By Marzieh Nezakat, Manager of BC Settlement and Integration Services (BCSIS), and Nikita Laranjeira, Coordinator of BC’s Refugee Claimant Housing Referral System (BC CHARMS).
An Overlooked Opportunity for Landlords
Across British Columbia, landlords know the pressures of the current rental market all too well. Vacancy rates are low, rents are climbing, and competition for units is fierce. With so many applicants for every available suite, landlords are often in the enviable position of choice.
But while it may be tempting to always rent to the most familiar or “safe seeming” candidate, there is a hidden opportunity that is both practical and profoundly impactful: opening your doors to refugee claimants.
Renting to refugees is not charity. It’s a win-win decision that benefits landlords, tenants, and entire communities. Refugee claimants are people who have fled dangerous conditions and are seeking safety in Canada. Once here, they are determined to rebuild their lives, and housing is a vital component of that process. When landlords provide that stability, they gain tenants who are motivated, resourceful, and often grateful in ways that transform the rental relationship into something deeper than a business transaction.
Refugee claimants also bring long term benefits to the communities in which they settle. Many arrive at a working age, ready to contribute economically. Research has shown that nearly four out of five earn employment income, often in essential industries can keep our communities running. Others create businesses of their own, with about 14% being self employed or business owners by the 10-year mark. Over time, refugees contribute more in taxes than they receive in public benefits, making them a net benefit to Canada’s economy.
Before setting foot in Canada, refugee claimants undergo some of the most rigorous security and background checks of any group entering the housing market. Their identities, fingerprints, and personal histories are reviewed by multiple agencies, including the Canadian Security Intelligence Services (CSIS) and the RCMP. For landlords, this means tenants with a higher degree of vetting than typical renters in today’s market.
Why Refugees Make Excellent Tenants
Beyond the human impact, there are practical reasons why landlords should feel confident renting to refugee claimants:
- Financial reliability: With access to work permits and income supports during their claim process, refugee claimants are legally able to work and motivated to pay rent on time.
- Motivation and responsibility: Having fled difficult circumstances, refugees often bring a deep sense of gratitude and commitment to maintaining their homes.
- Education and awareness: Many settlement organizations provide tenants with orientation on their rights and responsibilities as renters, making them well informed about Canadian tenancy standards.
- Community contribution: Refugees don’t just live in communities, they enrich them. From working in essential jobs to starting small businesses, they are active participants in building stronger neighbourhoods.
How Stable Housing Changes Lives
For tenants, the impact of a landlord’s decision to say “yes” cannot be overstated.
Take Maria and Lewis, for example. They arrived in BC with their children and only a few pieces of luggage. At first, the challenges seemed very overwhelming – navigating a new language, an unfamiliar culture, and the constant worry of where they would live. Through temporary housing support, they were able to settle into a safe space where they could cook meals, establish routines, and help their children adjust to school. Within a few months, they found their own basement apartment and began building a stable life. Maria later reflected, “It was a relief to get into the houses. The kids started to get adjusted to the new environment. We began to feel at home.”
Another tenant, Paul, fled persecution with his wife and newborn baby. After being welcomed into temporary housing and eventually moving into a permanent unit, Paul expressed his gratitude: “We have no words to thank the support you gave us during all this time. If we can repay this help in any way, we gladly will.”
These are not isolated experiences. Housing provides stability, safety, and dignity. For refugee claimants, it is often the first step toward employment, education, and integration into Canadian life. For landlords, these stories demonstrate the profound ripple effects that come from opening your doors.
Innovation in Housing: Developers Leading the Way
In addition to individual landlords, developers are beginning to recognize the role they can play in easing the housing challenges for refugees. Several have partnered with transitional housing providers and settlement agencies to repurpose residential units that were slated for future redevelopment, transforming these otherwise vacant spaces into safe, transitional homes for newcomers. This forward-thinking model not only prevented housing stock from sitting unused during delays in construction approvals but also offered valuable stability for refugee families seeking a fresh start.
These types of partnerships demonstrate that housing refugee claimants can align seamlessly with business objectives while creating broader community impact. For developers and landlords, it reduces vacancy periods and strengthens ties with local government and communities. For tenants, it provides the dignity of a home during a critical transition period. This growing interest in innovative housing solutions shows how the private sector can make meaningful contributions to refugee integration while also advancing long term development goals.
A Call to Action
Choosing to rent to a refugee claimant is not only an act of compassion, but also a practical decision that brings you tenants who are vetted, motivated, and ready to contribute.
If you’re interested in exploring this further, the BC CHARMS database can help connect landlords with refugee-serving organizations. These supports make the process smoother by offering tenant matching, support, and ongoing guidance. While not required, they provide an extra layer of reassurance for landlords who are curious but hesitant.
By saying “yes” to refugee claimants, you’re not just filling a vacancy, you’re creating stability for a family, strengthening your community, and making one of the most rewarding choices a landlord can make.
