Assistance Programs

Residential Rehabilitation Assistance Program (RRAP)

This program offers financial help to low-income homeowners who need to make necessary repairs to their homes, but not to modernize or improve its appearance. The rules and regulations are set by Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC), an agency of the federal government.

In order to receive RRAP funding, the following criteria must be met:

• The applicant must own and live in the house.
• RRAP funding may be allocated to single detached dwellings, semi-detached dwellings, street townhouse dwellings and condominiums.
• The applicant's total household income is below the maximum level Core Needs Income Threshold, as established by CMHC, which ranges from $33,000 to $53,500.00
• The house must be at least five years old.
• The house is substandard or deficient and needs major repair in at least one of the following areas:
  • Structural;
  • Electrical;
  • Plumbing;
  • Heating;
  • Fire safety;
• Work to help reduce overcrowding may also qualify.

Under the program only mandatory repairs qualify for assistance. In order to receive assistance through the program, the mandatory repairs must be completed. Forgivable assistance is provided for mandatory repairs only.

The maximum amount of a forgiveable loan is $16,000.00.

The forgiveness available is based on the homeowner's income and is "earned" over a period of up to five years. The homeowner is expected to own and occupy the home during this time.

The process of approval for the program is as follows:

• RRAP application is filled out and proof of income is provided.
• House is inspected by Property Standards Officer and a list of repairs is created.
• Homeowner obtains a minimum of two written cost estimates from contractors.
• Property Standards Officer and homeowner meet and finalize loan details.
• CMHC is sent application and it is approved or rejected.
• Once approved, homeowner contacts contractors to do work.
• Once work is complete, Property Standards Officer inspects and approves work.
• Payment from CMHC is received and homeowner pays contractor.

The City of Oshawa's Municipal Licensing and Standards Inspectors are the Delivery Agents for the RRAP and RRAP-D Programs.

Contact: