Resources for NPOs and Developers

The City of Richmond secures Low-End Market Rental (LEMR) homes in new residential developments through housing agreements. These homes provide long-term, below-market rental options for households with low to moderate incomes.

Resources for LEMR:

• Bulletin INFO-60 Low-End Market Rental (LEMR) Program Requirements
  Summary of key LEMR program rules and obligations
  
• LEMR FAQ for Property Managers
  Answers to common questions about the LEMR program
  
• Tenant Addendum Template (PDF coming soon)
  Extra form to that must be included with LEMR tenancy agreements.

The City secures affordable housing commitments through legal agreements, including housing agreements and covenants, which are registered on title. These commitments can only be changed through a formal amendment process, which requires Council approval by bylaw.

If you would like to request a change to an existing housing agreement, you must complete the Application to Amend a Housing Agreement and submit it to AffordableHousing@richmond.ca for review.

Launched in 2025, the Affordable Housing Non-Profit Partnership Program brings together non-profit housing providers and community partners who support the delivery of affordable housing and housing-related services in Richmond. The program now includes over 20 participating organizations who meet regularly to share knowledge, strengthen partnerships, and help shape local housing solutions.

The program:

• Builds partnerships with non-profit housing providers and encourages collaboration across organizations;
  
• Strengthens capacity by helping non-profits connect with developers, access senior government funding, and navigate the development process; and
• Improves communication between non-profit providers and City staff to inform policy and raise awareness of housing needs in Richmond.

For more information contact AffordableHousing@richmond.ca.

Applications for the one-time Housing Priorities Grant Program closed on March 26, 2025. Further information on future funding rounds will be updated on this page.

Application forms and detailed eligibility criteria are available on the City Grants page. Inquiries can be directed to AffordableHousing@richmond.ca.
Endorsed by Richmond City Council on November 25, 2024, this one-time, $10 million initiative is funded by the federal Housing Accelerator Fund. The program aims to fast-track the development approvals process for over 220 affordable rental homes in Richmond by reducing cost barriers and increasing the supply of housing for those in need.

To learn more about the program's establishment, see the Council Report on the Housing Priorities Grant Program.

To learn more about previous funding rounds please see Council Report on Housing Priorities Grant Program Allocation.

Richmond encourages the development of a variety of housing types that meet the needs of all residents. This section provides guidance for developers, non-profits, and community partners involved in housing development, including information on City policies and requirements.

Whether you're submitting a development application or exploring how to integrate affordable housing into your project, the resources below can help.

Development Process

Development Applications and Rezoning Process
Learn about the steps and requirements for submitting a development or rezoning application in Richmond.

Affordable and Rental Housing Policies

Bulletin Planning-05 - Market Rental Housing Policy (2018)
Outlines how market rental housing is encouraged and secured through development in Richmond.

Bulletin Planning-06 - Official Community Plan Market Rental Housing Policy Update (Planning-06)
Provides information on recent changes to strengthen Richmond’s approach to supporting market rental housing.

Richmond Tenant Protections and Relocation Assistance due to Redevelopment
Explains requirements for tenant relocation plans when rental housing is redeveloped, including notice, compensation, and support.

Enhanced Accessibility Design Guidelines
Voluntary design guidelines to encourage accessible and inclusive housing for people of all ages and abilities.

Modest Market Rental Rates for the West Cambie Area Plan of the Official Community Plan (Council Policy 5004)
Provides rental rates for modest market rental housing secured in the West Cambie area.

Group Homes in Richmond
Outlines Richmond's policy framework and requirements for group homes.
For Chinese translations: simplified traditional