RENT BANK FUNDING BOOSTED IN YORK REGION
Provincial Government Helps Low-Income Tenants
Ontario is helping more low-income renters in York Region stay in their homes by allocating $140,675 to the local rent bank.
The Rent Bank Program enables a tenant who is facing eviction for non-payment of rent to apply to the local rent bank to receive financial assistance.
If a tenant’s application is approved, the outstanding rent is paid directly to the landlord on behalf of the tenant.
Tenants can apply for financial assistance from a rent bank no more than once in two years, and receive maximum assistance for two months’ rental arrears.
The provincial government will be developing a long-term strategy for affordable housing as part of its poverty reduction strategy. The strategy will build on the broad range of programs and services that are already helping more Ontarians work, build and contribute to a stronger economy.
“This new funding ensures the rent bank in York Region will continue to help low-income tenants avoid eviction due to a missed rent payment,” said MPP Dr. Helena Jaczek, Oak Ridges-Markham.
“Short-term arrears is the most common reason tenants with lower incomes lose their homes and are forced into shelters,” said Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing Jim Watson. “Our rent bank program has proven to be a great success in helping tenants to remain their homes.”