Frequently Asked Questions - General Topics
The information is intended to highlight some of the information related to rent geared-to-income housing. It is not intended to provide all the information you may need to know.
- General Topics
- Waiting List
- Ranking Order
- Removal from the List
- Refusal to Offer
- Overhoused Households
What is the Central Housing Registry?
The Central Housing Registry maintains a waiting list of all persons that apply for subsidized housing. The Registry processes and ranks your application. The Registry then places your name on the waiting list and keeps track of who gets the next offer for subsidized housing. The registry is sometimes called the CHR.
Who operates the waiting list system?
The Windsor Essex Community Housing Corporation (CHC) operates the common waiting list system for the City of Windsor and County of Essex.
The waiting list system is for all subsidized housing in the City of Windsor and County of Essex, not just for CHC’s subsidized housing units. When you apply at the Central Housing Registry you can, but do not have to, apply for subsidized housing at CHC.
Eligibility Rules - Who makes the rules?
The list of rules are made by the government of Ontario. There are some, but few, rules made by the City of Windsor. If you are eligible for subsidized housing that means you qualify to be placed on the waiting list.
The rules and requirements are listed on the Application form.
How does the Registry choose who gets subsidized housing next?
You will be placed on the waiting list in a certain order. This is called “ranking”. The government makes the rules about ranking. The rules are designed to give everyone fair treatment. Those that qualify for subsidized housing are “ranked” in the following order:
- The rules state that victims of domestic abuse and survivors of human trafficking are first on the list. This is called “Special Priority” status.
- People that meet a certain set of factors are chosen second. This list of factors is on the application form. This is called “Priority II” status.
- The date of the application is used to choose from the third group of people. The person that has been waiting the longest for housing at a location they have chosen is next for subsidized housing. Individuals in this ranking are on the Chronological Wait List.
What if I disagree with a decision made by the Registry about my Application?
If you disagree with a decision made by the Registry about your Application you can appeal the decision. The appeal is called an “Internal Review”. No one who took part in the first decision can be part of the appeal decision. To ask for a review, simply forward a request to review the decision, in writing, to:
Manager, Central Housing Registry- Windsor Essex County
2470DougallAvenue, Unit 6
Windsor,Ontario N8X1T2
How long does it take to get a subsidized unit?
This question is hard to answer. There are many factors that make your wait shorter or longer. It may be helpful to understand how selection by a social housing provider works to understand why it is hard to inform you about how long you may wait.
You choose the locations where you wish to live. If a location you choose has a subsidized unit become vacant, then the social housing provider must:
- Choose First from their Internal Transfer Special Priority(victim of abuse/survivor of human trafficking)waitinglist.
- Choose Second from the remainder of their own Transfer waiting listOR the Central Housing Registry’sSpecial Priority waiting list(victims of abuse/survivors of human trafficking).
- Choose Third from the Central Housing Registry’s Priority IIwaiting list.
- Choose Fourth from the Central Housing Registry’s Chronologicalwaiting list based on the date ofapplication.
A combination of the following factors may further affect waiting times:
- The date of your application
- The number of people waiting in each category
- The number and size of units available each month at the locations you have chosen
- The number of locations you have chosen – generally the fewer locations chosen, the longer the waiting time
Can I refuse an offer for housing?
If you have refused an offer – you will be made one (1) offer, and if you refuse the offer, your name will be removed from the social housing waiting list. You may re-apply, but your application will be approved with a new eligibility date and your wait will start over again.
Who can I speak with if I have a complaint?
If you have a complaint, and you feel CHR staff have not dealt with your complaint or answered your questions fully, you may contact any of the following for assistance:
- Manager, Central Housing Registry: 519-254-6994 Ext. 3230
- Community Housing Corporation (CHC) – CEO Customer Service Line: 519-254-1681 Ext. 3030
- CHC – Director, Corporate Services: 519-254-1681 Ext. 3237
- Social Housing Administration: 519-255-6240
If you wish to receive legal advice or representation, you may contact:
- Legal Assistance of Windsor – 519-256-7831
- Community Legal Aid – 519-253-7150
- Your own lawyer of your choosing