Empowering Homes, Transforming Lives
2025 Funding still available - Apply today!
The Ontario Renovates Program is funded by the federal and provincial governments to provide financial assistance to low-to-moderate income seniors aged 60 or older and individuals with disabilities to increase accessibility and/or complete essential repairs in their home. Administered by the City of London Municipal Housing and Industrial Development, the program extends support to homeowners and landlord/tenant rental units in London and Middlesex County.
Limited Funding
Applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis until funds are depleted. We encourage you to apply early to secure your chance for financial assistance.
Program Information for Homeowner Applications
Financial assistance available:
- A one-time 10-year forgivable loan up to $25,000 for home repairs and/or accessibility modifications.
If approved for accessibility modifications, the first $5,000 is a one-time grant
Eligibility criteria:
- Seniors aged 60 or older and/or persons with disabilities.
- Annual gross household income at or below $95,000 (based on previous year Notice of Assessment line 15000).
- Total household liquid assets at or below $30,000 (including TFSA’s, GIC’s, bonds, mutual funds, savings accounts).
Property Eligibility:
- The property must be the sole and principal residence located within London or Middlesex County.
- Property tax assessment value at or below $320,000 (not fair market value/resale value).
- Mortgage payments and property taxes must be up to date.
- Insurance coverage is in place for the full value of the home.
Requirements for Homeowners:
- Completed and signed Ontario Renovates Program application forms with supporting documentation.
- Government-issued photo ID (i.e., driver’s license, passport, citizenship, or Ontario photo card) for all homeowners.
- 2024 Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) Notice of Assessment.
- Property Tax Assessment verifying tax value and up-to-date payments.
- Confirmation of mortgage and insurance coverage.
- List of liquid assets for household members 18 and over.
- Three (3) estimates for proposed repairs/modifications.
- Pictures showing proposed repairs/modifications.
Program Information for Landlord/Tenant Applications
Financial assistance available:
- A one-time grant of up to $5,000 for accessibility modifications.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Seniors aged 60 or older and/or persons with disabilities.
- Annual gross household income at or below $95,000 (based on the previous year Notice of Assessment line 15000).
- Total household liquid assets at or below $30,000 (including TFSA’s, GIC’s, bonds, mutual funds, savings accounts).
Property Eligibility:
- Located within London or Middlesex County.
- Mortgage payments and property taxes must be up to date.
- Insurance coverage is in place for the full value of the home.
Requirements for the Tenant(s):
- Completed and signed Ontario Renovates Program application forms with supporting documentation.
- Government-issued photo identification (i.e., driver’s license, passport, citizenship, or Ontario photo card).
- 2024 Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) Notice of Assessment.
- A copy of the executed lease/tenancy agreement or rent receipts, indicating the current rental amount is within the Average Market Rent (AMR) for the service area.
- List of liquid assets for household members 18 and over.
- Three (3) estimates for proposed accessibility modifications.
- Pictures showing proposed accessibility modifications.
Requirements for Landlords:
- Confirmation of mortgage payments, taxes, and insurance coverage.
Requirements for the Rental Units:
- The rental unit must be modest.
- Rent not exceeding the Average Market Rent (AMR) in the City of London and Middlesex County:
- Bachelor: $1,032
- One Bedroom: $1,302
- Two Bedroom: $1,547
- Three Bedroom: $1,818
- Accessibility modifications must not lead to a rent increase beyond standard yearly increments permitted by the Residential Tenancies Act, 2006.
- Rent must remain within the AMR for 15 years, with yearly reviews.
Eligible Home Accessibility Modifications:
- ramps
- fire alarms
- chair and bath lifts
- handrails
- grab bars
- raised toilets
- levered handles on doors and faucets
- accessible shower stalls
- personal emergency response system
- height adjustable countertops
Please note: Additional supporting documentation (i.e., Medical form) may be requested to assess accessibility modification eligibility, at the discretion of the City of London.
Eligible Home Repairs
- Heating systems
- Chimneys
- Doors and windows
- Foundations
- Roofs
- Walls
- Floors
- Vents/louvers
- Electrical systems
- Plumbing
- Septic systems
Eligible Home Accessibility Modifications
- Ramps
- Fire alarms
- Chair and bath lifts
- Handrails
- Grab bars
- Raised toilets
- Levered handles
- Accessible shower stalls
- Personal emergency response systems
Height adjustable countertops
Note: Additional documentation, such as a Medical Form, may be requested for accessibility modification eligibility assessment.
Projects Ineligible for Ontario Renovates Program Funding
- Work started or completed before program approval
- Construction without necessary municipal building permits
- Cosmetic renovations and repairs (i.e., driveway paving, painting, and flooring)
- Landscaping, maintenance, or solar panels installation
- Central air conditioning
- Accessibility modifications to commercial or non-residential properties
- Supportive care, nursing care or therapeutic equipment
- Projects receiving funding from the Ministry of Health, Ministry of Community and Social Services, or other capital support programs
- Community or Social Housing as defined under the Housing Services Act 2011
- Applicants who had previously received Ontario Renovates Program funding
- Households that received prior funding from the Affordable Housing Program or Off-Reserve Aboriginal Housing (Trust) Program.
How to Apply
Please complete the application package:
Note: Any work completed before approval from the City of London will not be eligible for funding.
IMPORTANT:
Due to potential Canada Post service disruptions, applications can be emailed to housing@london.ca or dropped off at Citi Plaza, 2nd floor - 355 Wellington Street, Suite 248.
If you have any questions, please email the team at housing@london.ca or call 519-661-2489 x 5523.