Home Energy Loan Program - HELP

Making a home more energy efficient is one of the most substantial actions homeowners can take to reduce the emissions contributing to climate change. Through the Home Energy Loan Program (HELP), Toronto homeowners can borrow up to $125,000 to cover the cost of home energy improvements, such as:

• Air-source heat pumps

• Window/door replacements

• Insulation: basement/attic/exterior wall

• Air sealing (e.g. weather stripping or caulking)

• Geothermal systems

• High-efficiency water heaters

• High-efficiency furnaces/boilers/air conditioners

• Tankless water heaters

• Drain-water heat recovery systems

• Toilet replacements

• Solar hot water systems

• Rooftop solar PV panels

• Electric vehicle charging stations (Level 2)

• Battery storage

HELP makes it easy and affordable for homeowners to pay for home improvements over time and access rebates offered by utility companies and the Federal government. Once funding is approved, homeowners can hire the contractor of their choice and complete their renovations.

Note: Projects that include any of the following measures: solar, windows, geothermal and/or heat pumps are eligible for a 20-year term.

Eligibility Criteria:

You may qualify for a low-interest loan through HELP if:

• you own a detached, semi-detached, or row house in the City of Toronto (the property’s postal code must start with an “M”);

• all of the property owners on title consent to participate in the program;

• you do not have more than three instances of a property tax or utility account being 60 days past due in the last three years; and

• you obtain written consent from your mortgage lender if applicable*.

*If your property is subject to a mortgage, you will receive a customized Lender Consent Form.

You may combine HELP with energy efficiency rebates and incentives from the City of Toronto, the Province of Ontario, the Government of Canada and utility companies.

Application Process:

Step 1: Complete an Application Form

Complete the online application form.

Once the City receives and approves your application, we will send you a funding offer that states the maximum amount your property is eligible to receive through the Home Energy Loan Program (HELP). If your home is subject to a mortgage, we will provide a letter and form for you to give to your mortgage lender. Your mortgage lender’s consent is required before the City can send you a funding offer.

Step 2: Home Energy Assessment and Funding Request

Book a Home Energy Assessment with one of our Natural Resources Canada's registered Energy Advisors.

The assessment will include a basement-to-attic assessment of your home’s insulation, heating and cooling systems, and detect any air leaks or drafts.

When the assessment is complete, you will receive:

• a Renovation Upgrade Report with recommendations for specific improvements

• an EnerGuide¹ rating based on your home’s current energy performance

• information on available incentives and rebates

Determine which improvements you wish to make and get quotes from the contractor(s) of your choice based on your goals, budget and recommendations of the Energy Advisor.

Your funding request will include:

• a list of the improvements you intend to undertake;

• details and cost estimates based on contractor quote(s); and

• the estimated incentive and rebate amounts available to you from the utility companies.

Step 3: Property Owner Agreement

Once the City approves your Funding Request, we will send you a Property Owner Agreement (POA), the funding agreement between the property owner(s) and the City.

You must sign the POA and return to the City. Once the City approves the POA, we can provide, if requested, up to 30 percent of the funds to help you get your project underway.

Step 4: Complete Your Improvements and Submit Your Project Completion Report

Homeowners assume full responsibility for the work performed, which includes selecting, hiring and paying contractors, and obtaining all required municipal and/or provincial permits, if applicable.

When your project is complete, book your post-retrofit home energy assessment with one of our Natural Resources Canada's registered Energy Advisors. The Advisor will verify the improvements and provide a new EnerGuide¹ rating for your home.

Submit a Project Completion Report signed by your Energy Advisor, along with your contractor’s invoices and your new EnerGuide rating label. The City will then provide you with the remaining funds for your project.

Step 5: Repay the Loan Over Time Via your property tax bill

Once your project is complete, the City will notify you when your loan payments will begin. You will be enrolled in the City’s Pre-Authorized Tax Payment program and repay the City via 11 monthly instalments per year over the term of your loan. Loan payments made via the property tax bill are treated in the same manner and subject to the same penalties, remedies and lien priorities.

You may pay the outstanding balance to clear the loan from your property at any time during the loan term. Early repayment will be subjected to a Revenue Services service fee.

Explore Program Website--->

Interest Terms & Rates

The following rates and terms are valid until September 30, 2025:

An administrative charge of two percent (2 per cent), which reflects the City’s cost of administering the program, will be added.

• The loan’s value, which will include the funding amount, interest, and an administrative charge, cannot exceed 10 per cent of the current value assessment (CVA) for your property, or $125,000, whichever is less.

• Interest rates are fixed and will not fluctuate over the term.

• Homeowners will repay the loan via their property tax bill and can pay it off anytime.

This chart estimates the monthly payments based on specific funding amounts.