Subsidized Housing
Subsidized housing generally refers to housing that is provided on a "rent-geared-to-income" (RGI) basis. Your rent in such a program will be either 25 or 27% of your yearly income. This type of programing is targeted for households that are at a low or fixed income. If you are a renter in a RGI unit, your rent will increase if your yearly income increases. RGI housing is provided by the Manitoba Housing Authortiy, Winnipeg Housing and Rehabilitation Corporation and various non-profit and co-operative housing providers.
If you are on a low or fixed income, and you live in market rental housing, you may be able to apply for a rent supplement subsidy that will help with your monthly rental payment (see below).
Subsidized Housing
Manitoba Housing (Public Housing). Manitoba Housing provides a range of quality housing such as apartments, townhouses, duplexes and houses. Rental rates are based on a rent-geared-to-income ratio of 27 per cent of the household income for one to five bedroom apartments. Rental rates for studio apartments are based on a rent-geared-to-income ratio of 25 per cent of the household income. Click here for an application form.
Winnipeg Housing and Rehabilitation Corporation (WHRC). WHRC provides affordable, clean, and safe rental housing in the inner-city and North end as well as market rent units in various areas of the City of Winnipeg. The majority of the units are available to people requiring rents geared to income (RGI). Applicants approved for RGI would pay 25 to 27 per cent of their annual gross household income. Contact 949-2880 to inquire on their waiting list. Click here to download an application form.
Non-Profits and Cooperatives. Many co-operatives and non-profit housing providers offer rent-geared-to-income units or rent supplements. Ask the housing provider directly if subsidies are offered. Two property management firms that manage a significant number of non-profit and cooperative housing, including Rent-Geared-to-Income, are Murdock Management (phone: 982-2000) and SAM Management (phone: 942-0991).
The Winnipeg Rental Network will be working to list all of the subsidized housing providers.
Aboriginal Housing. Much of the housing stock managed by aboriginal and metis housing providers are on a Rent-Geared-to-Income basis. A centralized application process is now being developed by the Manitoba Urban Native Housing Association.
Rent Supplements
The Manitoba Shelter Benefit (MSB) 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...
