SOCIAL HOUSING RENTAL PROGRAM
What is the Social Housing Rental Program?
The program offers rental housing, commonly referred to as "social housing", for people with low incomes or people who are victims of abuse. The rent is based on a tenant's income - the lower the income, the lower the rent.
Social housing is available in over 300 communities in Saskatchewan. This housing is suitable for seniors and families (some family units are for single persons). Certain units are suitable for persons with a disability.
For families, social housing is intended to be short-term until a family is able to afford to buy or rent a home in the private housing market. For seniors, social housing is intended for the long-term.
Tenants of social housing can form an association and apply for a grant to help them organize and co-ordinate access to community programs and services to help them maintain or increase their independence.
Who is the program for?
Anyone may apply, but social housing is intended for people with a low income who are mentally and physically capable of living independently with or without supports from family, community, and health or social services agencies.
Applications are approved based on need with priority given to applicants who:
- are homeless;
- are victims of family violence;
- spend more than 30 per cent of their gross household income on shelter, which includes rent, heat, water, and sewer costs;
- live in a home without enough bedrooms to accommodate the people who live there; and
- live in a home that is in poor condition, aggravates a health problem, or is unsuitable for someone with a physical disability.
