One of the most frequently asked questions from new immigrants and low-income individuals in Edmonton is how to find affordable housing that they can afford. For many people, regular rent on the private market is prohibitively expensive—a one-bedroom apartment costs $1,500-$1,700, and if you have a family with children, you need a larger apartment, which can cost $2,000-$2,500 or more. This is unaffordable for people who earn less than $3,000-4,000 per month.
It is for this category of people that the Alberta government and organizations in Edmonton have developed subsidized, or as it is often called, “social” housing programs. This housing is specifically designed for people with low and moderate incomes, and rent is calculated based on your income rather than market prices.
This article covers all types of subsidized housing in Edmonton, eligibility criteria, and how to apply.
What is subsidized or social housing?
Subsidized housing is housing that is built or maintained specifically for people with low and moderate incomes. Instead of paying what the market dictates (as in private apartments), you pay rent based on your income. This means that the lower your income, the less you pay.
In Alberta and Edmonton, subsidized housing is often referred to as Community Housing or Near Market Housing. There are also programs called Mixed Income Housing.
The main difference between subsidized housing and regular private market rentals is that you don't need a Canadian credit history, a high salary, or letters of reference from previous landlords. Instead, the criteria are your income and housing need.
Major Subsidized Housing Programs in Edmonton
There are several subsidized housing programs in Edmonton, administered primarily by Civida and a few other non-profit organizations.
Community Housing
[translate:Community Housing] is the main subsidized housing program in Edmonton. This type of housing is intended for people with the lowest incomes. Rent in Community Housing is calculated as 30 percent of your adjusted gross monthly household income. This means that if your income is $1,500 per month, you pay only $450 per month for rent.
Community Housing is managed by Civida, an organization that owns and maintains many housing complexes throughout Edmonton. These complexes are mixed-use housing types, including townhouses, apartments, and other types. Some complexes were built a long time ago, but many have been renovated or built recently.
The most important thing about Community Housing is that you do not get housing on a first-come, first-served basis. Instead, the system is based on prioritization. Civida uses a scoring system where applicants are given points based on their situation. People with more critical needs receive higher scores and are placed more quickly. For example, if you are homeless or living in an unsafe environment, you will receive more points than someone who lives in a low-quality but relatively safe complex.
Near Market Housing
[translate:Near Market Housing] is a program for people with slightly higher incomes than Community Housing. In this program, you pay rent that is 10-40 percent below current market rates. This type of housing is intended for people with moderate incomes who cannot afford full market rent but earn more than people in Community Housing.
Near Market Housing is also managed by Civida and is located throughout Edmonton. Unlike Community Housing, there is no points-based prioritization system for Near Market Housing. Instead, applicants are considered based on their eligibility for the program and the availability of units.
Mixed Income Housing
Mixed Income Housing is a program designed to create a community where people with different income levels live together in the same building or complex. In this program, some parts of the building are rented as Community Housing (30 percent of income), some as Near Market Housing, and some are rented at full market price.
The goal of Mixed Income Housing is to create a community that does not segregate low-income people from others. In this way, people with different incomes and life experiences live together, which can promote integration and social health.
Women Building Futures Housing
Civida also operates a special program for women called Women Building Futures. This program is designed for women who have experienced violence, have children or are single mothers, or are going through a transitional period in their lives. Rent in this program is also calculated based on income.
Who is eligible for subsidized housing?
To be eligible for subsidized housing in Edmonton, you must meet several criteria. It is important to understand that the criteria differ for Community Housing and Near Market Housing.
Criteria for Community Housing
For Community Housing, you must meet the following criteria:
Citizenship and immigration status
All members of your household must have one of the following statuses: Canadian citizens, permanent residents (except those under private sponsorship), convention refugees, or people who have applied for refugee or immigration status and whose private sponsorship agreement has fallen through. This means that if you have permanent resident status, you can apply. If you are still in the process of applying for immigration but do not have a private sponsor, you can also apply.
Income limits
Your total gross household income must not exceed the limits set by the province. These limits depend on the size of your household and the number of bedrooms you need. For example, as of 2025, for a bachelor unit (studio apartment), the income limit is $43,500 per year. For a one-bedroom apartment, it is $51,500. For a two-bedroom apartment, it is $63,500. For a three-bedroom apartment, it is $72,000. For four or more bedrooms, it is $75,000. This means that if you earn less than these amounts, you may be eligible for Community Housing.
Housing Need
You must be recognized as a person with housing needs. This means that your current housing does not meet at least one of the three criteria: adequacy (the home is safe), affordability (rent is no more than 30 percent of your income), and suitability (the size of the home is appropriate for the size of your family).
Criteria for Near Market Housing
For Near Market Housing, the criteria are slightly different. You must have an income below the established limits, which range from $39,000 per year (for a bachelor) to $75,500 (for 4+ rooms). Some Near Market homes use the limits set by the Alberta government, and some use the limits set by the City of Edmonton. In addition, you must have citizenship or immigration status as described above.
How do I apply for subsidized housing?
The process of applying for subsidized housing in Edmonton is relatively simple, but it does require a few steps.
Step 1: Check your eligibility
First, make sure you meet the basic criteria. Check your income, immigration status, and housing need. You can use the online tool on the Alberta government website (Find Housing tool at www.alberta.ca) to check your eligibility.
Step 2: Choose the type of program and building
Once you have confirmed that you are eligible, choose which program you would like. Would you like Community Housing, Near Market Housing, or Mixed Income Housing? You can also choose more than one program at a time. Civida allows you to apply for multiple programs at once, so you are not limited to one choice.
Step 3: Gather all the necessary documents
Before applying, make sure you have all the necessary documents. You will need:
- A copy of your ID (passport, driver's license, or other government-issued document)
- Proof of income (recent pay stubs, letter from your employer, social assistance statement if you receive it)
- Notice of Tax Assessment for the last year for all members of your household over the age of 18
- List of all assets you own (money in the bank, car, etc.)
- Copy of your letter of accommodation or lease agreement if you already have current housing
Some additional documents may be required depending on your situation. For example, if you are a newcomer, you may need copies of your immigration documents. If you have children, you may need copies of their birth certificates.
Step 4: Apply through Civida
You can apply online through the Civida portal (civida.ca). You will need to create an account, fill out the application form, and upload all the necessary documents. The application process takes about 30-60 minutes, depending on the complexity of your situation.
Alternatively, you can apply in person at a Civida office or through an organization that assists newcomers, such as EISA or Homeward Trust.
Step 5: Await review
Once you have submitted your application, Civida will review it. The review process takes from a few days to a few weeks, depending on the number of applications and the complexity of your situation.
During the review, Civida checks all your documents, verifies your income, and determines your priority. If you have applied for Community Housing, you will be assessed using a points system. If you have a more critical need (for example, you are homeless), you will receive more points.
Civida will notify you of the outcome of the review. If your application is accepted, you will be placed on a waiting list. If your application is rejected, you will receive a letter explaining the reason for the rejection.
Step 6: Placing you on the waiting list
If your application is accepted, you will be placed on a waiting list. For Community Housing, this list is based on a prioritization system, so people with more critical needs are placed first. The wait can be anywhere from a few months to several years, depending on the number of people on the list and the number of available units.
It is important to understand that you remain on the waiting list until you are offered housing. If your situation changes (for example, your income increases or you no longer need large housing), you must update your application.
How much will you pay for rent?
Rent at Community Housing is calculated as 30 percent of your adjusted gross monthly household income. This means that if your monthly income is $2,000, you will pay $600 in rent. If your income is $1,000, you will pay $300.
However, there is a minimum rent set by the province. This means that even if 30 percent of your income is less than the minimum rent, you still have to pay the minimum.
For Near Market Housing, rent is 10-40 percent below market rate. The exact amount depends on the specific home and program.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long will I wait for housing?
Waiting times vary. For Community Housing, it can be anywhere from a few months to a few years, depending on your prioritization and the availability of units. For Near Market Housing, the waiting time is usually shorter. It is important to keep in mind that this is highly dependent on the current vacancy situation.
What if I live outside of Edmonton?
If you live in Spruce Grove, Stony Plain, or surrounding areas, you can contact the Meridian Housing Foundation. If you live in Sherwood Park or Fort Saskatchewan, contact the Heartland Housing Foundation. If you live in St. Albert, contact the Homeland Housing Foundation.
What happens if I get a hot job and my income rises above the limits?
If your income rises above the limits set for Community Housing, you can remain in the program, but your rent will be calculated based on your new income. In addition, you may be asked to reapply for the program.
Can I leave the apartment if I change my mind?
Yes, you can terminate your lease under standard terms, usually with 30 days' notice. However, some programs may have special conditions.
Can I have pets?
This depends on the specific complex. Some complexes allow pets, others do not. Check with Civida before viewing an apartment.
Conclusion
Subsidized housing in Edmonton is a great opportunity for low- and moderate-income individuals to obtain safe, adequate housing at a price they can afford. Although the application process can be lengthy and the wait time can be significant, it is still better than trying to pay full market rent on a low income.
If you are a new immigrant or a low-income person looking for housing in Edmonton, it is recommended that you contact Civida, EISA, Homeward Trust, or other organizations that help people find housing. They can help you understand the process, gather the necessary documents, and submit your application.