| Number of units | Maximum per unit | Maximum per building |
| 2 – 6 | $10,000 | $25,000 |
| 7 – 15 | $10,000 | $40,000 |
| 16 – 25 | $10,000 | $55,000 |
| 26 – 35 | $10,000 | $70,000 |
| More than 35 | $10,000 | $90,000 |
Program funds cannot be used for deposits to contractors.
Repairs program for multi-unit landlords
The Niagara Renovates - Multi-Residential Program offers forgivable loans to help fund essential repairs and accessibility modifications in rental buildings. The loan is written off equally over 15 years, provided rents remain at or below approved average market rates throughout.
One application per building.
Who qualifies
Landlords of rental buildings with 2+ units
Forgiven over
15 years
Funding amounts by building size
To be eligible, the building must:
- Contain two or more self-contained residential units
- Need repairs to meet a minimum level of health and safety, or permanent modifications to increase accessibility
- Have rents at or below approved average market rents for the full 15-year forgivable period
- Have no liens or charges (except a first mortgage) registered against the property
- Have a total balance of all existing mortgages, charges and other financing — plus the estimated loan amount — not exceeding 100 per cent of the property's MPAC assessed market value
Property owners who have previously received Niagara Renovates funding are not eligible. Applications for other properties owned by the same landlord (in whole or in partnership) are also not eligible.
What repairs and modifications are covered
Eligible repairs
- Structural (walls, floors, foundations)
- Roofs
- Major plumbing / bathroom repairs
- Fire safety
- Electrical and / or heating systems
Eligible accessibility modifications
- Ramps
- Handrails and chair / bath lifts
- Height adjustment to countertops
- Cues for doorbells / fire alarms
Not eligible
- Landscaping
- Routine maintenance
- Cosmetic renovations and repairs
- Conversion of non-residential space to residential space
The balance of the loan must be repaid if:
- The building is sold
- The funding is used for other purposes
- The landlord misrepresented information about program eligibility
- Rents exceed approved average market rents at any point during the 15-year forgivable period
Accessibility repairs
If the maximum loan amount includes a portion for accessibility repairs, up to $5,000 of that amount is provided as a grant and does not need to be repaid.
How to apply
1
Submit your application with all supporting documents.
You'll need verification that you're the registered owner, government-issued photo identification for all owners, confirmation that property taxes and mortgage payments are current, confirmation that the building is more than five years old, proof of insurance for the full building value, your latest MPAC statement, confirmation of current market rents (e.g. copies of leases), financial statements for the building for the last two years, and a written description of the intended work from the appropriate authority.
You'll need verification that you're the registered owner, government-issued photo identification for all owners, confirmation that property taxes and mortgage payments are current, confirmation that the building is more than five years old, proof of insurance for the full building value, your latest MPAC statement, confirmation of current market rents (e.g. copies of leases), financial statements for the building for the last two years, and a written description of the intended work from the appropriate authority.
2
Receive conditional approval and arrange contractor quotes.
Housing Services will assess your application. If conditional approval is granted, get a minimum of three quotes from qualified contractors for the approved work and identify your choice of contractor. Contractors must include WSIB coverage and insurance with their quote.
Housing Services will assess your application. If conditional approval is granted, get a minimum of three quotes from qualified contractors for the approved work and identify your choice of contractor. Contractors must include WSIB coverage and insurance with their quote.
3
Sign the Funding Agreement and begin work.
Once final approval is issued, sign a Funding Agreement outlining the scope of work, funding amount, and responsibilities. Rents must remain at or below approved average market rents for the full 15-year period, with annual confirmation provided to Housing Services. Housing Services will register the loan as a second mortgage on title — associated fees form part of the loan. Housing Services will inspect before, during and after construction. Payment will not be issued until all documents are registered on title.
Once final approval is issued, sign a Funding Agreement outlining the scope of work, funding amount, and responsibilities. Rents must remain at or below approved average market rents for the full 15-year period, with annual confirmation provided to Housing Services. Housing Services will register the loan as a second mortgage on title — associated fees form part of the loan. Housing Services will inspect before, during and after construction. Payment will not be issued until all documents are registered on title.