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Durham Access to Social Housing (DASH)

Looking for help with last month's rent, rental or utility arrears? Please see the Housing Stability Program for more information on how we can help.

If you are already on the DASH wait list:

Durham Access to Social Housing (DASH) DASH runs the wait list for rent-geared-to-income (RGI) and modified units at social housing properties and some private landlords in the region.

There is a long wait list for RGI and for modified units. Most people need to find their own rental housing in the private market while they are on the wait list.

You must apply for RGI or modified housing to be placed on the DASH wait list.

Print an application for RGI or modified housing.

Find out more about social housing and RGI.

Find out more about accessible (modified) housing.

DASH Vacancies Site Frequently Asked Questions

You are normally higher on the wait list than people who applied after you. Some people may have priority, meaning they will be offered housing first.

Modified Housing Request

If you or someone in your household needs a unit with accessibility features due to a disability or medical condition, you can apply through DASH. Submit a Medical Request for Modified Unit Application Form, completed by a regulated health care provider, along with your DASH Waitlist Application.

Housing Services will review your request to confirm eligibility. Applicants must be able to live independently, with or without support. This review helps match your needs with available modified units.

Examples of modifications include:

Widened doorways
Roll-in showers
Lowered counters
Automatic doors

Submitting this form does not guarantee a unit, but it helps the Region of Durham assess and prioritize your request for accessible housing.

Medical Request for Additional Bedroom

If you or someone in your household needs an extra bedroom due to a medical condition or disability, you can apply through DASH. Submit a Medical Request for Additional Bedroom Application Form, completed by a regulated health care provider, along with your DASH Waitlist Application.

DASH staff will review your request based on local occupancy standards to determine if your household qualifies for a larger unit. Examples of eligible situations include:

A spouse needing a separate room due to a chronic condition or disability
A room required to store large medical equipment

Please note:

Conditions like snoring or sleep apnea alone don’t qualify unless part of a broader medical issue
Live-in caregiver requests must include a contract confirming the need for a separate room; caregivers with other housing are not eligible

The form must clearly explain why the extra bedroom is needed to support your household’s health and well-being.

Special Priority applicants

You may be eligible for Special Priority on the DASH wait list if:

You are or have been a victim of human trafficking.
You are living with someone who is abusing you or your children.
You recently stopped living with someone who was abusing you or your children.
Your immigration sponsor is abusing you or your children.

You must be willing to live apart from this person forever.

You must give us proof of the abuse from someone that is working with you professionally. We also need proof that you live with or used to live with the person who is abusing you.

Apply for Special Priority

Overhoused RGI tenants

People who are living in an RGI unit that is too large for them are considered overhoused. They must transfer to a smaller unit, and will be offered a transfer before other applicants on the DASH wait list.

Appeals

If you disagree with a decision about your placement on the DASH wait list, you can appeal to the Regional Review Panel.