Toronto Rent Bank

The Toronto Rent Bank, a partnership between the City of Toronto and Neighbourhood Information Post, provides grants to eligible Toronto residents who are behind on their rent or need help with a rental deposit. By providing these grants, the Toronto Rent Bank ensures that people at risk have the support they need to stay in their homes and prevent homelessness.

To be more responsive to the needs of low-income individuals and families during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Toronto Rent Bank has modified its annual household income eligibility criteria, increasing it by $15,000. Residents may be eligible for a rental arrears grant or rental deposit assistance if they:

• live in Toronto
• pay market rent for a rental unit covered by the Residential Tenancies Act
• fall within the low-income household eligibility requirement
• are not currently in receipt of social assistance such as Ontario Works (OW) or Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP)*
• can satisfy other Toronto Rent Bank Program requirements, as required

*Residents in receipt of social assistance should contact their Ontario Works (OW) or Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP) office as they may qualify for the Housing Stabilization Fund.

Adapting the Toronto Rent Bank to the COVID-19 Pandemic

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Toronto Rent Bank has made program changes to be more responsive to the needs of low-income households. These changes include:

• increasing the household income eligibility criteria
• freezing all Rent Bank loan repayments

Grant Amounts

Toronto Rent Bank grants for rental arrears are up to $4,000 or three months rent or whichever is the lower amount.

For rental deposits, grants are based on unit size as follows:

• $1,500, bachelor unit
• $1,700, 1-bedroom
• $1,900, 2-bedroom unit
• $2,100, 3-bedroom or larger