We understand what an important decision it is to choose an apartment building, and we believe people should be able to expect certain standards of quality and service when they rent.
That’s why the Federation of Rental-Housing Providers of Ontario(FRPO) created the Certified Rental Building Program™ (CRBP), the first of its kind in North America.
Among our goals is to promote a healthy, competitive rental housing industry that benefits both landlords and tenants. Part of this win-win scenario is the opportunity for those seeking rental accommodations to know when they are choosing an apartment building that meets those standards.
This Program didn’t happen overnight. We understand renter concerns and thought that the time had come to establish a benchmark “quality-assurance program” which would make it easy for tenants to identify well-run, well-managed multi-residential apartment buildings. After all, an apartment is the renter’s home, and quality of life is as important for tenants as it is for home owners.
Think of the CRBP as the proverbial “good house-keeping” seal of approval for apartment buildings “something you can count on” to help you find a rental apartment building that adheres to the Certified Rental Building Program and make your rental decision easier and ultimately, makes your day-to-day life safer and more pleasant.
The CRBP logo posted at multi-residential apartment buildings across Ontario lets you know that the property manager and staff practice over 36 established apartment building management and customer service standards. It shows you they care about the quality of the building and of the service they provide to tenants. The CRBP empowers apartment shoppers with a tool that will help lead them toward greater satisfaction with their rental decision.
The Program requires property managers and owners to have solid business practices and processes in place. It promotes professionalism in the industry across the province, as well as a renewed respect for just how important a well-run building is to the well being of those who live within it.
To be certified, applicants must complete the apartment rental housing training and education component of the program, including a test at the end. This covers a multitude of topics, from knowledge of the Human Rights Code, to fire and building code compliance, staff training policies, proper safety procedures, information and privacy law compliance and much more. Even things like keeping elevators, heating and cooling equipment well-maintained are part of the Program. There are also annual site inspections that enhance the enforcement of the program requirements.
Respect is a two-way street, and certainly, renters are expected to abide by the building rules that help to keep all tenants safe and comfortable. The landlord or property manager is also responsible for upholding the rules for that same reason.
When all is said and done, renting in Ontario is typically less expensive than owning. Renters should not have to sacrifice quality and/or service when it comes to their residences. The CRBP helps to ensure that they have a solid, well-maintained building to call home.
