Manitoba Housing - Social Housing

The Social Housing Rental Program (SHRP) is the primary and largest program delivered by Manitoba Housing. The program provides low-income Manitobans in the greatest need with subsidized housing. Manitoba Housing provides a range of quality housing such as apartments, townhouses, duplexes and houses for individuals, families and seniors.

What are the benefits?

The Social Housing Rental Program provides:

• Access to shelter for low income households in core housing need ( adequate, affordable and suitable housing)
• A subsidy that is the difference between the market rent for unit and the rent the tenant pays. The rent a tenant pays is based on a percentage of total gross household income. This is commonly referred to as Rent-Geared-To-Income (RGI).
• A rent based on a percentage of income that does not exceed the affordability benchmark set by CMHC.
• Supports to achieve a successful tenancy and transition to alternate housing options when appropriate.

What are the eligibility requirements?

• Be in core housing need;
• Be either a Canadian Citizen, a permanent resident of Canada, a refugee claimant or have legal status to live and/or work in Canada;
• Have total adjusted household income at or below the Social Housing Rental Program Income Limits established by Manitoba Housing where applicable;

If you are applying to Manitoba Housing because you cannot afford your current rent, you can apply to the Canada-Manitoba Housing Benefit for assistance with your rental costs.

For more detailed information see the following if:

How do I apply?

Step 1: Determine where you would like to live.

This map is a representation of Manitoba Housing's five (5) districts in the City of Winnipeg. Within these districts there are studio, 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 bedroom units for rent. Unit allocation is based on household type: elderly, single non elderly, and family households may qualify for different units. This map does not indicate whether or not there is vacant housing available.

For more details please contact the district you are interested in:

Central: 204-945-6272 | North: 204-945-1078 | East: 204-945-3431

South: 204-945-4899 | West: 204-945-1078

See what types of housing may be available in all areas of the province other than Winnipeg

Step 2: Obtain and complete all sections of the application (PDF) and ensure that the information you provide is correct.

If you don't have a printer, you can request that a paper copy of the application form be mailed to you by completing an online request form or by calling 204-945-4663 or 1-800-661-4663. You can also pick up a copy of the application form at any Manitoba Housing office.

Social Housing Rental Program application
(PDF - fillable, savable and printable)

Step 3: Print (if downloaded and completed online), sign and submit* your completed application to Manitoba Housing:

• * Submit your completed application by mail or by dropping off in person, only:

Step 4: Notify Manitoba Housing immediately of any changes.

• a. Changes in housing needs (i.e. household size, requested location, income)
  b. Changes in contact information
  

Important: The information provided on the application will be used to determine housing need and confirm eligibility. When supporting documents are required Manitoba Housing will contact you and provide you with a list of documents that will be needed to verify the information on your application.

What size of housing can I expect?

Manitoba Housing will offer a home with the appropriate number of bedrooms to match the size of your household.

When can I can expect a housing offer?

The type of housing you may be offered will depend on factors such as the locations you choose, unit availability and demand and how many people will live in the home. Other needs identified such as physical/mobility needs, smoking/non-smoking, and parking will also be considered. Location selection may affect how quickly you will receive a housing offer. It is important to list all the housing locations that best meet your needs. Manitoba Housing will provide only one housing offer.

How much rent can I expect to pay?

Monthly rent is based on a percentage of household income (rent-geared-to-income (RGI)). Total monthly payable rent includes your rent plus other applicable fees such as parking or tenant services.

The social housing rent-geared-to-income (RGI) rate is 30 per cent of household income for new tenant leases.

Effective November 1, 2018 the social housing rent-geared-to-income (RGI) rate is changing to 30 per cent of household income for existing tenant lease renewals.

Existing tenants will receive a renewal notice at least three months before the change is applied. For example, if your annual renewal is February 1, 2019 you will begin contributing 30 per cent of your household income to rent at that time.

For applicants receiving Employment and Income Assistance (EIA), rent will continue to be based on shelter allowance (equal to Rent Assist).