Rent Assistance Programs

Support to Make Housing Affordable for Low-Income Households

The District of Parry Sound Social Services Administration Board offers a range of Rent Assistance Programs to help eligible individuals and families access and maintain affordable housing in privately-owned or community-based rental units.

What are Rent Supplements?

Rent supplements are subsidies designed to reduce the gap between market rent and what tenants can reasonably afford:

• Tenants pay 30% of their gross household income as rent (or a set amount if receiving ODSP/OW).

• The DSSAB covers the difference between that amount and the unit’s actual market rent =

• Participation is voluntary for both private landlords and non‑profit/co‑operative housing providers

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for the Rent Supplement Program, applicants must:

• Be on (or eligible to join) the Community Housing Waiting List 

• Meet income limits set by the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing 

• Not be related to the landlord or managing agent 

• Meet any additional criteria for specialized programs (e.g., accessible or single-parent units).

For Landlords: How to Participate

Landlords interested in the program must:

1. Contact DSSAB’s Housing Services at 1‑877‑767‑6060 to request an application 

2. Submit unit details for assessment (market rents, condition, occupancy standards) 

3. Undergo an inspection by DSSAB; units must be self-contained and in good repair 

4. Enter into a rent supplement agreement for approved units.

5. Receive tenant referrals from DSSAB; tenant pays DSSAB-determined rent, DSSAB pays the remainder 

6. Manage the tenant under the Residential Tenancies Act (RTA) once a lease is signed .

Landlords retain the right to approve or refuse tenants, following RTA guidelines.

Benefits of Rent Assistance

• Enables tenants to afford market-based units while paying based on need.

• Helps tenants avoid long waits for public housing.

• Supports mixed-income housing and community inclusivity.

• Offers landlords a stable, reliable tenant base backed by DSSAB subsidies.

How to Apply

If you're a tenant:

• Ensure you’re on the Centralized Community Housing Waiting List.

• Contact the DSSAB Housing & Community Services team to check eligibility and income requirements.

If you're a landlord:

• Reach out to DSSAB at 1‑877‑767‑6060 to submit your interest and unit information.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What types of units are eligible?
A: Self-contained units (not hostels or group homes) at or below average CMHC market rents. Occupancy and maintenance standards apply 

Q: Can ODSP or OW recipients apply?
Yes - rent is calculated using a provincial scale instead of income percentage .

Q: Are there many units available?
No - availability is limited. Contact the DSSAB to inquire about current vacancies.

Need More Details?

• Contact Housing Services at 1‑877‑767‑6060 (toll-free) or visit one of our offices:

  • 1 Beechwood Drive, Parry Sound

  • 16 Toronto Street, South River

• Explore broader housing options on our Community Housing, Homelessness Prevention, and Affordable Home Ownership pages.