Beginning October 1, 2025, the Government of Alberta introduced a new, province-wide approach to calculating rent for community housing tenants and Rent Assistance Benefit recipients. The goal was to create a standardized, consistent system across all income sources.
These changes continue to be implemented by all housing providers across the province, including Civida. Changes began being phased in from October 1, 2025.
This page explains what changed, who it affects, and how Civida will support tenants.
What Changed?
- Rent is based on 30% of total household income, whether that income comes from employment, AISH, Income Support, or other sources.
- This replaces previous formulas that excluded certain types of income.
- All sources of income will be treated the same, including:
- Employment income
- AISH (Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped)
- Income Support (formerly Alberta Works)
- RRSP or RRIF withdrawals (for seniors)
- Most taxable income listed on line 15000 of your tax return
- Some income sources that were previously not counted will now be included, such as:
- $735/month from AISH
- $1,200/year for households with dependent children
- Minimum rent, which is the amount of rent charged to households that report zero income, will now be $186 per month (based on government guidelines)
- This change is part of a province-wide effort to create a fair, consistent rent system.
Who Is Affected?
These changes apply to all Community Housing (Social Housing) tenants and Rent Assistance Benefit recipients in Alberta. Your rent may change if you:
- Receive AISH or Income Support
- Are a senior withdrawing from a RRSP or RRIF
- Have dependent children (some exemptions are being removed)
When Did This Happen?
- For current Civida tenants and Rent Assistance Benefit recipients:
- The new rent formula took effect at annual income reviews after January 1, 2026.
- New rent and benefit amounts began immediately following the 2026 income review.
- For new tenants and Rent Assistance Benefit recipients, the changes took effect on October 1, 2025.
What Stays the Same?
- Eligibility for housing and Rent Assistance Benefits is not changing
- Some income and government benefits are still excluded from rent calculations, including:
- Personal benefits under AISH
- Supplementary benefits under Income Support
- One-time government payments like Alberta Affordability Payments may still be excluded.
How Civida is Supporting You
- Send you direct updates by Mail, or Email and Text Message
- Provide budgeting tools and other helpful resources
- Be available to answer questions and concerns through by contacting [email protected].
Support Agencies and Resources:
Monthly Budget Worksheet
Launch resource
Helpful Community Resources
Launch resource
Edmonton Support Programs
Launch resourceFrequently Asked Questions
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Why are Community Housing rent, and Rent Assistance Benefit amounts changing?
The Government of Alberta is introducing a new formula for calculating rent for Community Housing and Rent Assistance Benefits (RAB). Changes will treat all income sources equally.
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What income will be used to calculate my rent, or Rent Assistance Benefit?
AISH, Income Support, employment income, RRSP/RRIF withdrawals (seniors), and other income shown on line 15000 of your tax return.
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How will my rent or Rent Assistance Benefit be calculated?
Rent, or Rent Assistance Benefit (RAB) amounts will be based on 30% of your total household income, including AISH, Income Support, and employment earnings. All other parts of your lease or RAB agreement will not be affected by this change.
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Will these changes increase my rent, or reduce my Rent Assistance Benefit amount?
This depends on your individual situation. If your rent or Rent Assistance Benefit (RAB) was previously calculated based on a reduced amount (for example AISH exemptions), your rent may increase, or your RAB may decrease.
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When will these changes come into effect?
- For current tenants and Rent Assistance Benefit (RAB) recipients, the new calculation will apply at your next annual income review on or after January 1, 2026. Your new rent or RAB amount will begin immediately following your annual income review.
- For new tenants and RAB recipients, the new calculation comes into effect on October 1, 2025.
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What income will NOT be included in my rent or Rent Assistance Benefit calculation ?
- Personal benefits under AISH
- Supplementary benefits under Income Support
- Certain one-time government payments like Alberta Affordability Payments
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Will I lose my housing or Rent Assistance Benefit?
No. This change does not affect your eligibility for housing or rent assistance. The only changes are to how rent and RAB amounts will be calculated.
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What if my income has changed since my last tax return?
We understand your situation may change. Contact us at [email protected] if you have questions about changes to your income.
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What if I can’t afford my new rent?
- These changes are regulated by the Government of Alberta. Civida will be implementing the new calculations, alongside all Housing Management Bodies across the province.
- Covering the costs of everyday essentials can be challenging. For information on government programs and supports, please call 211, or contact your nearest Alberta Supports Centre at www.alberta.ca/alberta-supports.
Examples of how rent, or Rent Assistance Benefits may be changed under the new rules:
