Rent-Geared-To-Income Applicants' FAQs
What is the Social Housing Registry?
How was the name The Social Housing Registry of Kingston and Frontenac determined?
Where is The Registry located?
Are there any other locations where I can submit my application?
Am I eligible for RGI assistance?
What are my obligations as an applicant for RGI assistance?
Are there any special circumstances that would enable me to obtain housing sooner?
How do I get assigned Special Priority?
When will I hear from the Registry?
Does the Social Housing Registry provide access to emergency housing?
Are appliances and parking included in my rent?
Are interpretation services available at all Access Points?
Q: What is the Social Housing Registry?
A: All applications for Rent-Geared-to-Income (RGI) assistance in Kingston & Frontenac have been combined into one waiting list. This list is managed by the Social Housing Registry. This One Stop Shopping service allows applicants to apply to more than one housing provider by completing only one application form for Rent-Geared-to-Income assistance.
Q: How was the name The Social Housing Registry of Kingston and Frontenac determined?
A: This decision was determined after consultation with the broader community, not-for-profit housing providers, Not-For-Profit Housing Advisory Group and municipal counterparts in Eastern Region. Generally, there is a consistency across the Province to use a common name such as Social Housing Registry which will be a link for central waiting list managers and will provide consistency for applicants seeking RGI assistance in any Eastern Ontario or any other provincial municipality .
Q: Where is The Registry located?
A:
Social Housing Registry Program
Community and Family Services Department
City of Kingston Community Development Services Group
362 Montreal Street
Kingston, ON Canada K7K 3H5
Phone: 613-546-2695, extension 4769
E-mail: theregistry@cityofkingston.ca
Open Monday to Friday 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (Closed: 12 noon to 1:00 p.m.)
Q: Are there any other locations where I can submit my application?
A:
-
(Urban Access Point) Housing Help Centre
428A Barrie St., Kingston, ON, K7L 3T9
Phone: (613) 531-3779 Fax: (613) 544-3629
Office Hours Monday to Friday 8:30 to 4:00 pm -
(Rural Access Point) Loughborough Housing Corporation
4377 William St., Sydenham, ON K0H 2T0
Phone: (613) 376-3686 Fax: (613) 376-6918
Office Hours Monday to Friday 9:00 to 4:00 pm -
(Rural Access Point) North Frontenac Housing Corporation 1093 Garrett St., Sharbot Lake, ON K0H 2P0 Phone: (613) 279-3322 Fax: (613) 279-2716 Office Hours Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday 9:00 to 12 noon
Q: Am I eligible for RGI assistance?
A: To be eligible for RGI assistance you must meet the following criteria:
- Able to live independently over the age of 16 (at least one member of household);
- Legal resident status in Canada of each member of household (citizen, permanent resident, or refugee status);
- No deportation order, departure or exclusion order under the Immigration Act;
- No member of household owes arrears as a result of either rent or damage of any social housing property;
- No member has been convicted for misrepresentation of income in relation to RGI assistance under the Criminal Code, by a Court of Law or Ontario Rental Housing Tribunal;
- Household income must be under the established income limit by type of unit depending on your family composition;
- If you own property, you have to sell it within 180 days after receiving RGI assistance.
Q: What are my obligations as an applicant for RGI assistance?
A: You must notify the Social Housing Registry:
- If your address changes
- If your phone number changes
- If any other information or document on your application changes
As an applicant for RGI assistance, you are required to keep your file updated in order to be on the centralized waiting list and maintain your eligibility status. It is your responsibility to notify the Social Housing Registry of any changes in information or documents you previously submitted to the housing provider. The minimum reporting time is ten (10) business days.
Q: Are there any special circumstances that would enable me to obtain housing sooner?
A: There is one category on the waiting list called "Special Priority", which is assigned to victims of abuse.
Q: How do I get assigned Special Priority?
A: You are required to complete a standard Request for Special Priority Household Category with supporting information and documentation for verification purposes. This request may be attached to your housing application form for RGI assistance or submitted separately.
Q: When will I hear from the Registry?
A: Applicants for RGI assistance will be contacted within 30 days of receipt of their application for housing if applications are completed and meet eligibility requirements. You will be notified within seven (7) business days if your application is incomplete.
Q: Does the Social Housing Registry provide access to emergency housing?
A: No, but emergency shelters are operated by the following providers in the Kingston Area: (1) Dawn House Women's Shelter, (2) Kingston Youth Shelter Project, (3) Kingston Interval House, (4) Ryandale Shelter for the Homeless, (5) Salvation Army. For information on these shelters call (613) 531-3779
A: The waiting time will vary depending on the housing project location you choose. For some areas it may be less than one year before you are housed, in other areas it may take over five years.
Q: Are appliances and parking included in my rent?
A: In some housing projects appliances and services are included. In other accommodations tenants must supply appliances and pay for some or all services - it varies by property. The Social Housing Registry can advise you of the situation at each location.
Q: How much will I pay in rent?
A: Generally, tenants and members of non-profit co-operative pay 30% of their gross monthly income as a monthly income as a monthly rent. Depending on where you are housed you may pay part of all of utilities. A utility allowance is applied to your geared-to-income rent.
Q: Are interpretation services available at all Access Points?
A: The Social Housing Registry will co-ordinate interpretation services upon request.
