Social Housing

Opening the right door can change your life.

We believe everyone deserves access to safe, stable and affordable housing. The City’s Housing Division owns and manages 476 residential rental units across St. John’s, offering options for individuals and families with low to moderate incomes.

Our units range from one- to four-bedroom apartments and townhouses, located throughout the city — from the downtown core to Forest Road and Brookfield Road.

Housing Options

We offer three main types of housing:

For individuals and families who can pay rent but are struggling to find an affordable place.

The City operates 268 units in this category.

  • Rent is set at the lower end of market rent (as determined annually by Newfoundland and Labrador Housing) or 25% of net income — whichever is greater.
  • Some units receive rent subsidies (based on funding availability).
  • Utilities are the tenant’s responsibility.
  • Eligibility requirements apply.

Locations Include:

  • 30 Hamilton Avenue (64 two-bedroom apartments; 1 one-bedroom)
  • 179-229 Forest Road (26 townhouses consisting of three-bedroom and four-bedroom)
  • Rawlins Cross (25 apartments consisting of one-bedroom and two-bedroom)
  • Fahey's Row (5 one-bedroom and 5 three-bedroom)
  • 66-92 Alexander Street/131-153 Hamilton Avenue (24 semi-detached townhouses; three-bedroom and four-bedroom)
  • 2-16 Carnell Street/2-32 Larkin's Square (four townhouses and 20 semi-detached town houses; three-bedroom and four-bedroom)
  • 65-79 Carter's Hill/12-34 Goodview Street (20 apartments, three-bedroom and four-bedroom)
  • 1-29 Sebastian Court (29 townhouses, two-bedroom, three-bedroom, and four-bedroom)
  • 15-39 Cuckhold's Cove Road (13 three-bedroom town houses and semi-detached)
  • In addition, there are 32 apartments/houses in the Infill Housing Program located in various areas throughout the City.

For individuals and families with lower incomes who need more affordable housing.

The City operates 156 units in this category.

  • Rent is based strictly on 25% of net monthly income.
  • Heat is included.
  • A small surcharge applies for electricity.
  • Applicants are reviewed for eligibility and placed on a waiting list.
  • Current housing conditions may be inspected as part of the process.

Locations include:

  • 151-141 Hamlyn Road (26 semi-detached three and four-bedroom townhouses)
  • 1-19 Rockcrest Court (19 two and three-bedroom townhouses)
  • 1-15 Bastow Court/1-11 Mifflin Court on Brookfield Road (26 townhouses – one, two and three bedrooms, four designated disabled)
  • 49-51 Cochrane Street (11 one-bedroom apartments for non-elderly singles)
  • 174 Campbell Avenue (11 one and two-bedroom apartments, three designated for disabled and eight designated for seniors)
  • An additional 63 apartments/houses are provided through Infill housing located in the downtown area.

For seniors and single individuals earning $32,500 or less annually at time of move-in.

The City operates 52 one-bedroom units in:

  • Pleasantville
  • Convent Square

How to Apply

Applications are available:

  • Online
  • By phone
  • In person at the City Hall Annex, 10 New Gower Street. Hours of operation are Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. (closed for lunch 1 to 2 p.m.). 

If you have questions, require an alternate format for the application or need help completing the application, our staff are happy to assist you. You can contact us by phone at 709-576-8196 or by email at housing@stjohns.ca.

All applications should contain the following information (if not it will be returned to you):

  • Proof of income for each household member
  • Recent rent receipt
  • Social Insurance Number(s)
  • Date(s) of birth
  • Telephone number

Application Form

Frequently Asked Questions

As outlined on page four of the application, housing provided by the City falls into two distinct housing programs. Eligibility for both programs is determined by family income.

  1. The Lower End of Market (LEM) housing program is similar to the private market and the rents are set (applicants have to meet certain income criteria) and the tenant is responsible for utilities (if you cannot have utilities connected in your name you will not qualify).
  2. The Rent Geared to Income (RGI) program is targeted to singles and families with low incomes with rent determined based on income, utilities are included with the rental amount.

The City's Housing Division maintains waiting lists for both types of housing.

  • Total shelter costs (rent/heat/electricity you now pay)
  • Your present living conditions
  • The number of dependents you have

On your application you must state the current monthly income for each family member. Your monthly income will assist us in determining the housing program for which you may qualify.

As an applicant, you are required to keep your application up to date. You should contact our office if you change your address or phone number and if there are any changes in your circumstances (i.e. household size, income, etc.).

Pets are allowed in some properties, but not all. It is important to let staff know if you have a pet you will be taking with you to a non-profit housing unit early in the application process.

A list of locations for units in both our housing programs can be found on page four of the application. Please indicate your desired location, keeping in mind that the City has a limited number of available housing units.

If a housing unit becomes available, you will be contacted by the Housing Division. Please ensure that your phone number is up-to-date and provide an alternate number for daytime contact.

If you wish to check on your application, please call 709-576-8196.

If you plan to come to our office, please call ahead to ensure that a staff person is available to answer your inquiries.

Contact Us

City Hall
10 New Gower Street, St. John's, NL
P.O. Box 908, St. John's, A1C 5M2
Phone: 311 or 754-CITY (2489)
Email: access@stjohns.ca

Housing
John J. Murphy building (City Hall Annex), first floor
P.O. Box 908, St. John's, A1C 5M2
Phone: 709-576-8196
Email: housing@stjohns.ca

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