Due to the current low vacancy rate of both apartments and houses in Winnipeg, many people have difficulty finding a decent, affordable home to live in.  Additionally, newcomers face numerous challenges in finding housing for many reasons, including:

1. financial constraints
2. lack of knowledge regarding options or available supports
3. lack of understanding regarding the processes of searching for, attaining and retaining housing
4. limited local knowledge of Winnipeg and its neighbourhoods
5. language barriers
6. shortage of available housing

The Rental Counselling Program offers training and support for Newcomers who are looking for a decent and affordable home to rent. This includes renting apartments or houses. Through participation in this program, our hope is that clients will be better enabled to search for, and find, a suitable home, and that they will be better prepared to care for this home as responsible tenants.

As part of this program, clients may participate in a short training course to better understand how to find and care for a rental home.  Topics covered in this course include, but are not limited to, the following:

1. Rights and Responsibilities of Tenants and Landlords
2. Leases, Rent Payments and Condition Reports
3. Cleanliness and Maintenance
4. Basic personal safety for tenants
5. Understanding Utilities

Upon completion of this course, clients will receive the New Journey Housing Rental Training Certificate for Newcomers. This Certificate states the topics covered in the program, and demonstrates to potential landlords and support services that the client has participated in the program.

If you would like to register for the Rental Counselling Program, or for more information, please contact us.