Overview
Finding stable housing is one of the most critical challenges facing newly arrived refugees and asylum seekers. Housing provides security, stability, and a foundation for rebuilding your life in Canada. Understanding the available housing resources, programs, and support can help you transition from emergency shelter to permanent, affordable housing.
Housing support differs sharply between resettled refugees and refugee claimants. Resettled government-assisted refugees receive temporary accommodation and help finding housing through the federal Resettlement Assistance Program. IRCC states that a person who claimed refugee protection from inside Canada is not eligible for that program; claimants rely on provincial, municipal and community services. Each province and municipality manages housing differently, so what is available depends on the area.
Temporary Shelters and Emergency Housing
For a person who makes a refugee claim on or after arrival, emergency shelter may be the first housing option. Provinces and municipalities manage emergency shelter differently:
- Temporary Accommodation for Resettled Refugees: IRCC's Resettlement Assistance Program provides government-assisted refugees with a temporary place to live on arrival and help finding permanent housing. This program is not available to people who claimed refugee protection from inside Canada.
- Refugee Reception Shelters: Some organizations operate shelters specifically for refugees and asylum seekers, providing short-term accommodation and assistance with housing search and settlement.
- General Homeless Shelters: If no refugee-specific shelter is available, you may be referred to general homeless shelters operated by municipalities or NGOs.
- Family Shelters: If you have children, you may be placed in family-specific shelters that provide more privacy and family-oriented services.
Emergency shelter is intended to be temporary. During this period, individuals typically begin searching for more permanent housing and connecting with settlement services that can assist them.
Transitional Housing Programs
Some provinces, municipalities and community organizations offer transitional housing programs designed to bridge the gap between emergency shelter and permanent housing. These programs commonly provide:
- Accommodation in apartments or houses for a set period, which varies by program
- Support services, including case management and assistance with employment and language training
- Subsidized or partially subsidized rent
- Help preparing for transition to permanent, independent housing
Transitional housing programs are valuable because they provide stability and time to secure permanent housing while also receiving support services. Availability of transitional housing varies by province; ask your settlement organization about programs in your area.
Finding Private Rental Housing
Most refugees eventually transition to private rental housing. This can be challenging due to financial constraints, language barriers, and discrimination. Here are practical steps to finding private rental housing:
- Look for Landlords Experienced with Refugees: Some landlords actively welcome refugee tenants and understand the challenges they face. Community organizations may have lists of refugee-friendly landlords.
- Use Online Platforms: Websites such as Craigslist, Kijiji, and Rentals.ca list rental properties. Be cautious of scams and only deal with reputable listings.
- Work with a Real Estate Agent: Some agents specialize in rental properties and may have access to listings not publicly advertised.
- Negotiate Payment Deposits: If you cannot afford a full security deposit upfront, some landlords may negotiate payment plans.
- Provide References: If you have been in transitional housing or emergency shelter, ask your case manager or shelter operator for a reference attesting to your reliability as a tenant.
When renting, read all lease agreements carefully and ensure you understand your rights and responsibilities as a tenant.
Provincial Housing Programs
Each province in Canada has housing support programs for refugees and low-income individuals. These may include:
- Subsidized Housing: Provincial housing programs may offer housing units with rent subsidized based on your income.
- Rent Supplements: Programs that provide supplements to help you afford private market rental housing.
- Housing First Programs: Some provinces prioritize immediate housing for homeless individuals, with support services provided after housing is secured.
- Housing Search Assistance: Settlement organizations may provide staff to help you search for housing, accompanying you to viewings and helping with applications.
Local settlement agencies and provincial housing ministries can provide information about programs available in your area.
Financial Support for Housing
Several sources of financial support may be available to help with housing costs:
- Resettlement Assistance Program (RAP): For government-assisted refugees, IRCC's RAP provides income support for up to one year from arrival, or until the person can support themself, whichever comes first. IRCC states that people who claimed refugee protection from inside Canada are not eligible.
- Provincial Social Assistance: Depending on your province and status, you may be eligible for provincial social assistance that includes a housing component.
- NGO Emergency Assistance: Many community organizations provide emergency financial assistance for housing costs.
- Rent Increase Rules: Some provinces regulate how much and how often rent can be increased. In Ontario, for example, the Residential Tenancies Act sets an annual rent increase guideline and notice requirements for most rental units. Rules differ in each province and territory.
Work with your settlement organization to identify all sources of financial support for which you may be eligible.
Discrimination and Tenant Rights
Provincial and territorial human rights legislation prohibits discrimination in rental housing on listed grounds. In Ontario, for example, s.2(1) of the Human Rights Code gives every person a right to equal treatment in the occupancy of accommodation without discrimination because of race, ancestry, place of origin, colour, ethnic origin, citizenship, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, marital status, family status, disability or the receipt of public assistance. Each province's code lists its own grounds. A person who experiences discrimination has legal options:
- Human Rights Complaint: A complaint or application may be filed with the provincial or territorial human rights commission or tribunal. In Ontario, applications go to the Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario.
- Seek Legal Help: Community legal clinics can advise you on discrimination complaints and help you pursue remedies.
- Tenant Rights: Each province and territory has residential tenancy legislation setting out the grounds and process for ending a tenancy, rent increase rules, and the landlord's maintenance obligations. In Ontario this is the Residential Tenancies Act, 2006.
Housing conditions that are unsafe, unsanitary, or violate tenant rights should be addressed. Individuals are encouraged to advocate for themselves and seek help if needed.
Finding Housing Resources and Support
Multiple organizations and resources are available to help you find housing:
- Settlement Agencies: These are your primary resource for housing assistance, case management, and referrals to programs.
- Community Organizations: NGOs focused on refugee support often have housing specialists and resources.
- Local Housing Authorities: Municipal and provincial housing authorities manage public and subsidized housing and can provide information about programs.
- 211 Service: In most provinces, dialing 211 or visiting 211.ca connects you to community, social, health, and government services, including housing assistance.
Contact with these organizations early in the settlement journey helps identify available resources and supports housing search efforts.