Rent Supplement Programs
Programs tied to the Tenant...
Do you have low income tenants that are struggling to make payments? They may be eligible for RentAid (formally known as the Manitoba Shelter Benefit).
RentAid is a monthly benefit to help low income seniors, families, persons with disabilities and some people receiving income assistance pay their rent. Up to $210 per month is available to eligible persons who rent their living accommodation in the private market and who are required to spend a large portion of their income on rent. The amount of the benefit depends on household income and the monthly cost of renting.
School Tax Assistance for Tenants 55+. Rebates available for income-tested tenants over the age of 55 to offset the school tax portion of rent costs. If you are at least 55 years of age and have a household income of less than $23,800, then you are eligible for annual rebates of up to $175, payable once a year.
Programs tied to the rental unit...
Rent Supplement program (from Manitoba Housing)
The provincial government will enter into agreements with owners/operators of private rental stock to subsidize a portion of the units in the rental property. The Rent Supplement program is targeted at low-income families, elderly and special needs households to obtain affordable, adequate and suitable housing in the private rental sector and in non-profit affordable housing projects. The province subsidizes the difference between the approved market rental rate charged by the landlord and the rent-geared-to-income (RGI) paid by the qualifying tenant.
Who is eligible for the Rent Supplement Program?
Under the Regular program, an eligible tenant must:
- have a total household income less than the Housing Income Limit (HIL) set annually by the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC)
- be a permanent legal resident of Canada
- be 18 years of age or older, and
- not be in receipt of any other shelter allowance or rental subsidy program assistance;
Under the Affordable Housing Initiative, an eligible tenant must:
- have a total household income less than the Housing Income Limit (HIL) set annually by the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC)
- be a permanent legal resident of Canada
- be 18 years of age or older, and
- hold a valid Manitoba Health Registration Card bearing their name
How are Rent Supplement program benefits paid?
The amount of Rent Supplement is the difference between the RGI and the approved market rent for the affordable housing unit. The MHRC pays the housing project the monthly rent supplement and the tenant pays rent as usual.
Where do I get more information on the Rent Supplement program?
For more information and application forms, please contact:
The Affordable Housing Initiative
Housing and Community Development
Main Floor - 185 Smith Street
Winnipeg MB R3C 3G4
T: 204-945-4663
email
