Housing Durham

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The Region of Durham operates Housing Durham, which is the largest community housing provider in Durham region. Housing Durham is a Local Housing Corporation, defined by the Housing Services Act, and owns and operates Housing Durham properties; Regional Councillors are appointed as the Board of Directors of Housing Durham.

If you live in a Durham Regional Local Housing Corporation (DRLHC) unit, we are your landlord.

Policies and Procedures

CRR-7-1:Tenant Use of Common Spaces
- Common Room Code of Conduct

CR-8-1:Complaint Process
- Housing Durham Feedback and Complaint Form
LO 3-1: No-Smoking Policy

Guest Policy

You cannot have a guest in your unit longer than seven days without written permission from us first. consent. To get permission, you must write to us stating:

Name of guest(s)
How long they will be staying
Reason for the request to have them stay longer than seven days.

Your Property Manager will confirm in writing how long your guest can stay with you.

We can refuse your request if we believe your guest will not leave at the end of the agreed-to term or if their behaviour has disturbed the quiet enjoyment of other tenants.

If you have a guest stay longer than seven days without our written approval, we will consider the guest an illegal occupant. Your guest must either leave your unit or complete an application to be added to your lease. Your guest will need to be eligible for rent geared-to-income (RGI) to be added to your lease. If your guest stays in your unit and is not added to your lese, we can end your RGI and you may have to pay market rent for your unit.

Remember: At all times, you are responsible for the behaviour of your guests.

Requesting an Internal Transfer

If you live in a Housing Durham unit and want to move to another unit within our portfolio, here’s what you need to know.

Who Can Request a Transfer?

You must have lived in your current unit for at least two years (unless there are exceptional circumstances approved by Housing Durham).
You cannot owe money to Housing Durham for rent or damages.
You cannot request a transfer if:
- You were denied a transfer in the past 12 months.
- You declined a transfer offer in the past 12 months.

How to Apply

Complete the Housing Durham Internal Transfer Application, which can be requested from your Property Manager or Program Assistant.
Submit the form and any required documents to the Housing Durham office or by email.
Wait for a decision. We will notify you in writing if your request is approved or declined.

Priority Categories

Transfers are offered based on priority and the date you applied. The categories are:

Special Priority Policy (SPP) – For people leaving abuse or human trafficking.
Accessibility/Accommodation – If your current unit does not meet your medical needs.
Safety and Wellbeing – For serious safety or health risks.
Overhoused – If your unit is too big for your household size.
Underhoused – If your unit is too small for your household size.

Internal transfer applications under the Special Priority Program (SPP) category must also contain a completed SPP Application SPP package with this application.

Internal transfer applications under the Accessibility/Accommodation category must also contain a completed Medical Request for Modified Unit Application Form with this application.

What Happens Next?

If approved, you will be placed on the internal transfer list.
When a suitable unit becomes available, we will contact you.
You have 5 business days to accept or decline the offer.
If you decline, you cannot reapply for 12 months.

If Your Request Is Denied

You will receive a written notice explaining why.
You can ask for a review within 5 business days of the decision.
Send a written request with any new information (e.g., medical documents, safety concerns).
A different manager will review your request and respond within 5 business days. This decision is final.

Need Help?

Contact Housing Durham for more information or to get the Internal Transfer Application.

Community Housing Redevelopment

In 2022, Durham Regional Council passed a resolution identifying Housing Durham properties to be considered for revitalization. By redeveloping these properties, the Region of Durham will be providing people with more high quality affordable housing and creating mixed income communities, with a mix of new market rentals and rent-geared-to-income homes. For more information, please visit the Community Housing Redevelopment web page.

Pre-Authorized Payment Form

You can pay directly from your bank account by completing a Pre-Authorized Payment Plan Form.

Maintenance and Work Orders

Requests for Maintenance

To request a repair in your unit, call Housing Services at 905-666-6222 between 8:30 am and 4:30 pm Monday to Friday.

After Hours Emergencies

If you have an emergency, call for maintenance after-hours at 905-666-6222. The Answering Service will respond. Only emergency repairs will be attended to after-hours (e.g. flooding, lock-outs, fire alarms.)

You will be told at least 24 hours in advance of any work that is scheduled in your home, unless the work is urgent and you have given us permission to enter. You must keep all pets away from the work zone. If pest control is needed, you must remove all pets from your home for the stated time. Please do not smoke when maintenance staff and contractors are in your home.

Inspections

We will do an annual inspection of your unit each year. We will check the smoke detectors, clean the vents and ensure window locks are in place. We also check to ensure that taps are not leaking. From time to time, there may be other reasons for us to enter your home (e.g. to inspect your furnace). We will tell you why we need to enter your home and give you at least 24 hours’ notice.

As your landlord, we have the right to enter your unit under section 27 of the Residential Tenancies Act. If you are concerned about the work or inspection to be done, please contact your Property Manager at 905-666-6222 prior to the work crew arriving.

Tenant Relocation Information

Tenant Relocation Handout

Why You Might Be Asked to Relocate

At times, DRLHC may need tenants to move from their current unit. This could happen for several reasons, including:

Major building upgrades or repairs
Emergency situations (for example a fire or flood)
Revitalization projects (demolition and rebuilding)
Permanent unit closures

Types of Relocation

Temporary Relocation: You’ll return to your original unit after the work is done.
Permanent Relocation: You’ll move to a new unit and may not return to your old one.

What to Expect During Relocation

You’ll receive official notice (Form N13) if your tenancy is ending due to repairs or redevelopment.
DRLHC will help you find a Relocation Unit that fits your unit size.
You’ll sign a new lease for the new unit and an Agreement to End Tenancy (N11) for your current unit.
If you’re temporarily relocated, you’ll sign a Temporary Shelter Agreement.

Your Rights

As a tenant affected by relocation, you have several important rights

1. Right to Notice

You will receive a formal Notice to End Tenancy (N13) if your unit is being renovated, demolished, or repurposed.
You may also receive a one-year advance notice and other communications to help you prepare.

2. Right to Return

If your relocation is temporary due to renovations, you have the right of first refusal to return to your original unit once work is complete.
You must notify DRLHC in writing before moving out if you wish to return.

4. Right to a Suitable Unit

DRLHC will offer you a relocation unit that meets your household’s size, based on occupancy standards.
You will not be relocated to a unit that makes you “overhoused” unless no other options are available.

5. Right to Maintain Rent-Geared-to-Income (RGI) Status

If you are an RGI tenant, your rent will continue to be based on your income.
If you move to a different housing provider, their rent rules may apply.

7. Right to Fair Process

DRLHC must follow the Residential Tenancies Act and other applicable laws.
You cannot be relocated unfairly or without proper legal notice.

Support and Compensation

We know that moving can be stressful and it can also cost money.

If you have to move because of permanent unit closures, revitalization, or major renovations, you might be able to get help with moving costs. Please contact your DRLHC Property Manager for more information.

Emergency Relocations

Sometimes, an emergency situation might happen in your building, like a fire or a flood. An appropriate authority (e.g. building inspector, fire department) will assess the safety of your unit.

If your home is not safe, DRLHC may:

End your tenancy.
Move you to a different place for a short time, like another unit or a hotel.
Let you move back when your home is fixed, if it’s safe.

Each emergency is different. DRLHC will decide what to do based on what happened. You should also have insurance to help cover your things and moving costs.

Important Notes

DRLHC will work with you to find a suitable unit based on your household size and needs.
You may not be relocated if your tenancy is not in good standing.
Smoking rules and other lease terms may change in your new unit.
DRLHC may offer support services through community partners.

Need Help or Have Questions?

Please contact your Property Manager for more information or support during the relocation process.

Rent-geared-to-income (RGI) eligibility

Find out more information about rent-geared-to-income (RGI) eligibility.

Appeals

If you disagree with a decision about your rent-geared-to-income (RGI) or modified housing, you can appeal to the Regional Review Panel.

Housing Services Division | housingservices@durham.ca | 905-668-7711 | 1-800-372-1102 | 905-666-6225 (fax)