RentSmart program will support housing stability

Cobourg, ON – June 18, 2019 – Northumberland County is collaborating with community partners to deliver a certificate program designed to help renters achieve housing stability. RentSmart will equip both tenants and landlords with the tools necessary to maintain successful tenancies.

“Part of ending the cycle of homelessness is reducing the barriers people may face in accessing and sustaining housing,” states Director of Community & Social Services Lisa Horne. “RentSmart curriculum is really focused on help­ing people to build the knowledge, confidence and life skills necessary to achieve successful tenancies. This training has an impact, and we are very pleased to be making it available at no cost to participants throughout 2019.” 

Topics addressed during RentSmart training include:

• Tenant rights and responsibilities
• Landlord responsibilities and expectations
• Living with roommates, housemates and neighbours
• Effective communication skills
• Budgeting and planning for housing affordability and stability
• Maintenance do’s and don’ts
• Crisis management, safety and pests

“Northumberland County and community partners continue to invest in, and work together on, new opportunities to ensure safe, affordable housing for all,” says Acting Warden Bob Crate. “Supporting successful tenancies is vital to building a thriving and inclusive Northumberland. We encourage tenants and landlords alike to take advantage of this program.”

Sessions will be available on a monthly basis throughout 2019 at various loca­tions across Northumberland, with a range of community partners as facilita­tors, and The Help Centre of Northumberland overseeing the registration pro­cess. For specific dates, times and locations and/or to register, please contact The Help Centre of Northumberland at 905-372-2646.