RentSmart at Action Read

“The course was fabulous - very informative and helpful! I wouldn’t change anything. I loved it!”

The satisfaction of completion!

Recently, with the support of the Rotary Club of Guelph Trillium, Action Read was able to offer the RentSmart Certificate Program to learners! RentSmart is a highly interactive educational program out of British Columbia which gives participants the knowledge and skills to have successful tenancies. And what an awesome learning experience it was! Highlights include a very informative and fun visit from Ian Hickey of the Guelph Fire Department (an optional activity, but one that we are sure to repeat), the comfortable and respectful learning and sharing space created by the seven participants, and the excellent RentSmart manual, to name a few.

Participants particularly enjoyed learning about:

·       the Residential Tenancies Act (esp. laws around rent increases and eviction)
·       how to meet landlord expectations
·       how to effectively advocate around conflict, maintenance and other housing concerns

·       techniques and strategies to improve communications with landlords and neighbours

·       how to handle financial and housing stress in a positive and manageable way

Participants reported that in addition to gaining more knowledge and tools, the program gave them new perspective. For example, in hearing about the challenges that others were facing, one participant realized that her landlord was, in fact, very good about responding to her maintenance concerns. Another participant told us how she “busted” an international rental scam! Several people commented that “Everyone should take this course.” Action Read certainly plans to make it available again in the future! 

Huge thanks to the Rotary Club of Guelph Trillium for funding the 2020 program. Thanks also to the County of Wellington for inviting Action Read to take part in the 5 day RentSmart Educator Training. Finally kudos to the Guelph Fire Department for the wonderful education work they do in our community. For more information on RentSmart, visit https://rentsmarteducation.org/

Participants proudly displaying their RentSmart certificates!