FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions
How do I apply for Housing on the GRFN?
Complete the on-line CMHC Section 95 Rental Application and ensuring you attach all the required documents listed under the CMHC Section 95 Application Guidelines
- Once your Application is completed, you have the following options to submit:
- Email the entire Application with supporting documents to: info@grfnhousing
- Fax your Application to: 705.945-1415
- Mail your completed Application to:
- 7 Shingwauk Street, Garden River, ON P6A 6Z8
- Contact the Tenant Relations Officer at 705.946.6300 ext. 240 or email directly at: czeppa@gardenriver.org
Am I guaranteed a rental unit now that I have applied?
No. Each applicant must later provide detailed information and go through a detailed screening and application process with the Tenant Relations Officer
The GRFN Housing Department will maintain and update the housing list and add your application to this list. Once your name is added to the list, your Application will be issued an “identification number”. Applications will be maintained for 12 months from the date it is received and it is your responsibility to ensure your application is updated. If you fail to update your Application within the 12 month timeframe, your Application will become null and void.
How do I update my Application?
Contact the Tenant Relations Officer and provide any updates and/or changes to your Application. The Tenant Relations Officer will ensure all updates and/or changes are recorded utilizing the “Section 95 Application Assessment” form.
How do I apply for a Vacant Unit?
Vacant units are posted throughout the GRFN Community at all the businesses as well as on all social media sites (approved through the GRFN). Vacant units are posted for 10 business days.
How are Applicants selected for vacant units?
Each Application is scored using the “rental scoring guide” and the Applicant with the highest points will be awarded the unit. The top two point earners are presented to the Housing Manager for approval at a sanctioned Chief and Council meeting where a Motion is approved.
How will I be notified if I am the unsuccessful applicant?
You will receive a phone call from the Tenant Relations Officer immediately following the Chief and Council meeting. Once your receive a phone call, it is imperative that you implement any direction and/or changes to your Application.
How do I pay my rent?
Payment for rent will be arranged with the Tenant Relations Officer upon signing your Rental Agreement. Rent is due on the 1st of every month, and each tenant has the following options:
- Pre-Authorized Payments
- Direct Pay from your indicated source of income
- Payroll deductions (GRFN and associated staff)
Are appliances included in the unit?
Each unit will have a stove, fridge, washer and dryer.
Who is responsible for maintaining all the appliances in my unit?
Each tenant is responsible for ensuring all appliances are maintained and in good working condition. The GRFN Housing Department will NOT replace or repair any and all appliances.
How do I request maintenance?
Contact the Construction Maintenance Coordinator via telephone or email and explain what is being requested.
What are the next steps after I have requested maintenance and/or repair?
The Construction Maintenance Coordinator will make arrangements with you and an inspection (if necessary) will be conducted.
What is considered an after-hours emergency?
If you experience any of these “possible” emergency items, please contact our After Hours Emergency phone number at 705.254.9492:
- No Heat
- No Hot Water
- Plumbing leak
- Flooding issues
- Electrical issues
- Roof leak
A staff member is on-call 24 hours 7 days a week and will respond immediately.
What do I do in case of a maintenance emergency?
Based on the nature of submission time of your request please see responses below:
Life-Threatening: If your emergency is life-threatening please contact 911 immediately.
During Office Hours: If your emergency is during regular office hours, please contact our Emergency After Hours phone number at 705.254.9492.
After Hours: If you need to submit an emergency maintenance request outside of our standard business hours please contact the Emergency Phone Number and our Team will deem that your repair is an Emergency and the appropriate contractor will be notified.
If it is determined that the request is not an Emergency, then you will receive notification and the appropriate contractor will attend your unit the following day or when notified of the date and time.
What do I do if my home needs repair?
If you feel you require a repair on your unit, please follow standard procedures and contact the Construction Maintenance Coordinator via phone or online to submit your request. Our maintenance team will create a work order based on the information you have provided and it will immediately be assigned to a field representative in your area.
COVID-19 FAQ
Is the GRFN Housing Department still open?
Yes we are. We will continue our operations with adjustments made to promote physical distancing and proper health & safety practices. Our operating hours continue to be from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Our office buildings are closed to the public until further notice.
Do I have to pay my rent?
Yes, rent is still payable at the beginning of each month but we understand this is a difficult time, and we want you to be able to maintain your rental unit. Please continue to pay your rent as normal if you can on the 1st of the month.
If you have experienced a drop in income, please contact our office and the Tenant Relations Officer will discuss the completion of an “affordability analysis” to determine a payment schedule and so we can provide direction to other resources that may be available for you.
What happens if I do not pay my rent?
Even if evictions for non-payment of rent are temporarily paused, your rent is still due. Rent that is not paid will continue to be added to your Arrears account. We understand this is an unprecedented time and we will discuss situation with any of our tenants to work together on successful short and long-term tenancies and housing services.
Unpaid rent will continue to accrue which is why it is so important to work with us to ensure a payment plan is in place and that you access additional government resources to have the revenue to keep your account as current as possible.
Am I able to be evicted/still getting evicted?
Evictions for non-payment of rent will continue in accordance with the GRFN Housing Policy. You can still be evicted for other reasons including causing damage or serious problems among other reasons.
What happens if I lose my job/get laid off? What additional income supports are available to help me pay my rent?
We will absolutely assist if you feel you cannot make a rent payment (or possibly more months moving forward) using the tools we have. Our Staff will assist you during this time to seek other financial assistance.