Affordable Housing

Through the Rental Housing Program we help households with low income that cannot obtain suitable and affordable rental housing on the private market.

You may be able to access low-income rental housing if:

• your total household income falls within certain income levels;
• your present housing is adequate but you pay more than 30 percent of your total household income towards rent and heat;
• your present housing is unsuitable, you pay less than 30 percent of your total household income – for rent; however, suitable housing in your area would cost 30 per cent or more of your total household income.

Where Do You Go To Find Low-Income Rental Housing?

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Rental housing is provided directly by Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation (NLHC). Province-wide, the corporation rents housing to low income earners including families, seniors, single people, individuals with disabilities and others in need of housing.

NLHC also works with groups that agree to provide housing for households with low income. The NLHC office nearest you can provide you with a list of groups in your area that offer non-profit housing.

Rents paid by tenants in non-profit housing are based on their income. For tenants whose rent is not paid through Income Support, rent will be based on 25 per cent of the total net monthly income. Federal and provincial subsidies make up the difference.

* Note: program is cost-shared between provincial and federal governments.

Rental Housing Program

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NLHC owns and administers approximately 5,560 social housing units throughout various regions of the province, with the greatest concentration of units located in St. John’s (3,192) and Corner Brook (802). Low-income earners are the beneficiaries of the program with rental rates based on 25 per cent of net monthly income. Approximately 55 per cent of tenants pay their own rent and are working or are on fixed income. There are an estimated 14,000 individuals housed in NLHC units under this program.

The City of St. John’s Non-Profit Housing Division

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The City of St. John’s Non-Profit Housing Division is responsible for the management of 476 residential rental units throughout the city. These houses and apartments vary in size from one to four-bedroom units and are available for rent to low income earners based on their family net income. Net income is defined as gross income minus mandatory income tax deduction, EI and CPP deductions.

The type of housing provided by the City ranges from a 65-unit apartment building on Hamilton Avenue to infill in the downtown core. While most of the housing provided by the City is in the Downtown area, they do provide housing as far east as Forest Road and as far west as Brookfield Road.

Homeowner Support

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Home Energy Savings Program (HESP)

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HESP is designed to assist households with low income in making energy efficient retrofits to their homes. The program assists clients with retrofits that will make their homes more affordable and reduce greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to climate change.

Home Modification Program (HMP)

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HMP is designed to provide funding to low-to-moderate income homeowners ($46,500 or less), who require accessibility changes to their residences, to enable them to remain in their own homes for a longer period. HMP assists persons with disabilities and is not limited to those 65 years of age and over.

Provincial Home Repair Program (PHRP)

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PHRP is a federal/provincial cost-shared initiative which is administered/delivered by NLHC. Low-income households are assisted under this program with modest assistance levels to improve privately owned households. The average homeowner recipient is 68 years old, has an annual income of $21,275 and occupies a 49-year old house.

Related Resources

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Related Topics in this Guide

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• Money and Finances: Financial Assistance