Frequently Asked Questions

Clear standards and transparent processes guide how Cornerstone Affordable Homes operates. Below are answers to common questions about eligibility requirements, rent tiers, application steps, and building policies.

About Cornerstone Affordable Homes

Clear standards and transparent processes guide how Cornerstone Affordable Homes operates. Below are answers to common questions about eligibility requirements, rent tiers, application steps, and building policies.

Cornerstone Affordable Homes is operated by ASK Wellness Society, a long-standing community organization with experience in housing development and building management. ASK provides governance and operational oversight to support the portfolio’s long-term stability.

No. Cornerstone Affordable Homes operates as professional rental housing. We provide affordable, well-managed homes and follow standard tenancy legislation. On-site support services are not part of this housing model.

Affordable housing refers to rental homes offered at or below market rates or at rents tied to income. Residents live independently under a standard tenancy agreement, and buildings are managed in accordance with tenancy legislation.

Supportive housing combines housing with on-site services or supports for individuals facing complex health, addiction, or social challenges.

Cornerstone Affordable Homes operates affordable rental housing governed by tenancy legislation. On-site support services are not part of this housing model.

Rent Tiers & Affordability

Cornerstone Affordable Homes uses a mixed-income model with three rent tiers:

  • Market Rent: Units offered at or below rates comparable market rentals.
  • Rent-Geared-to-Income (RGI): Rent calculated as a percentage of total gross household income, subject to BC Housing guidelines.
  • Deep Subsidy Rent: Units with the highest level of subsidy, typically tied to income assistance or disability assistance rates.

Rent tier eligibility is determined through the application and verification process. Eligible applicants must meet income limits set by BC Housing (find income limit details here).

For RGI homes, rent is calculated as a percentage of total gross household income. Income is reviewed at least annually, or sooner if there is a significant change. Residents must provide updated documentation when requested to maintain eligibility.

Residents must notify Cornerstone Affordable Homes promptly if household income or composition changes. Updated documentation may be required, and rent may be adjusted in accordance with BC Housing guidelines and tenancy legislation.

BC Housing Eligibility

Applicants may apply directly through both the Cornerstone Affordable Homes website or the BC Housing Registry, or both. Regardless, income documentation must be submitted by every applicant to determine eligibility for available units

  • Live in British Columbia
  • Meet income eligibility requirements
  • All members of the household must be one of the following:
    • A Canadian citizen not under sponsorship*
    • A permanent resident not under sponsorship*
    • A refugee sponsored by the Government of Canada
    • An individual who has applied for refugee status
    • A Ukrainian in Canada under the Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel (CUAET) visa

* “Sponsorship” means someone other than the Government of Canada signed an agreement to support you financially when you came to Canada. In some circumstances, BC Housing may waive sponsorship restrictions.

For complete and up-to-date eligibility details, visit the BC Housing website.

Income limits vary depending on rent tier and household size. Housing Income Limits (HILs) established by BC Housing apply to rent-geared-to-income and deep subsidy homes. To be eligible for market rent homes, applicants must meet current low- and moderate-income limits.

Application Process

Applicants must:

  1. Schedule a walk-through of the available unit.
  2. Submit an application through the Cornerstone Affordable Homes website, along with required documentation

Applicants may be required to provide:

  • Government-issued identification
  • Notice of Assessment (NOA)
  • Recent pay statements or proof of income
  • Bank statements (three months)
  • Proof of assets
  • Documentation for all adult household members

Documentation requirements vary by rent tier and BC Housing guidelines.

Applications are reviewed using clear and consistent eligibility criteria in accordance with BC Housing guidelines and tenancy legislation. Eligibility is assessed through review of required documentation. References are contacted for eligible applicants.

Homes are allocated fairly across eligible applicants. 

Those applying for rent-geared-to-income or deep subsidy units who are on the BC Housing Registry waitlist may be notified of available units before they are made available to the general public.

We verify income and required documentation, check references, and contact qualified applicants for next steps. 

All information is handled confidentially and in accordance with privacy legislation.

Affordable housing refers to rental homes offered at or below market rates or at rents tied to income. Residents live independently under a standard tenancy agreement, and buildings are managed in accordance with tenancy legislation.

Supportive housing combines housing with on-site services or supports for individuals facing complex health, addiction, or social challenges.

Cornerstone Affordable Homes operates affordable rental housing governed by tenancy legislation. On-site support services are not part of this housing model.

Living in a Cornerstone Building

Approved applicants receive a tenancy agreement and clear move-in information so expectations are understood from day one. A move-in inspection will be conducted by the tenant and landlord (or landlord’s agent).

Cornerstone Affordable Homes operates as professional rental housing with clear tenancy standards. Buildings are actively managed, well maintained, and designed to provide a calm and predictable living environment appropriate for families, seniors, and people with disabilities.

Expectations are transparent and applied consistently.

Yes. Cornerstone Affordable Homes buildings are professionally managed and maintained to a high standard. Entryways are secured, common areas are actively monitored, and tenancy standards are applied consistently in accordance with legislation.

Clear expectations and active management help create a calm and predictable living environment for residents.

Cornerstone Affordable Homes follows Residential Tenancy Rules & Regulations and applies clear building policies to protect the tenant from unlawful practices. Residents are expected to respect the right of others to quiet enjoyment of their homes. Concerns are addressed fairly and through established processes.

We recommend all tenants review their rights and responsibilities in the British Columbia Tenant’s Handbook.

Yes. Tenant insurance is required as part of the tenancy agreement and must be maintained throughout the tenancy.

Suites and interior common areas are non-smoking. Designated outdoor smoking areas may be provided.

If pre-approved, one cat or one small dog may be permitted. A pet deposit is required prior to move-in.

Rent is due on or before the first calendar day of each month. Payment methods are outlined in the tenancy agreement.

Residents must provide at least 30 days’ written notice before the first day of the month in which they intend to move out, in accordance with tenancy legislation.

Contact & Accountability

Who can I contact with questions or concerns?

Cornerstone Affordable Homes buildings are actively managed. Residents and community members may contact the building management team with questions or concerns.

Contact information is posted in each building and available on the website. Inquiries are reviewed and addressed in accordance with tenancy legislation and building policies. General inquiries can be sent to properties@cornerstonehousing.ca.