Creating Affordable Housing for Refugees and Newcomers: Insights from a Concerned Halifax Property Manager

There will never come a time when human beings stop striving for a better life. It’s a universal desire—to live in a place where you feel safe, valued, and free to pursue opportunities. For many around the world, this pursuit comes at a high cost. People leave behind everything familiar—homes, families, careers, and communities—in search of safety, stability, and hope.

Whether fleeing war, persecution, economic hardship, or environmental crises, refugees and newcomers often arrive in Canada with little more than determination and dreams of building a better future.

Canada has long been seen as a beacon of hope, especially for those coming from unstable or dangerous regions. Our policies are among the most welcoming globally, and cities like Halifax are increasingly becoming home to people from all walks of life. But welcoming people to our shores is only the beginning—what happens after arrival is just as critical.

One of the most pressing needs for newcomers and refugees is affordable housing. It’s not just about having a roof over one’s head; it’s about dignity, safety, and stability. Without access to affordable, secure housing, it becomes much harder for people to focus on employment, education, language learning, or even mental well-being. Housing is foundational. It’s the bedrock upon which successful integration is built.

The Struggle for Affordable Housing

For many refugees and newcomers, finding affordable housing in a city like Halifax can be extremely difficult. The cost of rent has risen significantly in recent years, and the supply of affordable units has not kept pace with the demand. Refugees, in particular, often arrive with no credit history, little or no income, and language barriers. These factors make it difficult to navigate the rental market, compete with other renters, or meet the often stringent requirements of landlords.

Some newcomers also face cultural differences in how housing is managed or negotiated. For example, in some countries, rental agreements may be informal or verbal, while in Canada everything must be in writing. Language gaps and unfamiliarity with tenants’ rights or obligations can further complicate the process. As a result, many end up in overcrowded, unsafe, or overpriced housing—or worse, in shelters or on the street.

Why Halifax Property Managers Should Care

Property managers in Halifax and throughout Nova Scotia have a unique opportunity to be part of the solution. As the frontline stewards of residential properties, property managers often have the power to shape who gets housed and under what terms. By working collaboratively with landlords, nonprofits, settlement agencies, and government programs, property managers can help ensure that refugees and newcomers find decent places to live.

More than that, property managers can help build a more inclusive and compassionate community. When we make housing accessible to everyone—not just those with perfect credit or high-paying jobs—we contribute to a city that is stronger, more diverse, and more resilient. After all, a city is only as healthy as its most vulnerable residents.

What Can Be Done ?

There are several practical steps that Halifax property managers can take to support affordable housing for refugees and newcomers:

1. Partner with Local Organizations
   Collaborate with immigrant-serving agencies, nonprofits, and government programs that work with newcomers. These organizations can help screen tenants, provide rent subsidies, offer cultural orientation, and support both tenants and landlords throughout the tenancy.
2. Offer Flexible Leasing Options
   Consider adapting leasing requirements for newcomers. For example, waiving credit checks in favor of references from local agencies, accepting co-signers, or offering month-to-month leases until tenants stabilize their income.
3. Advocate for Landlord Participation
   Encourage landlords to participate in affordable housing programs or rent supplement schemes. Help them understand the long-term benefits of housing newcomers, including lower vacancy rates, access to government support, and the satisfaction of contributing to a good cause.
4. Educate and Empower
   Take time to explain rental policies, tenant rights and responsibilities, and building rules in clear, simple language. Partner with translators or multilingual materials when needed.
5. Champion Inclusive Housing Policies
   Use your voice to support broader policy initiatives that promote affordable housing development, tenant protections, and rent control. Engage with municipal leaders, housing advocates, and other stakeholders to drive positive change.

Building a Better Halifax

Making housing more accessible to refugees and newcomers isn’t just a moral imperative—it’s also a smart investment in the future of Halifax. Immigrants bring energy, skills, and innovation to our communities. They open businesses, fill labour gaps, and contribute to the cultural vibrancy of our neighborhoods. But to unlock their potential, we need to make sure they have a solid foundation—and that starts with housing.

Let’s imagine a Halifax where every new arrival feels welcomed not just with words, but with actions. A city where landlords and property managers see the value in creating space for everyone, regardless of their background. A Halifax where diversity is more than a buzzword—it’s a way of life.

This is not only possible—it’s necessary.

If you’re a property manager in Halifax or Nova Scotia, you have the power to make a difference. It starts with asking the question: What can I do to help someone find a home today?

Because for every family that finds affordable housing, a new chapter begins. One filled with promise, progress, and the kind of hope that builds stronger communities for us all.