RentSmart makes being a landlord easier.
RentSmart is an education program that builds the skills, knowledge and confidence to have a successful tenancy.
RentSmart Tenants know how to look after their place, have a financial plan to pay their rent on time and in full, and communicate respectfully and effectively. Graduates receive a Certificate that can act as a reference.
RentSmart Landlords:
1. Recognize the RentSmart certificate on housing applications
2. Can verify RentSmart as a 3rd party reference, and;
3. Are recognized as being part of the housing solution.
Frequently Asked Questions
People who take RentSmart tend to face barriers to housing, primarily by not having a housing reference. These people include: young people and first time renters, newcomers to Canada and people in life transitions.
On your housing application form, include RentSmart as a reference by recording the verification number on the certificate. Enter this number in our ‘verification search’ field.
“Participants feel empowered when given the knowledge and
skills of the many components that RentSmart offers. Participants
are engaged to attempt to meet their own basic housing and social
needs. Their increased knowledge of tenant/landlord rights and
responsibilities motivate them to confidently seek housing both
inside/outside of their home communities. To move forward with
healthy expectations and the feeling of being able to have a positive
impact on their own futures, to function as valued tenants
and/or homeowners.”
– Landlord
“I for sure have seen ready to rent empower community members!
They don’t realize how little they know about living off reserve until
taking the course. When we live on reserve our whole lives moving off
is a complete culture shock because finally we are held accountable for
our actions meaning we HAVE to pay rent in order to have a home there
is little flexibility for us, and also we have to think of our finances and
budget our money properly so the members think ‘wow I need a full
time job and so does my mate in order to make this work’ so taking the
course is somewhat of a stepping stone on to bigger and better things,
like getting a job or going back to school so that they can get a
good job to afford housing.”
– Landlord
“As a landlord of apartment rentals one of the key things I use to vet potential tenants
is their credit history. In my experience, if they pay their bills on time, generally they end up being
good (if not always quiet) tenants. Other criteria we use are employment history, former landlord
and personal recommendations etc. However, I can’t rely on credit history when there is no credit record and
this often happens when applicants are new to the country/province – be it recent immigration or arrival
to complete courses at university. In this instance I would find it useful if the applicant had completed the
RentSmart program. A completed RentSmart program would help indicate an applicant’s serious
attitude towards finding rental housing and also make an application stand out from others. “
– Landlord
