Housing Options
Calgary Housing offers a variety of options for individuals and families seeking affordable housing
Community Housing
Program Overview
- Rents are set as a percentage of income
- High demand – waitlist based on priority score (not first come, first served)
- Strict Income Limits
- Unit size will be set based on family composition (how many people, how many children)
Affordable Housing
Program Overview
- Rents 30% below average market rents
- Set Rents - your rent does not increase if your income goes up
- Income thresholds apply in this program
Near Market
Program Overview
- Rents approximately 10% below market
- No wait list – first-come, first-served based on availability
- Higher income limits, fewer qualifications to meet
- No specific bedroom numbers for household size – you can rent a larger unit based on availability
Rent Assistance
Program Overview
- The Government of Alberta has completed a review and redesign of its Rent Supplement Program. This redesign will allow Calgary Housing (CH) to maintain rent supplement as an option to assist Calgarians in need of affordable housing. The program includes:
- Rent Assistance Benefit (RAB)– A long-term benefit for those most in need (formerly called Direct Rent Supplement)
- Temporary Rent Assistance Benefit (TRAB)– A new temporary benefit for working Albertans and those between jobs.
Other Housing Options in the Community
Please refer to these other affordable housing and emergency/supportive options in the community which might also be able to assist you. Click the title of each agency to view their website. You can also refer to the City of Calgary’s Affordable Housing Guide
The Government of Alberta has created an excellent tool to help Albertans find potential affordable housing options that may suit their situation. You can access this tool on the Government of Alberta website here.
