Frequently Asked Questions

      General

Below are a few general questions. If your question isn't answered here please write to us at chic@cmhc-schl.gc.ca and we'll respond promptly.

1. Where can I get a copy of the National Housing Act (NHA)?
   
2. What do I do if my landlord wants to raise my rent, or won't take care of repairs?
   
3. Is there any financial assistance available to help me make repairs to my home, such as replacing the windows, buying a new furnace or fixing my roof?
   
4. I am a senior who is having trouble getting up and down the stairs of my home and using the bath and shower. Is there any assistance available to help me install railings or other devices to help me get around easier?
   
5. My husband is now in a wheelchair. Is there any financial assistance available to help us put in ramps and widen the doorways?
   
6. I am contemplating buying a home that is insulated with UFFI. Should I be worried?
   

1. Where can I get a copy of the National Housing Act (NHA)?
An electronic version of the National Housing Act can be found on the Justice Canada website.

2. What do I do if my landlord wants to raise my rent, or won't take care of repairs?
Each province has its own legislation for handling landlord/tenant issues. Please see Your Guide to Renting a Home for more information about rental issues and for the contact information for your province or territory.

3. Is there any financial assistance available to help me make repairs to my home, such as replacing the windows, buying a new furnace or fixing my roof?
CMHC offers assistance through a program entitled the Residential Rehabilation Assistance Program (known as RRAP) to households whose income is at or below a specified figure. This program is delivered by local CMHC branch offices across the country, or in some provinces, by the provincial housing authority. Individuals can call our national toll-free number 1-800-668-2642 (option No. 2), where they will be directed to the appropriate office.

4. I am a senior who is having trouble getting up and down the stairs of my home and using the bath and shower. Is there any assistance available to help me install railings or other devices to help me get around easier?
CMHC offers a forgivable loan of up to $3,500.00 to help seniors add features to their home to enable them to get around easier. The program (Home Adaptations for Seniors Independence) is delivered by local CMHC offices across the country, or in some provinces, by the provincial housing authority. Individuals can call our national toll-free number 1-800-668-2642 (option No. 2) where they will be directed to the appropriate office.

5. My husband is now in a wheelchair. Is there any financial assistance available to help us put in ramps and widen the doorways?
CMHC's Residential Rehabilitation Assistance Program for Persons with Disabilities (known as RRAP-D) offers financial assistance to those households with a total income at or below a specified figure who need to make changes to their home to accommodate a person with a disability. Individuals can apply through their local CMHC branch office, or in some provinces, through the provincial housing authority. Individuals can call 1-800-668-2642 (option No. 2), where they will be directed to the appropriate office.

6. I am contemplating buying a home that is insulated with UFFI. Should I be worried?
UFFI was banned in 1980 because it was found that an excess of formaldehyde was given off in the day or two after injection of the foam. Enough complaints were received about it that Canadian authorities became concerned about health implications. Further tests have shown however, that it was only during the initial curing that excess formaldehyde was given off and that homes which were insulated with UFFI before its ban in 1980 show no difference in formaldehyde levels than houses not insulated with it. The only danger that it could pose today is that it will start to break down if it is exposed to water or moisture. In this case, a specialist should remove it. To obtain more information about UFFI, and to view our information sheet, Urea-Formaldehyde Foam Insulation (UFFI), or call 1-800-668-2642.

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