PROVINCIAL RENT BANK

Information gathered from the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing website and County of Dufferin website

What is the Provincial Rent Bank Program and why is it needed?

• Short-term rent arrears is the most common reason tenants lose their apartments and end up in shelters
• The Rent Bank assists low-income tenants avoid eviction for non-payment of rent
• Tenants with lower incomes may apply to a rent bank to receive short-term financial assistance to address short-term rent arrears
• If a tenant's application to a rent bank is approved, the outstanding rent is paid directly to the landlord on behalf of the tenant

The County of Dufferin Community Services Provincial Rent Bank Program

• Intended to provide one-time assistance to individuals or families for the purposes of avoiding eviction
• Funding will be provided by the Ontario government's Provincial Rent Bank Program Fund administered by The County of Dufferin. 

What are the Eligibility Criteria? (Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing)

• Tenants can apply for assistance no more than once in two years, for a maximum assistance of two months’ rental arrears.  Service managers have the discretion to allow clients to access funding more than once in two years.

Eligibility in Dufferin:

• Applicants must reside in The County of Dufferin
• Must meet specific financial requirements (Generally, eligibility is determined by a financial needs test which compares assets and household income to the expenses and amount of assistance requested by the applicant.)

For more information on the Provincial Rent Bank program:
Contact Joan Crake (519) 941 6991 ext. 2018