RentSmart Windsor Essex

RentSmart Windsor-Essex was an educational program that aimed to empower residents with knowledge of tenancy rights and provided communication tools to improve tenant-landlord relationships. The goal of the program was to encourage successful tenancies.

Background 

RentSmart Windsor-Essex was initiated through a partnership between the City of Windsor’s Housing Department and Pathway to Potential (P2P) in 2019. P2P and the Housing Department provided ongoing commitment and capacity-building support for the development of local RentSmart educators. The partnership through the RentSmart program was also highlighted as a strategic goal within Housing’s 10-Year Housing and Homelessness Master Plan. Since 2019, over 20 staff from 18 Windsor-Essex agencies have been trained as RentSmart educators. Within the community, approximately 800 Windsor-Essex residents increased their knowledge of housing rights through their participation in the RentSmart program. 

Impact

Testimonials

“The RentSmart program and staff helped me to learn about Canadian landlords and tenants' responsibilities and rights, things to look for when choosing a rental property, how to choose a rental house or apartment, and how to manage your finances and many more. These have been very useful information and tools for me as I integrate into my new Canadian life. I am very thankful to the RentSmart program because it provides me life skills, support and education with one goal: successful tenancies.” — RentSmart Graduate

“I am grateful to have the opportunity to take this course. I have learned a lot about housing, how to be a better tenant and learned what my landlord’s legal obligations are if I ever come across a housing issue.” — RentSmart Graduate