The Community Housing Transformation Centre is excited to announce the relaunch of RentSmart, an innovative educational program dedicated to transforming the relationship between tenants and landlords. We believe in the power of education to improve lives, and bringing RentSmart back signifies a renewed commitment to helping individuals and communities overcome housing instability while preventing homelessness.
Housing instability is a critical issue that affects far too many Canadians, and the consequences are often devastating, not just for tenants but for landlords and the broader community as well. In Canada, it is estimated that about 1.7 million households experience some form of housing instability. This includes issues such as affordability challenges, inadequate housing conditions, or the risk of homelessness.
According to the Canadian Rental Housing Index, nearly 40% of renters spend more than 30% of their income on housing, placing them in what is considered, “core housing need.”
RentSmart tackles these challenges by equipping both tenants and landlords with the tools to secure and maintain stable housing. It also fosters an inclusive environment where everyone can navigate potentially difficult interactions successfully.
The first pilot was launched in 2009 in British Columbia and the program has continued to grow steadily since then. By 2015, over 1,100 community educators have been delivering the program across Canada.
Fostering collaboration among tenants, communities, and landlords
In 2023, the Centre acquired RentSmart to renew and relaunch the program nationally . This includes comprehensive training materials, a dedicated educator dashboard, and additional support resources for former and new community members.
For tenants, RentSmart goes beyond finding a place to live; it focuses on securing a stable home, managing finances, and building positive relationships with landlords. Through the program, tenants gain the confidence and acquire practical tools to secure and keep their housing, reducing the risks of eviction and homelessness. Participants learn how to handle common tenancy challenges, from understanding their rights and responsibilities to managing basic repairs and resolving conflicts.
Landlords also benefit by gaining a deeper understanding of their tenants’ needs and how to create a positive, long-lasting rental relationship. RentSmart fosters a culture of mutual respect and accountability, resulting in successful tenancies and fewer costly disputes. In a housing market where instability and turnover are all too common, the program offers a framework for stability, reliability, and success.
The impact of RentSmart extends beyond individual tenancies. The program also fosters more stable and resilient communities. Preventing homelessness starts with ensuring individuals and families can maintain their homes, and RentSmart is a vital part of that solution.
“We are committed to driving forward our mission of fostering innovative solutions to housing challenges across the country. RentSmart plays an essential role in making this vision a reality by empowering individuals with the knowledge and tools they need to achieve safe, secure, and affordable housing.”
Teresa Guillem, manager RentSmart.
Looking ahead
In early 2025, RentSmart will be available in British Columbia and Ontario. Our goal is to expand the program across the country and to develop a French version.
Join us at the 2024 Housing Central in Vancouver on November 18-20, where Joseph Daniels, Development manager and Kayley Harding, Education specialist, will present the program.
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