While on the housing wait list

Due to high demand, there are significant wait times for applicants to receive subsidized housing. We are unable to tell you where you are on the waiting list.

It’s impossible to predict how long your wait time will be. Wait times vary depending on the building you choose and its unit turnover.

Under the Housing Services Act, subsidies are administered based on your application date, the date you applied to the centralized wait list. However, there are other factors to consider:

• Availability of a unit in your chosen building. A unit must be vacated before it can be offered to the next applicant.
• The number of bedrooms you are eligible for. We have fewer larger units, those with 3 or more bedrooms.
• The city you selected. Brampton, Caledon, and Mississauga have different wait times.
• If you require a modified unit.

As of July 1, 2024, the Ontario government introduced mandatory income and asset limits to be set by each municipality. This rule applies to all applicants on the centralized wait list waiting for community housing. Refer to the centralized wait list eligibility requirements.

These new requirements apply to all new applicants as well as all applicants currently on the centralized wait list. Current applicants’ eligibility will be assessed during your next annual review process.

These wait time estimates are based on the size of unit required and location (municipality). Your wait time could be shorter or longer depending on the factors outlined.

Reducing your wait time

There are things you can do that may help reduce the amount of time you are waiting for a housing subsidy.

• Do not re-apply if you’re already on the waiting list. Re-applying can create delays in your application and may make your wait time longer.
• Contact us right away if you move or if there are changes to your situation.
• Be open to selecting several buildings that you would like to live in and be willing to move anywhere in Peel.

Your wait time also depends on other factors including:

• The size of unit you qualify for.
• How popular the building is that you have chosen. The more popular it is, the longer that wait will be.
• Status of all applicants at the time of application

You can also reduce your wait time by changing your city preference for housing. Brampton, Mississauga, and Caledon have different wait times. To change your city preference, contact Housing Client Services to update your information or call 905-453-1300 Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

If you need help

• Emergency shelters
• Street Helpline 1-877-848-8481
• Other homeless support
• One-time financial help if you’re facing eviction or behind on bills
• Ontario Works or emergency assistance
• Ontario Disability Support Program

Find other support while you're waiting

While you’re waiting for community housing, you may search for other living arrangements on your own and apply for community housing in other municipalities (towns, cities, or regions) outside of Peel

Low-rent housing

You can look for a lower-cost market rental unit (which isn’t subsidized) on your own. You can check market listings for available apartments for rent.

To find the phone number for a particular market rental unit, you can check our list of Social housing providers in Peel – market units.

Community housing in other municipalities

You can apply for social housing programs in other municipalities outside of Peel, even if you’re already on the wait list in Peel. You can move into housing in the municipality that contacts you first when a vacancy is available.

To apply for social housing programs in other municipalities, you’ll need to visit their websites and follow their instructions to apply. Every municipality has its own application process. To find a list of municipalities offering social housing programs, visit Ontario’s list of Service Managers and their service areas.