Niagara Renovates Program for Multi-Unit Landlords

Funding

Property owners are allowed one application for one building under this program. Applications for other rental properties owned by the same landlord - whole or in partnership - are not eligible. Funding is provided as a fully forgivable loan, which is written off at an equal rate over a 15 year period.

The maximum loan amount includes a grant portion for accessibility repairs up to $5,000 per application, if needed. This does not need to be repaid.

Program default

The property owner is considered to be in default and the balance of the loan amount must be repaid if:

• The building is sold
• The funding is used for other purposes
• The landlord has misrepresented information about program eligibility
• Rents are above the approved average market rents during the 15 year forgivable period

How to apply

• Step 1: Submit an application

  Complete and sign an application, and provide all supporting documentation, including:

  • Verification that the applicant(s) are the registered owners of the property
  • Copies of government issued photo identification for all property owners
  • Verification that property taxes and mortgage payments are current and paid up to date
  • Confirmation that the building is more than five years old
  • Copy of insurance coverage for the full value of the building
  • Copy of latest MPAC statement
  • Confirmation of current market rents for the units under application, such as copies of leases
  • Copy of financial statements for the building for the last two years
  • A description of the intended work in writing by the appropriate authority
• Step 2: Get conditional approval

  Housing Services will assess the application and supporting documentation. If conditional approval is obtained:

  • Owners must get a minimum of three quotes from qualified contractors for the work approved by Housing Services and identify their choice of contractor
  • Contractors must provide copies of WSIB coverage and insurance coverage as part of the quote process
• Step 3: Get final approval

  Once final approval is issued, owners must sign a Funding Agreement outlining the scope of work, funding amount, and roles and responsibilities of both the owner and Housing Services. The agreement also states that:

  • Rents must remain at or below the approved average market rents for the full 15 year forgivable period
  • Owners will provide confirmation of the market rents to Housing Services on an annual basis
  • Housing Services will undertake a title search of the property and associated legal fees will form part of the loan
  • The amount of the forgivable loan will be registered on title as a second mortgage by Housing Services and associated fees will form part of the loan
  • Owners are to start work within 45 days of receiving final approval. Work that started before written approval by Housing Services is not eligible.
  • Owners must allow inspections by Housing Services before work starts, during construction as needed and when the project is complete. These inspections are over and above the required inspections for building permit work.

  Housing Services will not issue any payment until the documents have been registered on title.

Contractor payment

Invoices from contractors must be forwarded to Housing Services for review and approval.

The payment of eligible expenses will be made to contractors less 10 per cent holdback (as per the Construction Lien Act RSO 1990). Holdbacks will be released 30 days after work is complete.

All work completed that was not pre-approved by Housing Services and all amounts that exceed the Housing Services approved funding amount is the responsibility of the owners.

Grant and Incentive P...

• Affordable Housing
• Brownfield Remediation
• Employment
• Public Realm