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Absences from Unit

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Absences

Absences from rent-geared-to-income units​

For a household paying rent-geared-to-income, the City of Toronto’s guideline for social housing sets 90 days as the maximum number of days that all members of the household can be “absent” or not living in their unit while continuing to receive a rent-geared-to-income subsidy. However, there are some exceptions to this rule.

  • This rule only applies if all members of your household are away at the same time.
  • Short absences of up to seven days in a row or less are not counted toward the 90-day limit within a 12-month period.

If all members of a household are away for more than 90 days ​​in a row or more than 90 days within a 12-month period, and have not informed Toronto Seniors Housing, they could lose their rent-geared-to-income (RGI) subsidy. Informing Toronto Seniors Housing of any absence longer than 90 days will also help us to address safety and repair needs while a tenant is away.

Please tell us if you are in hospital, in rehabilitation, awaiting trial or have documentation to support another valid reason for being away from your unit longer than 90 days.

Learn more by reviewing the City of Toronto Absence from Unit Guideline (PDF) and our Absence from Unit Policy calling the Tenant Support Centre at 416-945-0800, or visiting your Operating Unit or Property Management office.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who does the guideline apply to?

The guideline applies to tenants who live in a rent-geared-to-income (RGI) unit.

What is the guideline?

The guideline 2013-9 Local Eligibility Rule – Absence From Unit states the maximum number of days that all members of a household can be “absent” or not living in their unit and continue to receive a rent-geared-to-income (RGI) subsidy is 90 days. It also outlines the exceptions to this rule.

The maximum number of days that a household can be away from their unit is 90 days in a row or 90 days within a 12-month period.

  • This rule only applies if all members of your household are away at the same time. If at least one member of your household will be living in your unit during your absence, this rule does not apply. A member of your household is anyone listed on your Lease Agreement with Toronto Seniors Housing.
  • Short absences of up to seven days in a row or less are not counted toward the 90-day limit within a 12-month period.

Will I be eligible for RGI assistance if I am away for more than 90 days?

You will not be eligible for RGI assistance if you are away for more than 90 days unless you have given notice to Toronto Seniors Housing in writing of the reason you are away AND the reason meets one of the exceptions as stated in the City’s guideline.

If you plan to be away for more than 90 days, call the Tenant Support Centre at 416-945-0800, email support@torontohousing.ca​ or visit your Operating Unit or Property Management office.