Application Process
All applications for Rent-Geared-to-Income (RGI) assistance in the United Counties of Leeds & Grenville have been combined into one waiting list. This list is managed by the Community Housing Registry. This "One Stop Shopping" service allows applicants to apply to more than one housing provider by completing the application form.

Are You Eligible?
To be eligible for RGI assistance you must meet the following criteria:

• Able to live independently over the age of 16 (at least one member of household);
• Legal resident status in Canada of each member of household (citizen, permanent resident, or refugee status);
• No deportation order, departure or exclusion order under the Immigration Act;
• No member of the household owes arrears as a result of either rent or damage of any social housing property in Ontario;
• No member has been convicted for misrepresentation of income in relation to RGI assistance under the Criminal Code, by a Court of Law or Ontario Rental Housing Tribunal;
• If you own property, you are required to sell it within 180 days after receiving RGI assistance.

The Community Housing Registry will

Determine eligibility

If eligible, the application is acknowledged within 30 days of receipt or 14 days if special priority is requested. Applicant is placed on all appropriate wait lists as requested.

If deemed ineligible, the applicant will be notified within 7 days.

Waiting List
There is a modified chronological wait list; new applicants are placed on the wait list according to the date the application is received in the Community Housing offices. Special Priority Status applicants are place at the top of the chronological wait list according to the date Special Priority Status is granted.

Appeal Process
There is an appeal process for applications that have been denied based on ineligibility, as set out in the regulations of the Social Housing Reform Act 2000. The Act, Regulations and local policies are available to the public at the Community Housing Registry office at 51 King Street West, Brockville, Ontario.

What is Special Priority Status?
Special Priority status can be requested by an applicant whose personal safety is at risk because of abuse by a person with whom they live in a familial relationship. If the applicant has already separated from the abuser, they must apply for special priority status within three months of the date of separation and must intend to live apart from the abuser.

You can obtain a Request for Special Priority form from the Community Housing Registry or from the housing providers.

Where Do I Apply?
Applications may be picked up at the Brockville and Prescott offices of the Community Housing Department, all Social Housing providers, Ontario Early Years Centres and Ontario Works offices. An application may also be faxed, mailed or printed from the website upon request.

Completed applications will only be accepted at the Community Housing Registry office in Brockville and Prescott as well as all Social Housing providers.

My Obligations As An Applicant
As an applicant, you are required to keep your file updated in order to be on the wait list and maintain your eligibility status. It is your responsibility to notify the Community Housing Registry of changes.

• To your address and/or telephone number changes.
• Changes in circumstances (i.e.) household size, income, no longer wish to remain on the wait list.

How Will I Be Contacted For An Offer?
You will be contacted by telephone and/or mail so it is very important that you make sure that we always have a current phone number to reach you.

How Much will My Rent Be?
Rent is calculated at 30% of the household's combined gross monthly income. Depending on circumstances, there may be additional costs such as utilities and parking. A utility allowance may be applied to your rent. A deposit for last month's rent is not required.

What If I Want A Transfer?
To qualify for a transfer you must be a tenant for one year, not have rent arrears for six months, and no history of damage to the unit or disturbing neighbours. You must apply to the Community Housing Registry and your application would be placed at the end of the wait list, unless priority or urgent status has been granted.

What Are The Occupancy Standards?
This determines what size of a unit you are eligible for. For instance 1 bedroom for any 2 members of the household who are spouses or same sex partners and 1 bedroom for each additional member. Children of the same sex with an age difference less than 5 years would share a bedroom.