TORONTO RENT BANK PROGRAM
The Toronto Rent Bank is a program of Neighbourhood Information Post funded by the City of Toronto.
On this webpage, you’ll find information about the program’s local access centres, program eligibility criteria, and frequently asked questions (FAQs). To apply, or for information about the online application process, please go to www.torontorentbank.ca.
The Toronto Rent Bank provides grants to eligible Toronto tenants who are behind on their rent payments or need help with a first/last month’s rent deposit. The program operates as a partnership between the Neighbourhood Information Post (NIP), City of Toronto, and the following partner agencies (local access centres/housing hubs):
Program Criteria
Tenants may be eligible for rental arrears or rental deposit assistance if:
- Behind on rent payment(s) or need help with the first/last month’s rent deposit
- Currently living in or are moving to Toronto
- Paying market rent for a rental unit covered by the Residential Tenancies Act
- Spend no more than 85% of their household income on rent
- Household is within low-income guidelines and is not in receipt of Social Assistance*
- Have a source of income
- Can satisfy other program requirements**
| Number of Household Members | Maximum Monthly Net Household Income |
|---|---|
| 1 | $3,875 |
| 2 | $4,333 |
| 3 | $4,833 |
| 4 | $5,542 |
| 5 | $6,542 |
| 6 | $7,044 |
| 7 | $7,614 |
*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.
**Please note that meeting program criteria listed above does not guarantee a grant approval. Additional documentation may be required.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Toronto Rent Bank provides support to residents of Toronto who are behind on their rent or need help with a rental deposit. Its aim is to ensure that low-income individuals and families can stay in their homes and avoid homelessness.
No, only one application can be submitted per household.
Yes, you can still apply.
Yes, the online application will have Google Translate integration to facilitate completing the online forms in English. In addition, we have Toronto Rent Bank intake workers who can assist you in several languages in addition to English: Arabic, Cantonese, French, Italian, Mandarin, Serbian, Spanish, and Tamil.
No, you do not need to have a lease to apply.
The Toronto Rent Bank covers rental arrears and assistance for first and last month’s rent. If you are behind on your gas or electricity bills, you can apply to the Low-Income Energy Assistance Program (LEAP) or the Emergency Energy Fund (EEF) at 416-924-2543.
The Toronto Rent Bank approval process largely depends on how quickly you respond to our requests for additional information or documents. We require a minimum of 5 business days to process an application; however, this can be significantly longer if your responses to our requests are not timely. In urgent situations, we may be able to process your application faster than 5 business days if you have all the necessary documentation ready.
You can apply once every 12 months.
You need to be listed on the lease as either a leaseholder or an occupant to qualify. However, you can still apply to the Toronto Rent Bank Program, and our intake worker will work with you to find a solution with your landlord.
Our goal is to prevent evictions. If necessary, Toronto Rent Bank workers can mediate between you and your landlord throughout the process. In many cases, landlords are supportive of their tenants seeking Toronto Rent Bank assistance, as it saves them time and effort in eviction proceedings.
Yes, you can reapply.
Please contact your Toronto Rent Bank intake worker for assistance regarding your application.
Yes, there is an asset limit. Personal household assets cannot exceed:
– $10,000 per individual (plus $500 per child)
– $15,000 per couple (plus $500 per child)
We can only assist if you are currently in rental arrears.
Yes, you can apply and the situation will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
Yes, you can contact our Repayment Review Worker at 416-924-2543 ext. 266 to discuss any questions or concerns regarding your repayments.
You can apply to the Toronto Rent Bank Program, and our intake workers will assist you in addressing this issue.
Yes, you can qualify for rental deposit assistance if you are moving into Toronto. However, if you are leaving Toronto and moving to a different municipality, you will not qualify for our rental deposit program.
No, you must wait until you have found a new place to apply for Rental Deposit assistance.
Yes, your personal information will be kept confidential. We require your consent to share your information with any third parties, including your landlord.
Yes, there are several other resources in Toronto that support low-income tenants. Please call 211 or 311 for more information about additional assistance.
The maximum Toronto Rent Bank grant for rental arrears is up to $5,000. Applicants with rental arrears exceeding $5,000 may still apply if they meet other eligibility criteria.
If your rental arrears exceed $5,000, you will need to pay the amount over $5,000 or make an repayment arrangement with your landlord. If you cannot immediately pay the balance of your rental arrears over $5,000, our intake worker will assist you in negotiating a repayment plan with your landlord for the outstanding amount.
The maximum Toronto Rent Bank grant for rental deposits is based on unit size:
– Bachelor: $2,000 per month ($4,000 for both first and last months’ rent)
– 1-bedroom: $2,500 per month ($5,000 for both first and last months’ rent)
– 2-bedroom: $3,000 per month ($6,000 for both first and last months’ rent)
– 3-bedroom: $3,500 per month ($7,000 for both first and last months’ rent)
Toronto Rent Bank cheques are payable to your landlord (the property owner).