Housing Assistance

Housing assistance provides low income Islanders with appropriate housing at a reduced cost. For qualified applicants, this might be renting a social housing unit or receiving funding that reduces the cost for rental market housing. The program is needs-based with priority given to those assessed to be in the greatest need.

Family Housing Program

The Family Housing Program provides quality rental housing units for Island families and individuals in core housing need. Islanders with low incomes, poor housing conditions or other special circumstances that create a need for assistance and who may not otherwise be able to obtain adequate housing, may be eligible for the family housing program.

How are tenants selected?

Applications are chosen and reviewed based on the following criteria:

• Number of dependents;
• Household income;
• Ratio of housing costs to income;
• Condition of dwelling;
• Other factors.

Local housing boards select tenants based on availability of a unit suitable to your family's need.

What is core housing need?

A household is considered to be in core housing need if:

• A household is below one or more of the adequacy, suitability and affordability standards;
• The household would have to spend 30% or more of its before-tax household income to access local housing that meets all three standards.

The core need income thresholds used to assess the household’s need is as follows:

Table of core need income thresholds

All PEI Areas
Bachelor	$25,500.00
One Bedroom	$33,000.00
Two Bedroom	$39,500.00
Three Bedroom	$44,500.00
Four Bedroom	$44,500.00

What rent is charged?

Most families pay 25 per cent of their income for rent.

Where is family housing located?

Government owned apartments are located in Alberton, Charlottetown, Georgetown, Montague, Mt. Stewart, O'Leary, Souris, Summerside and Tignish. You may also be able to receive a mobile rental voucher with a private landlord in any community.

For more information, download the Family Housing Program brochure.

Seniors Housing Program

Are you a senior who has trouble affording your current cost of living? Many seniors find that their housing needs change over time. You may find your income is less than in earlier years or you may find it more difficult to maintain your home. If this sounds like you, we may be able to help. Islanders with low incomes, poor housing conditions or other special circumstances that create a need for assistance and who may not otherwise be able to obtain adequate housing, may be eligible for the seniors housing program.

Other requirements for the seniors housing program include:

• Being age 60 and older, or
• 55 and older and have a disability.

*For couples, at least one person must be aged 60 or over to be considered eligible. Applicants are chosen based on income, assets, housing cost ratio, health, age and present housing conditions.

How are tenants selected?

Applications are chosen and reviewed based on the following criteria:

• Asset levels;
• Income levels;
• Housing cost ratio;
• Housing situation;
• Health;
• Age;
• Other factors.

What is core housing need?

A household is considered to be in core housing need if:

• A household is below one or more of the adequacy, suitability and affordability standards;
• The household would have to spend 30% or more of its before-tax household income to access local housing that meets all three standards.

The core need income thresholds used to assess the household’s need is as follows:

Table of core need income thresholds

All PEI Areas
Bachelor	$25,500.00
One Bedroom	$33,000.00
Two Bedroom	$39,500.00
Three Bedroom	$44,500.00
Four Bedroom	$44,500.00

What rent is charged?

Most seniors pay 25 per cent of their income.

Where is seniors housing located?

Seniors Housing units are located across the province, please see the map below for locations. You may also be able to receive a rent supplement benefit with a private landlord in any community.

View a larger version of the map

For more information and for a printed application, download the Seniors Housing Program brochure.

Social Housing Registry

The PEI Social Housing Registry includes the number of Islander's who are eligible for Family and Senior Housing Programs and awaiting a placement that best suits their needs including location, type, and size of units.

Contact Information

For more information on housing assistance, please contact Housing Services at the location closest to you.

Housing Services Phone Information

Toll Free	1-877-368-5770
Charlottetown	(902) 368-5770
Summerside	(902) 888-8436
Montague	(902) 838-0796
Souris	(902) 687-7098

To contact Housing Services by e-mail, please write to: housing@gov.pe.ca.