Housing Access processes applications for housing and maintains the centralized wait list for subsidized housing for social housing providers in Niagara.
After your application is received, we will write to you within seven business days to let you know if it is complete or not.
For questions about housing applications, call 905-980-6000 and choose the extension that matches the first letter of your last name.
When there is a unit available, the first applicant at the top of the waiting list is contacted. If the first applicant on the list refuses, or cannot be contacted, the next applicant on the list will be offered the unit.
You're allowed one housing offer. If you refuse the offer, your name will be taken off the waiting list. Once your name is off the waiting list, you will have to reapply and start over. This means you will go to the bottom of the list.
You must provide a daytime phone number so we can contact you as soon as a unit is available. If we can't reach you, your application will be cancelled. If you can't be reached during the day, give the phone number of a contact person so they can pass the message to you.
Housing Access communicates eligibility decisions to applicants through a letter of decision. If you disagree with a decision made by Housing Access, we recommend that you try to work with the person who made the decision. If you're unable to, you can request an appeal. You can do this by sending us a letter explaining the reason for the appeal. You must send us your appeal letter within 10 days of receiving our decision letter. You can send your letter to Housing Services, Housing Access, 1815 Sir Isaac Brock Way, Thorold. Only certain types of decisions are reviewable.
If you own a home that can be used all year, you can apply for housing. However, you must sell it within six months of being housed.
If you don't pursue income, you may lose your rent-geared-to-income assistance.
Asset limits for Niagara are set at $50,000 for a single-person household and $75,000 for households with two or more members.
It's very important that you keep your application information up to date. If you change your address or phone number you must let us know within 30 days because we may try to call or write to you. You must respond to any phone calls, letters or forms we send you. Every two years, you will get an eligibility review form. This form helps to make sure that you're still eligible for housing. Fill it in and send it back to us right away.
Market units are full rent with no subsidy. Many housing providers in Niagara have both rent-geared-to-income and market (full rent) rent units in their communities. To apply for a market rent unit, complete the application for housing. We'll determine if you qualify for a market rent unit after we review your income. You will then be placed on the waiting list(s) of the communities you selected for a market rent unit only.
You must be at least 55 years old for seniors housing. At least one member listed on your application must have reached the age of 55 to be placed on the seniors community waiting list.