KAWARTHA LAKES-Residents who earn a moderate income and still find it hard to afford rent may be eligible to join the Kawartha Lakes – Haliburton County Affordable Housing Waiting List.
Applications are now open for eligible households looking for affordable rental housing in Kawartha Lakes and Haliburton County. The City of Kawartha Lakes is the local Service Manager for housing and homelessness, coordinating services across Kawartha Lakes and Haliburton County.
Affordable housing is different from rent-geared-to-income community housing. The program is intended for households within a specific income range and offers rental units at rates below the average market rent.
Currently, households with a total annual income between $44,500 and $66,500 may be eligible to apply.
Communities currently accepting applications for affordable housing are:
- The Foundry, located at 77 William Street North in Lindsay
- Gull River Housing, located at 12837 Highway 35 in Minden
Information on these new builds can be found on the Affordable Housing page on the Kawartha Lakes website.
The difference between affordable and current market rents can be significant.
Current rental market data for Kawartha Lakes and Haliburton County shows an average rent of approximately:
- $1,659 per month for a one-bedroom
- $2,066 per month for a two-bedroom
By comparison, rents through the affordable housing program are currently:
- $1,311 per month for a one-bedroom (about $348 less per month)
- $1,561 per month for a two-bedroom (about $505 less per month)
Rental rates are subject to change and are not guaranteed.
“Affordable housing is often associated with households with the lowest incomes, and that remains an important part of our work. This initiative creates an opportunity to also support households with moderate incomes who may be working full-time but still find market rents out of reach,” said Michelle Corley, Human Services Manager, Housing, at Kawartha Lakes.
“For someone working in a local restaurant, retail store, skilled trade, health-care support role or other community service, a new, quality apartment at an affordable rent can make a meaningful difference,” continued Corley. “It can allow them to live closer to work, build financial stability and remain part of the community they call home. We encourage anyone who meets the eligibility criteria to explore this new opportunity and apply.”
In addition to meeting the household income requirement, applicants must meet eligibility criteria that include:
- Being a Canadian citizen, permanent resident or refugee claimant
- Having at least one household member who is 16 or older
- Not owning residential property
- Being able to live independently or having appropriate support services in place
- Having no outstanding rent or damage arrears with a housing provider, unless satisfactory repayment arrangements have been made
Housing providers select tenants and may conduct credit checks, landlord reference checks and interviews.
Residents who think they may qualify are encouraged to apply, even if they have not considered affordable housing before.
Completed applications include:
- The Affordable Housing Waiting List application
- The most recent Canada Revenue Agency Notice of Assessment for household members aged 18 and older, and
- Proof of Canadian citizenship or immigration status
Visit kawarthalakes.ca/AffordableHousing to apply online and learn more about eligibility.
Source CKL
