To qualify for Rent-Geared-to-Income (RGI) housing in Toronto, your household must meet all the basic eligibility rules. Some households may also qualify for a Priority Status.
You can apply for RGI housing if all the following are true for your household:
At least one person is 16 years old or older.
At least one person can live independently, with or without support services. This means you can take care of most daily activities on your own or with help from support programs.
Your household income is below the Household Income Limits for your household size. These limits help make sure RGI housing goes to households who need financial help.
Your household assets are below the allowed Asset Limits of $150,000. Assets can include money in the bank, investments and property. If household members jointly own property, you must declare their portion of the asset.
Everyone in your household must have valid status in Canada, such as:
Anyone 16 years or older in the household must:
You must submit a Notice of Assessment for every household member over the age of 16 for the most recent tax year. If applicable, you may request a Notice of Assessment waiver. Full-time students are exempted with proof of enrollment.
To be eligible for an RGI subsidy in Toronto, your income may not exceed the local Household Income Limits established annually by the Province of Ontario.
The total income and number of individuals in the household will determine the size of the unit a household is eligible for.
| Unit Size | Household Income Limits | Household Size |
|---|---|---|
| Studio | $60,000 | 1 to 2 people (one individual or one couple) |
| 1 bedroom | $70,000 | 1 to 2 people (one individual or one couple) |
| 2 bedroom | $79,000 | 2 to 4 people |
| 3 bedroom | $84,000 | 3 to 6 people |
| 4 to 5 bedroom | $83,000 | 8 to 10 people |
If the total value of your household’s allowed assets is more than $150,000, your household is not eligible for RGI assistance, according to the Province of Ontario’s Housing Services Act.
You must declare all assets unless they are exempt, including:
Land, house, condo, cottage, or rental and commercial properties.
Stocks, bonds, GICs, mutual funds, index funds, including foreign investments.
More than one vehicle per household member of driving age (cars, trucks, boats, motorcycles).
Cash on hand and money in bank accounts.
Total value for all life insurance policies of over $100,000 in the household if cashed-in.
Value over $20,000 for a household member or their business
Note: If an asset is not listed as exempt, it must be declared.
The following assets are excluded from the total value of a household’s assets and are not required to be declared. If your household has any of these assets, they will not be counted towards Asset Limit for the 24-month renewal for RGI eligibility.
For Special Priority Program households needing RGI assistance, the rule to sell property within six months may be waived if it puts the applicant at risk. The RGI administrator decides on any deferral.