Questions

How do I apply for rental housing?
Who is selected for housing?
What factors determine my need for housing? 
What about my pet?

What are my obligations as an applicant?
Will I have a choice of where I want to live?
Who shall I call to find out about my application?

How do I apply for rental housing?
To apply for housing with the City you must complete the Application for Accommodation and forward  by E-mail: housing@stjohns.ca, mail or hand deliver  to City Hall (first floor, Annex Building).    

The mailing address is:
Non- Profit Housing Division
City of St. John's 
P.O. Box 908
St. John's, NL  A1C 5M2

If you need help completing the application or if you have trouble reading or understanding the application, please advise our staff who will gladly assist you.

All applications should contain the following information (if not it will be returned to you):

  • Proof of income for each household member
  • Recent rent receipt
  • Social Insurance Number(s)
  • Date of birth(s)
  • Telephone Number

Who is selected for housing?
As outlined on page 4 of the application, housing provided by the City falls into two distinct housing programs. Eligibility for both programs is determined by family income.  

  • The Lower End of Market (LEM) housing program is similar to the private market and the rents are set (applicants have to meet certain income criteria) and the tenant is responsible for utilities (if you cannot have utilities connected in your name you will not qualify).
  • The Rent Geared to Income (RGI) program is targeted to singles and families with low incomes with rent determined based on income, utilities are included with the rental amount.

The City’s Non-Profit Housing Division maintains waiting lists for both types of housing.

What factors determine my need for housing?                  
Some of the factors which determine your need for housing are:

  • Total shelter costs (rent/heat/electricity you now pay)
  • Your present living conditions
  • The number of dependents you have

On your application you must state the current monthly income for each family member. Your monthly income will assist us in determining the housing program for which you may qualify.

What are my obligations as an applicant?
As an applicant, you are required to keep your application up to date, you should contact our office if you change your address or phone number and if there are any changes in your circumstances (i.e. household size, income, etc.).

Please Note: Each year we send “Still Interested Letters” to all applicants on our wait list (to the last known address). If we do not hear back from you, your application will be cancelled and shredded. A new application will be required if you would like to maintain your eligibility status.

What about my pet?
Pets are allowed in some properties, but not all. It is important to let staff know if you have a pet you will be taking with you to a non-profit housing unit early in the application process.

Will I have a choice of where I want to live?
A list of locations for units in both our housing programs can be found on page 4 of the application. Please indicate your desired location keeping in mind that the City has a limited number of available housing units.

Who shall I call to find out about my application?
If a housing unit becomes available, you will be contacted by the Non-Profit Housing Division. Please ensure that your phone number is up-to-date and provide an alternate number for daytime contact.

If you wish to check on your application, please call (709) 576-8196.

If you plan to come to our office, please call ahead to ensure that a staff person is available to answer your enquiries.