The City of London Housing team works hard to ensure Londoners have the information and resources they need to find and keep stable, affordable housing.
Canada-Ontario Housing Benefit
The Canada-Ontario Housing Benefit (COHB) is a monthly portable housing benefit program that assists eligible households with their housing costs. The financial subsidy is paid directly to households or landlord to support housing affordability and stability within the private rental market.
The COHB pays the difference between 30 per cent of the household’s income and the average market rent in the area. For recipients of social assistance, the COHB will pay the difference between the shelter allowance and the household’s rent and utilities costs.
A household can use COHB funding to help pay the rent at their current address or they may choose to find a new place to live anywhere in Ontario.
If an individual accepts the COHB benefit, they must agree to be removed from the Centralized Social Housing Waiting List as required by Provincial program guidelines.
Are You Eligible for COHB?
This benefit is not available to the general public.
COHB is referral based program based on direct identification from the Service Manager as per Provincial program guidelines. If you have been deemed eligible for COHB, you will be contacted by the Housing Access Centre, or its partner, inviting you to apply for the program.
For the City of London and Middlesex County, COHB is intended to support the following priority populations:
For more information about COHB, please review the full report to London City Council.
- Survivors of domestic violence or human trafficking;
- Homeless or at risk of entering unsheltered homelessness; and,
- Indigenous persons.
For more information about COHB, please review the full report to London City Council.
How Are COHB Benefits Calculated?
The COHB is calculated by using a variety of factors: Income, average market rent, family size, apartment size and support from social assistance.
Based on average income for households waiting for one bedroom units, the COHB monthly subsidy may range from $300 - $500 per month. Once again, this is an approximate amount.
Applicants that are eligible for COHB will be directed to call the Housing Access Centre at 519-661-0861 or by email hac@london.ca.
What Happens After You Apply for COHB?
Once the application has been processed by the Service Manager, the application will be sent to Ontario’s Ministry of Finance (MOF) to approve the applicant’s eligibility and issue monthly payments directly to the household.
Once the COHB recipients have been approved by MOF, ServiceOntario will be the point of contact for ongoing program management. MOF will contact the applicant directly to inform them that their application has been approved.
All questions with regards to the status of a COHB application should be directed to MOF: 1-888-544-5101 or 1 800 263-7776 (TTY)
Ontario Renovates Program
Ontario Renovates Program - Update
Thank you for applying for the Ontario Renovates Program. Due to the number of applications received and availability of program funds, we regret to inform that we are no longer accepting applications.
Applicants who previously submitted an application for the program are placed on a wait list ranked on a first come, first serve basis according to the date they are received and are not approved for the program funds solely on the basis of submitting an application. Any repairs or accessibility modifications started or completed prior to approval from the City of London are NOT eligible for Ontario Renovates Funding.
Please continue to check this page for updates on the Ontario Renovates Program for 2021.
Program Information
Financial Assistance Available
- A one time grant up to $5,000 for home accessibility modifications.
- A one-time forgivable loan up to $15,000 for home repairs.
Homeowner Eligibility
You’re a senior age 60 or older and/or persons with disabilities.
- The annual gross income of all household members 18 years and older residing in the home be at or below $60,000.
- The total household assets of all household members 18 years and older residing in the home be at or below $30,000.
If you are a landlord and is interested in determining whether this program is applicable to you, please call/email us at:
Tel: 519-661-CITY (2489) Ext. 5524 Email: housing@london.ca
Property Eligibility
- Own a home that is their sole and principal residence located in the City of London or Middlesex County.
- Property’s assessed value is at or below $265,000.
- Property taxes are paid up to date.
Requirements for Homeowners
- A completed and signed Ontario Renovates application with all supporting documentation.
- One piece of Government-photo identification (e.g. Driver’s license, passport, citizenship, or Ontario photo card) for the homeowner(s).
- Photos showing the proposed modification(s) and/or repair(s).
- Three (3) quotes for proposed modifications(s) and/or repair(s).
- Property Tax Assessment showing payment up to date and valuation of property.
- If you are not the property owner, but and authorized agent for the owner, you must submit a copy of the document clearly identifying your authority.
- A copy of the year 2018 and/or 2019 Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) Notice of Assessment showing Line 150 for ALL homeowners and household members 18 years of age and older residing in the home.
Eligible Home Repairs
- Heating System
- Chimneys
- Doors and Windows
- Foundations
- Roofs
- Walls
- Floors
- Vents/Louvers
- Electrical system
- Plumbing
- Septic System
Eligible Home Accessibility Modifications
-
Ramps
- Fire Alarms
- Chair and Bath Lifts
- Handrails
- Grab Bars
- Raised Toilets
- Levered Handles on Doors and Faucets
- Accessible Shower Stalls
- Personal Emergency Response System
- Height Adjustment to Countertops
Please note: Additional supporting documentation (i.e. Medical Form) may be requested for assessment of accessibility modification eligibility
Student Housing Mediation Services
The Mediation Service is a free confidential resource which seeks to assist in the speedy resolution of problems which may arise between students and landlords, students and London residents and/or students and students in the areas of housing and lifestyles.
The Mediation Service has office facilities on the campus of The University of Western Ontario and Fanshawe College.
The University of Western Ontario 102 Elgin Hall London ON N6A 5B9 Tel: 519-661-3787 Fax: 519-661-3687 Open 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Monday to Friday
Fanshawe College Room F2010 1460 Oxford Street East London ON N5Y 5R2 Tel: 519-432-4282 Fax: 519-453-2826