Toronto HELP Loan 2026: Rates, Terms and How to Apply

Toronto Home Energy Loan Program (HELP)

HELP is the City of Toronto's low-interest loan for home energy upgrades: up to $125,000 or 10% of the property's current value assessment, whichever is less, at fixed rates from 3.83% to 5.12%, repaid through the property tax bill over 5 to 20 years.

Next Level is listed by the City of Toronto among the Energy Advisors homeowners can use for HELP assessments.

Reviewed by Adam Polakow, Managing Director · Checked October 27, 2026

Rates and terms

Fixed rates set by the City, valid until December 31, 2026:

Term	Fixed rate	Monthly payment on $25,000*	Monthly payment on $50,000*
5 years	3.83%	$455	$909
10 years	4.43%	$227	$455
15 years	4.85%	$152	$303
20 years**	5.12%	$114	$227

*City of Toronto estimates; 11 payments a year through the property tax bill. **Only for projects that include solar PV, geothermal, new windows or heat pumps. A 2% administrative charge is added, and the total loan cannot exceed $125,000 or 10% of the property's current value assessment.

Who qualifies

Detached, semi-detached, row houses, duplexes, triplexes and low-rise residential buildings up to three storeys and six units, in Toronto (postal code starting with "M")
All owners on title consent
No more than three property tax or utility accounts 60 days past due in the last three years
Written consent from your mortgage lender, if you have a mortgage

What it can pay for

Heat pumps, windows and doors, insulation, air sealing, geothermal, high-efficiency water heaters, furnaces, boilers and air conditioners, tankless water heaters, drain-water heat recovery, toilets, solar hot water, rooftop solar PV, Level 2 EV chargers and battery storage.

How it works, step by step

Apply online. The City sends a funding offer, after lender consent if you have a mortgage (5 to 7 business days per step).
Pre-retrofit EnerGuide assessment with an NRCan registered Energy Advisor. You get an EnerGuide rating and a renovation upgrade report.
Funding request with contractor quotes and the rebates you expect.
Property Owner Agreement. Once signed and approved, up to 30% of funds can be advanced to start.
Do the work, then a post-retrofit assessment. Your Energy Advisor signs the Project Completion Report, and the City releases the rest.
Repay through your property tax bill, starting about 60 days after file closure. You can pay it off at any time, and the loan stays with the property if you sell.

Heat pump-only and rooftop solar-only projects skip the EnerGuide assessments: your installer signs an attestation and completion report instead.

Stack it with rebates

HELP pays for the work up front; rebates then reduce what you owe. Combine it with Home Renovation Savings and the National Heat Pump Rebate.

Next Level is listed by the City of Toronto among Energy Advisors for HELP. Book your EnerGuide assessment.

Sources: City of Toronto: Home Energy Loan Program. Program details change; we confirm current rules before you commit.

Common questions

How much can I borrow through HELP?

Up to $125,000 or 10% of your property's current value assessment, whichever is less. The loan value includes the funding amount, interest and a 2% administrative charge.

What are the HELP interest rates?

Fixed rates valid until December 31, 2026: 3.83% for 5 years, 4.43% for 10 years, 4.85% for 15 years and 5.12% for 20 years. The 20-year term is only for projects that include solar PV, geothermal, new windows or heat pumps.

Do I need an EnerGuide assessment for HELP?

Yes for most projects: a pre-retrofit assessment before your funding request and a post-retrofit assessment at completion. Heat pump-only and rooftop solar-only projects no longer need them.

Which homes qualify?

Detached, semi-detached, row houses, duplexes, triplexes and low-rise residential buildings of up to three storeys and six units in Toronto, with all owners consenting and lender consent where there is a mortgage.