Britannia Street Affordable Housing

To be eligible, households need to meet the following criteria:

• All household members have status in Canada
• At least one member of the household is 16 years of age or older
• At least one member of the household is able to live independently
• No member of the household owes arrears to any community housing provider
• Household meets program income limits:
  • $56,448 maximum household annual gross income for a 1-bedroom
  • $65,040 maximum household annual gross income for a 2-bedroom
• Household meets program asset limits:
  • $200,000 maximum asset limit for seniors (age 65+)
  • $100,000 maximum asset limit for all others
• Household meets local occupancy standards:

One bedroom per person (couples are expected to share)

*See Affordable Housing Eligibility section under Frequently Asked Questions for common questions about eligibility.

Step 1: Make sure you are eligible for affordable housing (see section above)

Step 2: Complete the following forms:

• Application for Affordable Housing

• Asset Review Form

*If you are applying for an accessible unit, you must also complete:

• Request for Accommodation Form

Step 3: Submit your forms in one of the following ways:

By drop box:

City Hall Annex Building
82 Erie Street, Stratford
First Floor Reception

By mail:

Re: Affordable Housing Application
City Hall Annex Building
82 Erie Street, Stratford, ON, N5A 2M4

*See Application Process section under Frequently Asked Questions for common questions about the process.

I am a Rent-Geared-to-Income (RGI) tenant. Am I eligible for an affordable unit?

If you meet the eligibility requirements - including income and asset limits - you can apply for an affordable housing unit.

However, please note that this is not a subsidized rental program – rent is not calculated based on household income. Rent is set at 80% average market rent.

I am currently receiving social assistance. Am I eligible to apply?

Being in receipt of social assistance does not disqualify you from being eligible to apply. However, all applicants go through the same application and approval process and need to meet the same eligibility requirements including income and asset limits. You must have enough income to cover the cost of rent (plus utilities).

Am I still eligible if my income is just slightly higher than the limit?

No. If your household income is higher than the income limits outlined above, you are not eligible for an affordable housing unit. If offered a unit, your income will be verified before you sign a lease.

Can I still apply for a unit if I own a house, condo or cottage?

If the property you own can be lived in year around, you are not eligible for an affordable rental unit.

To become eligible, you must complete and submit a Declaration of Intent to Sell Property stating that you will sell the property within 180 days of your lease coming into effect.

Do you require landlord references?

Yes. This is a part of the approval process.

Are Applicants required to provide a credit check?

Yes. Applicants will need to provide a credit check. Our office will not run these on their behalf.

Credit checks can be obtained through:

• Equifax - https://www.equifax.com
  
• TransUnion - https://www.transunion.ca

Will I have an opportunity to view the unit before accepting an offer?

No, not at this time.

If I do not get an offer of a unit, will I be on a waitlist for future units that become available?

Yes, we will be keeping a waitlist for 12 months for both buildings.

What is the current rental rate?

Rental rates are 80% of the average market rent (AMR) for comparable units in Stratford. Currently, the rent is set at:

• $1,176 plus hydro for a 1-bedroom unit

• $1,355 plus hydro for a 2-bedroom unit

What is included in the rent?

Your rent includes:

• A refrigerator

• A 24” electric stove with oven

• Heating charges

• Water charges

• 1 parking spot

Your rent does not include:

• Hydro charges

• Telephone and telecommunication

• Cable or satellite television

• Furnishings

• Smart card operated laundry

• Additional parking

Extras: Any expenses, charges, services and/or appliances you may need which are not included in your monthly rent, are your responsibility to arrange and pay for, and/or supply to the unit, subject to the City’s policies and the terms of the lease agreement

If my income changes and I can't afford to pay my affordable rent, am I able to get a subsidy in my current unit?

No. You will not be able to get a subsidy in your current affordable unit.

How long is the term of the lease?

We are using the Ontario Standard Lease Agreement which is a one-year term (12 months). If tenants choose to stay past the one-year term, then the lease will renew on a month-to-month basis. If tenants choose to leave, then they need to give us 60 days’ notice as per the Residential Tenancies Act, 2006.

Am I able to smoke or vape in my unit?

No. This is a smoke-free building. Smoking and vaping any substance (such as lit tobacco or cannabis products) is prohibited in and on this property including within 9 metres of the building and the interiors of all rental units. If you smoke or vape cannabis for medical reasons, you can request an exemption to this rule by completing a Request for Accommodation Form

Am I allowed to have pets?

Yes. Each household can keep a maximum of 2 dogs or cats. In the event that a tenant wishes to keep both a cat and a dog, the combination cannot exceed two. Other animals such as caged birds, gerbils, hamsters, or tropical fish are considered acceptable. The following pets are not permitted: reptiles, exotic animals, farm animals, snakes, alligators, lizards, weasels, minks, skunks, raccoons, or monkeys. This list is not all-inclusive and is intended to act as a guide.

Do I need tenant insurance?

Yes. All tenants must have tenant insurance that includes comprehensive liability coverage and must maintain that insurance as long as they live at 200/230 Britannia Street.

Is there a secured entry into the building?

Yes, each resident is provided with a swipe card for the front entrance. Residents will need to buzz in their guests.

Is there a community space inside the building?

230 Britannia does not have a community room, however the community room at 200 Britannia will be a shared space for both buildings to use.

Is there a storage room on site?

230 Britannia - No. Tenants will only have the standard closets in their units for storage.

200 Britannia - Yes. Tenants will have access to storage lockers.

Britannia Street Tenant Handbook

This tenant handbook provides information about living at 230 Britannia Street, including tenant rights and responsibilities, paying rent, maintenance and repair issues, use of common spaces, and building safety.

For printed copies of this handbook, please contact the City of Stratford's Housing Division.