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211 Canada: Getting Local Help With Affordable Housing and Rent
How 211 works in Canada, how to use it to find housing help centres, rent assistance programs and shelters in your area, and what to have ready when you call.
211 is a free and confidential information and referral service that connects people across Canada to government and community-based, non-clinical health and social services. If rent is stretching your budget, you are looking for affordable or subsidised housing, or you need emergency shelter, 211 is a good place to start. The service is provided by United Way Centraide Canada and a national network of local 211 service providers.
What 211 can help with
211 does not rent out housing itself. Instead, trained navigators and online directories help you find local services, such as:
- Housing help centres that assist with housing applications and finding a safe, affordable place to live.
- Rent assistance and housing benefit programs offered by provinces, municipalities or community agencies.
- Information about tenant rights and, in some areas, landlord and tenant mediation services.
- Emergency shelters and transitional housing, including programs for youth, families and people leaving unsafe situations.
What is available depends on where you live, and eligibility rules for programs vary.
How to use 211 step by step
- Dial 2-1-1 from a phone, or go to the 211 Canada website and choose your province or territory to reach your local 211 service.
- In most of Canada, 211 is available 24 hours a day, in more than 150 languages, by phone, chat, text and web. You do not have to give your name to ask for information.
- Explain your situation briefly: where you live, how many people are in your household, your rough budget and whether you need housing now or soon.
- Ask specifically about housing help centres, rent assistance programs, subsidised or rent-geared-to-income housing, and emergency shelter if you need it.
- Write down the names, phone numbers and opening hours of the services you are referred to, then contact them directly.
- You can also search your local 211 website yourself using topics such as housing or financial assistance.
Deposits, applications and your rights
Even with help from a program, the private rental rules in your province or territory still apply. Deposit limits, rent increase notice and eviction rules are set provincially and territorially. For example, Ontario allows a last month's rent deposit and a refundable key deposit, while British Columbia caps a security deposit at half a month's rent. Ask the housing help centre or your local rental authority to explain the rules that apply to you. Waiting lists for subsidised housing can be long in many communities, so it often makes sense to apply early and keep searching the private market at the same time.
Tips and scam warnings
People under pressure to find housing are frequent targets for rental fraud. Protect yourself by viewing any unit before paying, confirming the landlord's identity, and never sending a deposit to hold a place you have not seen or without a written lease. Be wary of anyone who charges a fee to put you on a social housing waiting list or promises guaranteed approval. If you suspect fraud, contact the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre and your local police.
Frequently asked questions
Is 211 free?
Yes. 211 is a free and confidential service, and you do not have to give your name or personal details to ask for information.
Can 211 find me an apartment?
211 does not list or rent apartments. It connects you with local services such as housing help centres, rent assistance programs and shelters.
Is 211 available in my language?
In most of Canada, 211 offers help in more than 150 languages, 24 hours a day, by phone, chat, text and web.
Sources
Disclaimer: This guide is general information only and may not fit your situation or country. Rules, prices and requirements change, so check the details with the official source or a qualified professional before you act. Read our full disclaimer.