Toronto Rent Bank
The Toronto Rent Bank Program is providing a Pilot Grant Program to low-income households facing eviction due to short-term financial difficulties. It is a successful collaboration between Neighbourhood Information Post (NIP) and our partner agencies: Albion Neighbourhood Services, COSTI North York Housing Help, East York Housing Help, The Housing Help Centre, The Neighbourhood Organization, Unison Health and Community Services.
PILOT GRANT PROGRAM
Are you behind in your rent? OR Need your help with your first and last month’s rent? We are here to help you
Eligibility:
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You are living in Toronto
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Your household is within low-income guidelines and is not in receipt of Social Assistance*
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You are paying market rent
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You can satisfy all other program requirements
*Social assistance clients can contact their OW or ADSP office to ask about the Housing Stabilization Fund
Contact info:
Contact Phone Number: 416-397-RENT (7368)
Mon-Fri 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q: I do not have a job but I start next month, do I still qualify?
A: Yes. If you can get documentation showing proof of pending employment.
Q: I have an RRSP account; do I still qualify?
A: Yes, if your RRSP balance is less than $6000.
Q: I do not owe rent but I don’t think I can pay next month’s rent, do I qualify?
A: We can assist only if you are currently in rental arrears. We can start an application with us if you don’t think you can pay upcoming rent, but we will not process your application until you are in rental arrears.
Q: How often can I apply to the Toronto Rent Bank?
A: Currently, applicants can apply once every 12 months.
Q: I lost all my IDs. How can I show my proof of ID?
A: You can apply to the Toronto Rent Bank Program and our intake worker will work with you to find a way to address the situation.
Q: If I am moving to Toronto from out of town, do I qualify for assistance with rent deposit?
A: Yes. However, if you are moving from Toronto to another municipality, you do not qualify for rental deposit program.
Q: What happens if my rental arrears exceed $4,000 or three months of rent?
A: If you are not able to cover the balance of your rental arrears, our intake worker will help negotiate a repayment plan with your landlord for the balance of our arrears.
Q: I am scared to tell my landlord that I need assistance from the Toronto Rent Bank, what should I do?
A: Our goal is to prevent eviction and if necessary, rent bank workers can mediate between you and your landlord throughout the process. In general, landlords are happy to have the Rent Bank intervene as it saves them time and efforts that they may have to put into eviction proceedings. In fact, many landlords encourage their tenants to seek Rent Bank assistance.
Q: I applied months ago but did not qualify, can I apply now?
A: Yes.
Q: I do not have a scanner, email or fax machine. How can I send documents to the Rent Bank?
A: Due to Covid-19 we are suspending in-person intake. Please apply to the Rent Bank Program and our intake worker will work with you to find a way to send over the documents.
Q: Who are the Rent Bank cheques payable to?
A: Rent Bank cheques are payable to your landlord.
Q: How long does the application take to be approved?
A: We require a minimum of 5 business days to process an application. In urgent situations, we may be able to process an application within a shorter time provided the applicant has all the documentation ready.
Q: I had a rent bank loan from the past, can I speed up the repayments?
A: Yes. You can contact with our Repayment Review Worker to follow-up on any questions or concerns about your repayments.
Q: I am not on the lease but I pay the rent, do I qualify?
A: You need to be on the lease as a lease holder or an occupant to qualify. You can still apply to the Toronto Rent Bank Program and our intake worker will work with you to find a way to address the situation with your landlord.
Q: Can I apply if I am bankrupt?
A: Yes.
Q: I get income from OSAP or my parents abroad, do I qualify?
A: This will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
Q: Do I have to have a lease with my landlord to qualify?
A: No.
Q: Is my personal information protected?
A: Yes, your personal information will be kept confidential. We require your consent to share your information with any other third party, including your landlord.
Q: Can each member of my household apply separately?
A: No.
Q: Is there another program besides the Toronto Rent Bank that helps with rent?
A: There are many other resources in Toronto that support low-income tenants. Please call 211 or 311 to get more information on other resources that can assist you.
Q: Does the Toronto Rent Bank only cover rent arrears? Does it cover electricity arrears?
A: The Toronto Rent Bank only covers rental arrears. You can apply to the Low-Income Energy Assistance Program (LEAP) at 416-924-2543 or Emergency Energy Fund (EEF) at 647-727-8988.
Q: Can I refer someone who does not speak English to the Toronto Rent Bank?
A: We currently offer Rent Bank services in the following languages in addition to English: Arabic, Cantonese, French, Mandarin, Italian, Serbian, Spanish and Tamil.
CLIENTS’ REMARKS
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“I can’t think of any organization during the entire lockdown that has brought more peace of mind and hope than Toronto Rent Bank. Their service is an invaluable part of keeping communities intact. Thanks to Toronto Rent Bank I was able to make it through the worst of the lockdowns and stay in my apartment. I honestly can’t thank the good people at TRB enough for all their help and hard work. Their care and concern in mediation between me and my landlord played huge part in being able to continue staying in my apartment on good terms with my landlord. I highly recommend their services to anyone needing assistance during these financially unstable times.”
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“My father is 85 years old. He is wheelchair-bound. He lives with my mother who suffers from severe arthritis. Due to the cost of special medical diets, devices, dippers, catheters etc., it has put a severe financial burden upon them. When the covid-19 pandemic started they were confined to the apartment and unable to shop at preferred shops and supermarkets at lower prices as well as an increase in the cost of living and products. As the result, they were unable to pay for two months’ rent. They were served with a legal notice and unable to keep the apartment. I must add that the psychological effect of anxiety and the feeling of desperation was enormous. They have been living in the same apartment for the last 30 years and have never been late with the rental payments. They would not have been able to rent another apartment with the same rent. Toronto Rent Bank has been a great help in keeping them in their home and possibly saved them from further anxiety and stress at this old age in a pandemic which could have negative consequences on their health. I must say that my parents are very grateful and feel that Toronto Rent Bank has not only been a great savior with the financial help but has given them the comfort that they have been cared for and they do not feel anxious and desperate any longer.”
