Region asks landlords to offer vacant units to people with low income

Waterloo Region – The Region of Waterloo is asking landlords to take part in a rent supplement program that could help lower the wait list for affordable housing.

Landlords are needed to open vacant units up to tenants who can’t afford market rent. The Region helps landlords fill units and funds the gap between the cost of market rent charged and what the tenant can afford. 

“We are looking for strong community-minded landlords who recognize that it takes a community to make homes affordable for all,” said Jennifer Murdoch-Martin, Manager of Housing Programs and Development. “The more we partner together to help individuals and families find and keep homes, the healthier and stronger our community will be.” 

There are over 4,000 individuals and families waiting for affordable housing in Waterloo Region. Low turnover and a limited supply of affordable housing stock make it challenging to help people off the wait list and into a home that meets their needs. 

Through the rent supplement program, tenants who are on the affordable housing wait list are referred to landlords, making it easy for the landlord to quickly fill vacant units. Support is also offered to tenants and their landlord to achieve successful tenancies.

“We want to do all that we can to ensure tenants are happy with their living situation and that the landlord feels confident in who they are renting to,” said Murdoch-Martin.

The Region is looking for rental units that range from $832 for a bachelor apartment and $1,036 for a one-bedroom apartment, to $1,459 for a unit that has three or more bedrooms. Landlords who are interested in the program can call 519-575-4005 or email jmurdoch@regionofwaterloo.ca.

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For a media interview, please contact:
Sherry Morley
Communications Coordinator, Community Services
Region of Waterloo
519-883-2377
smorley@regionofwaterloo.ca