For Immediate Release

May 15, 2008

Rent Bank Funding Boosted In Kingston
McGuinty Government Helps Low-Income Tenants

NEWS

Ontario is helping more low-income renters in Kingston stay in their homes by allocating $113,064 to the local rent bank.

The Rent Bank Program enables a tenant who is facing eviction for non-payment of rent to apply to the local rent bank to receive financial assistance. 

If a tenant’s application is approved, the outstanding rent is paid directly to the landlord on behalf of the tenant.

Tenants can apply for financial assistance from a rent bank no more than once in two years, and receive maximum assistance for two months’ rental arrears.

The government will be developing a long-term strategy for affordable housing as part of its poverty reduction strategy.  The strategy will build on the broad range of programs and services that are already helping more Ontarians work, build and contribute to a stronger economy.

QUOTES

“Today’s new funding ensures the rent bank in Kingston will continue to help low-income tenants in our community avoid eviction due to a missed rent payment,” said Gerretsen.

“Short-term arrears is the most common reason tenants with lower incomes lose their homes and are forced into shelters,” said Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing Jim Watson.  “Our rent bank program has proven to be a great success in helping tenants to remain their homes.”      

QUICK FACTS

• To date, the Rent Bank Program has prevented more than 13,200 low-income households from being evicted due to a missed rent payment. 

CONTACT

Holly Wilson
Press Secretary
416-314-6739