apply for rent geared to income housing in Brantford?
Apply to the City of Brantford’s Community Housing Centralized Wait List, which covers most community housing in Brantford and Brant County. Apply online through the City’s applicant portal, by email at housingapplications@brantford.ca, by mail or in person at 58 Dalhousie Street. Rent is based on 30% of your household’s gross monthly income. Answer the yearly update form, or your application is cancelled.
How rent geared to income works
The City of Brantford’s centralized wait list guide (opens in a new tab) says RGI rent is based on 30% of your household’s gross monthly income. If you receive Ontario Works or ODSP, rent is set using a social assistance rent scale instead.
Other charges, such as utilities or parking, may also apply depending on the building.
Who can apply
The City lists these rules for RGI housing:
- You must be at least 16 years old.
- Everyone in the household must be a legal resident of Canada or a refugee claimant.
- No one in the household can owe money to a community housing program.
- No one can be under a deportation, departure or exclusion order.
- You must be able to live independently, with or without support services you arrange.
- If you own a home, you must agree to sell it within six months of being housed.
How to apply
| Way to apply | Details |
|---|---|
| Online | The City’s Community Housing applicant portal |
| housingapplications@brantford.ca | |
| PO Box 818, Brantford, ON N3T 5R7 | |
| In person | 58 Dalhousie Street |
| Help with the online profile | 519-759-4150, ext. 6331 |
Have information about everyone in your household ready, including income and status in Canada. Keep a copy of everything you send.
How long the wait is
Wait times are long, and the City says they depend on the locations you choose, the unit size you need and how many people are applying. At the City’s last review, waits were:
- Seniors 60 and older: 2 to 4 years
- Families with dependents: 3 to 7 years
- Applicants under 60 with no dependents: 8 to 12 years
Choosing more buildings and areas can help. Apply as early as you can, even if you hope your situation improves.
Priority status
Some households can move up the list. The City has two priority categories.
- Special Priority: for people living with someone who threatens their safety or the safety of others in the household. These applicants are ranked highest and need a community professional to verify their situation.
- Homeless Priority: for people experiencing homelessness, verified by a community professional. The City says every tenth offer goes to this list.
If you are in danger, call 9-1-1. Community agencies can help with safety planning and with the priority forms; call 2-1-1 to find services.
Keep your application active
This step is easy to miss and very important. Once a year, the City sends an update form, and you must answer by the date listed or your application is cancelled.
- Report a change of address or phone number within 30 days.
- Tell the office in writing about changes to your household or building choices.
- Open all mail from the City, and keep a copy of your replies.
When you get an offer
The City says you receive only one offer of housing. If you refuse it, your application is cancelled, and you must reapply and go to the bottom of the list.
A deferral may be possible only at the time of an offer, for up to 12 months, and only once per application. Think carefully about the buildings you choose, so any offer is one you can accept.
Tips for a stronger application
- Choose as many buildings and areas as you could live in; the City says wait times depend on the locations you choose.
- Make sure your household size is correct, because it affects the unit size you qualify for.
- Keep copies of every form, letter and email.
- Put the yearly update date on your calendar.
- Ask a community worker to help if forms are hard for you.
Other housing help in the meantime
The centralized wait list is not the only kind of help. Ask the City’s housing office about other programs while you wait, and call 2-1-1 or visit 211 Ontario (opens in a new tab) to find local housing services.
If you are behind on rent or worried about losing your home, act early. Talking to your landlord and getting advice quickly gives you more options.
Living well in the meantime
A long wait does not have to mean going without support. Food banks, community meals and benefit programs can free up money for rent while your application moves up the list.
Help while you wait
Waiting years for housing is hard. Benefits can ease the pressure; our guides on the Ontario Trillium Benefit (opens in a new tab) and how to budget on a low income (opens in a new tab) may help. If you face eviction, see free legal help in Ontario (opens in a new tab).
Friendship House at 452 Grey Street serves free breakfast from 8 a.m. and a hot meal Monday to Thursday, 10 to 11 a.m., runs the Food Bank on Wednesdays (opens in a new tab) and offers household items at the Clothing Closet (opens in a new tab), Tuesday to Thursday, 10 to 11:30 a.m.
Frequently asked questions
How is rent geared to income calculated in Brantford?
RGI rent is based on 30% of your household’s gross monthly income. Households on Ontario Works or ODSP pay rent based on a social assistance rent scale.
How do I apply for RGI housing in Brantford?
Apply to the City of Brantford’s Community Housing Centralized Wait List online, by email at housingapplications@brantford.ca, by mail to PO Box 818, Brantford, ON N3T 5R7, or in person at 58 Dalhousie Street.
How long is the wait for subsidized housing in Brantford?
At the City’s last review, waits were 2 to 4 years for seniors 60 and older, 3 to 7 years for families with dependents and 8 to 12 years for others.
What happens if I refuse a housing offer?
You get only one offer. If you refuse it, your application is cancelled and you must reapply at the bottom of the list.
How do I keep my housing application active?
Answer the yearly update form by the date listed, and report changes of address or phone number within 30 days.
A safe, affordable home is the foundation for everything else. Get your application in, keep it up to date, and lean on our free services at Friendship House (opens in a new tab) while you wait.
