N.L. boosts rental assistance funding in budget

The Newfoundland and Labrador government is increasing funding for rental assistance in an effort to help more low-income households remain in their homes.

Budget 2026 includes an additional $4 million annually, beginning in the 2026-27 fiscal year, to expand eligibility for the Canada-Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Benefit (CHB). The increase is expected to allow approximately 500 more households to access the program.

The CHB is a portable rental assistance benefit for low-income renters, meaning recipients can continue to receive support if they move to a new residence. Payments are calculated based on the gap between what a household can afford — using Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation’s rent-geared-to-income formula — and the average market rent in their area.

The province says the added funding will help address demand for assistance, with the current waitlist sitting at just over 2,600 applicants. More than 60 per cent of those on the list already have housing but are struggling to afford rising costs.

At present, 2,589 households receive support through the CHB, and more than 3,300 households have benefited from the program since its inception.