Housing
Finding safe, stable, and affordable housing can be challenging. This section provides information about rental housing, housing assistance, emergency housing, tenant supports, and local programs that can help individuals and families find or maintain suitable housing.
Finding Housing
Community Housing / Rent-Geared-to-Income (RGI)
Community housing provides subsidized rental housing for eligible low- and moderate-income households. Rent-geared-to-income housing is based on household income. Applications are managed through the City of London’s Housing Access Centre. Demand is high and wait times can be several years, so this is not emergency housing.
Affordable & Supportive Housing Directory
The City of London maintains a directory of affordable and supportive rental housing developments in London and surrounding communities. Listings include information about eligibility, unit types, accessibility, target populations and how to contact individual housing providers.
Canada-Ontario Housing Benefit (COHB)
The Canada-Ontario Housing Benefit is a portable rent supplement that helps eligible low-income households with the cost of renting in the private market. The benefit is tied to the household rather than a specific rental unit and can be used anywhere in Ontario. In London, the program is referral-based and does not accept direct applications from the public.
Keeping Your Housing
Housing Stability Bank
The Housing Stability Bank helps eligible low-income Londoners secure or maintain housing. Assistance may include help with rental arrears, last month's rent and emergency utility costs. The program can also connect people with additional housing and community supports.
Tenant Rights & Landlord Issues
Ontario tenants have legal rights and protections related to rent increases, repairs, maintenance, eviction, deposits and other landlord-tenant issues. Tenants who need help understanding their rights or responding to a housing problem can access free legal information and assistance.
Homelessness & Emergency Housing
Coordinated Access / Homeless Prevention
Coordinated Access connects individuals and families who are experiencing homelessness or at risk of homelessness with appropriate supports. Depending on their circumstances, people may be connected with outreach services, emergency shelters, financial assistance, housing opportunities and other support programs.
Emergency Shelters
London's emergency shelters provide short-term accommodation and basic needs for individuals and families experiencing homelessness. Different shelters serve different populations, including adults, families, youth, women experiencing violence and Indigenous women and children.
Supportive Housing
Supportive housing combines affordable housing with ongoing supports that help people maintain their housing and live independently in the community. London has supportive housing options for people with different needs, including people with disabilities, developmental disabilities, acquired brain injuries, youth and other populations requiring support.
Bill Assistance
Ontario Energy Board – Bill Assistance Programs
Explore financial assistance programs that help eligible Ontario residents manage electricity and natural gas costs, including ongoing bill credits and emergency support.
Low-income Energy Assistance Program (LEAP)
Provides one-time emergency financial assistance to eligible households that are behind on their electricity or natural gas bills and may face disconnection. See above website under Bill Assistance.
Ontario Electricity Support Program (OESP)
Receive an ongoing monthly credit on your electricity bill if your household meets the income eligibility requirements. See above website under Bill Assistance.
