Dear residents,

As the efforts to curb the spread of COVID-19 are underway, we hope you and your family are doing well under what are very challenging circumstances. We know that the stress of social distancing, lack of routine and uncertainty is continuing to mount for many of us. As a valued CAPREIT resident, we want to update you on all that CAPREIT is doing for our communities to navigate this unprecedented crisis. We have put together the latest information on rent related matters and the support measures we have implemented. As circumstances concerning COVID-19 are changing daily, we will continue to provide updates and resources in a timely fashion. Below, you will find relevant information on rent collection, government assistance plans and the measures we are taking at the building level to ensure safety for all.



Update - Oct 9, 2020

It’s important for residents to note the following:

We are asking all residents who can pay their rent to please do so as they normally would. For those residents who cannot pay rent, our commitment remains constant to working collaboratively with you on a case by case basis. As of April 1, we have implemented payment plans designed to give those in need some flexibility around their rent obligation.

We value your place in our community. If you have questions, we are here to help you. 

Please visit our Covid-19 Resources Page  for all the latest news and resources.



Update - April 2, 2020

Rent with us Remotely

If you are interested in rental opportunities, our Leasing Specialists remain available via telephone, live chat and email.

We also have virtual tours for most of our buildings. Check out our apartment videos, photos, floor plans of available units and pricing. Through your mobile device, computer or tablet we have what you need to find your next apartment.

You can even start the application process online! Choose your building, available unit and click on Apply Now.



Ian Bickis · The Canadian Press - Mar 30, 2020  

Major landlords promise flexibility as COVID-19 eats into tenants' ability to pay rent

Major REITS say they are trying to help, but 80% of rental stock owned by smaller players

Some of Canada's biggest residential landlords say they're committed to working with tenants who have lost their job because of the novel coronavirus pandemic.

The signals come as efforts to contain the outbreak have led to huge business disruptions and surging unemployment that have made many Canadian worried about how they will pay next month's rent.

The speed of the shutdown in many areas of the economy has meant many people will likely be short on next month's rent, especially since government programs meant to help those who have lost their job won't start paying out until April.

The unprecedented times have led some tenants to call for an all-out rent strike, but major rental companies are urging those who are able to pay their rent to do so, while offering assistance to those who find themselves in need.

"If anybody's lost their job, we are there to support them, and there to work with them through the crisis," said Mark Kenney, CEO of Canadian Apartment Properties Real Estate Investment Trust.

"We are violently against evicting people that find themselves in a place of distress right now."

The company, which manages more than 65,000 residential rentals across Canada as well as in Ireland and the Netherlands, says tenants who need to should get in contact with their property manager to explain their situation, offer to pay what they can and discuss ways they might repay the rest over time.

Other major rental companies including Northview Apartment REIT, Greenwin Corp., MetCap Living, and Boardwalk REIT have also issued notices to tenants, asking them to reach out if they are in financial distress and have committed to various degrees of support.

"Right now, our message to our communities is that Greenwin is still here for them. We are committed to working with our residents as much as possible during this difficult time," said Greenwin Corp. CEO Kris Boyce in a statement.

Given the case-by-case nature of these appeals, it's not yet clear just how accomodative the companies will be. Landords are also limited on what immediate action they can take against tenants, since some provinces have suspended eviction tribunals during the crisis.

Kenney at Capreit says the company will be open to both deferring rent until tenants can pay, as well as rent relief in some cases.

He says, however, that he's worried about the roughly 80 per cent of landlords in Canada who are small-scale owners of units and who won't have the same flexibility.

"These are circumstances that we all have to show empathy in and understanding for. But equally, we need to keep the integrity in the system."

The call echoes what has been coming out of Canada Mortgage and Housing Corp., which has asked that people leave both rent and mortage relief to those who need it most while asking those who can to pay their bills.

Source: CBC News: https://www.cbc.ca/news/business/rents-landlord-covid-19-1.5515071



A Message from FRPO - March 27, 2020 

A Message from the Federation of Rental-Housing Providers of Ontario

TORONTO, March 27, 2020 /CNW/ - Our members sincerely care about our residents. We value you and your families. At this time of emergency, especially, we want you to be safe and secure in your homes. We know that many residents have had their incomes disrupted by the COVID-19 emergency. For some, it may be challenging to pay rent on April 1, 2020.

To take some of the stress out of the situation, we have the following advice on what to do if you cannot pay your rent due to the COVID-19 emergency.

  1. Reach out to your property manager by phone or online (to respect physical distancing).
  2. Explain the situation. 
  3. Offer to pay what you can, if possible. 
  4. Ask about government programs you might qualify for, and for the remainder, discuss a plan for how you could repay over time.

Remember, it is important to please pay your rent if you can. To keep buildings operating, clean, and safe, we need to pay our mortgages, operating costs and employees too.

We understand the situation is unpredictable. Some financial help is already on the way, and all levels of government have already taken steps to help maintain incomes or reduce costs:

  • The Government of Canada has introduced the Canada Emergency Response Benefit which provides $2,000 a month for up to 4 months to individuals who have lost their income as a result of COVID-19. The federal government is also providing a 75% wage subsidy for small and medium-sized businesses so they can keep people employed.
  • The Government of Ontario has set aside $148 million for assistance through Municipal Service Managers, which will use the Canada-Ontario Housing Agreement to direct more resources to tenants. The Province has also committed additional financial relief for low-income seniors, families with children and individuals with student loans.
  • Some municipalities have offered grace periods for municipal payments such as property taxes, water and other utilities, and our members commit to take that into account in making arrangements and calculating arrears. 

We are hopeful that these measures will help benefit our residents, but they may take time to reach those in need. We understand. We urge you to keep the lines of communication open with your property manager.

ABOUT FRPO

The Federation of Rental-Housing Providers of Ontario (FRPO) is the province's leading advocate for quality rental housing. FRPO represents over 2,200 rental housing providers who supply and manage homes for over 350,000 resident households across Ontario.

SOURCE Federation of Rental-Housing Providers of Ontario

For further information: Tony Irwin, President and CEO, Phone: 416-385-1100 x20, Email: tirwin@frpo.org


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Top 10 Tips to get the most from your Live Video Tour

By CAPREIT on 07/15/2020 in Apartment Living Comments (0)

CAPREIT

Top 10 Tips to get the most from your Live Video Tour

When you need to find a new home to rent but you are unable to visit a property in person, what can you do? While in-person tours are the best way to find your next place to live, it isn’t always an option.

Rent With Us Remotely - Banner


If you want to move soon but can’t visit properties in person,
you’ll be pleased to know we’ve rethought the way we show and rent our properties to make your life easier and to prioritize the safety and well-being of all stakeholders. We like to call this approach “Renting Remotely”.

Find out more about the many online resources, content and tools on our website to help you every step of the way from finding your dream rental in your area, to virtually viewing the suite you’re interested in, to starting your application on your mobile device, computer or tablet.

VRMany of our properties offer virtual apartment tours. Look for property pages with the 360° Virtual Tour symbol. Click on the Virtual Tab to enter the Virtual tour. You’ll also find photos, floorplans, and information about the neighborhood, as well. This will help you narrow down your choices.

How our live video tours work: 

whats-app-icon-sm2We use WhatsApp Live Video chat for our live video tours.
WhatsApp is available  for iOS, Android, Windows and MacOS  

 

  1. Request a Live video tour for the suite you want to tour via the location page

    Request Tour Button

    Note: If you do not see a Schedule Live Video Tour button– the location may not be offering live tours at this time, please use the convenient contact form on the page to have a leasing specialist contact you to discuss what options are available to help you with your search.

  2. Complete the “request a live video tour” form and a leasing specialist will contact you to confirm a date and time.

  3. The leasing specialist will follow up with an e-mail message with the details of your tour and instructions.

  4. If you don’t have WhatsApp installed on your phone or computer – visit https://www.whatsapp.com/ download and install it.

  5. Not familiar with Video Calls? Here’s some helpful info on how video calls on WhatsApp work: https://faq.whatsapp.com/android/voice-and-video-calls/how-to-video-call

  6. When it’s time for your scheduled live video tour – your leasing specialist will invite you to a video chat via WhatsApp. You’ll see an Incoming video call pop-up where you can tap Decline or Answer.


Here are some questions to ask and tips to make your Live Video Tour even better:


1Would you send more photos?

You might want pictures of things that aren’t usually included in the web photo gallery, such as the kitchen pantry or the cabinets beneath the sink.

lightbulb icon smallDuring your tour, make sure to ask the leasing specialist to turn on all the lights and/or open all the blinds to get a better sense of the lighting.
2Ask about the cell phone reception and Internet providers in the building. 

This is especially important if you’ll be working from home for any length of time. Ask the specialist about cellular reception in the building and which internet providers and options are available.

3Ask about the dimensions of each room you view.

Have measurements of your furniture on-hand and ask about the dimensions of each room you view.

lightbulb icon smallAs working from home becomes increasingly common, you may find yourself in need of a workspace. Ask if there are any areas in the unit suitable for a dedicated office space.
4Ask to look into closets, cabinets and storage spaces.

Ask about what will fit - it can be hard to understand scale on your small phone screen.

lightbulb icon smallFor example, think of questions to help you determine just how large that walk-in really is.
Would you turn on the shower so I can see the water pressure?
This might seem a little awkward, but if water pressure is important to you, go ahead and ask.
Ask which appliances are included – and ask to see inside them.

Yes, you want to see the inside of the oven, but more importantly – does the door hit the cabinet behind it? Or is there still plenty of room to get around?

Ask about transportation options in the area.

If you will be commuting to work or school, it’s important to know what your transportation options are in the area.

lightbulb icon smallYou can also ask about bus stops, sidewalks, bike lanes, and transit stations, depending on your preferred mode of transportation
Ask about nearby amenities and points of interest

For example: How close is the nearest restaurant and grocery store? Could you walk to a nearby convenience store? Is anything in the area open 24 hours a day?

lightbulb icon smallAsk about the things that are important to you. If you enjoy hiking, for example, ask about nearby trails.
What are some of the residents’ favourite features?

You’ll find that our property management staff enjoy talking about what their residents love about the community, and you’ll be able to see how engaged they are with residents.

Follow up with any questions you missed during your tour.

After your live video tour, follow up with a thank-you email. Include any questions you forgot to ask during the tour, request a floor plan with dimensions to make sure your furniture will comfortably fit in each space.

lightbulb icon smallAsk about the application process and what documents are required, and if you would be able to submit an online application.

Don’t have time for a live video tour?
We also have pre-recorded unit tour videos

Ask our leasing specialists about other options that may be available to you, such as pre-recorded tours, slideshows, photos and more.


Request a Live Video Tour today – so you can check out the unit via a video chat tour with an agent. Look for this button on property pages on caprent.com:

Schedule Tour CTA

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