Innovation Spotlight | Property Management-Landlord Partnerships
by Lori Morphy, SARC Trainer/Resource Developer – Service Delivery, November 17, 2025
Navigating the traditional rental housing market can be a challenging and overwhelming experience for anyone, but especially for people experiencing disability. Barriers such as requiring references, requiring proof of employment or income, finding suitable housing, and navigating the process with landlords can make securing housing a challenge. At the end of the day, landlords want to find good tenants that will pay their rent on time and respect the property, and tenants want to make sure their landlords will provide a safe, affordable, well-maintained place to live.
As a result, organizations that support people with disabilities are starting to work directly with landlords to address and alleviate some of these challenges and barriers. In the United Kingdom, several innovative programs have been created by United Response, an organization that offers a variety of services, including housing options for people with disabilities. One option we want to highlight is their landlord partnerships, where United Response leases property from existing landlords, then rents the property to people with disabilities. United Response takes responsibility for:
- Managing the property, including collecting rent.
- Guaranteeing long-term, stable rental income for the landlord.
- Ensuring tenants are well supported and respect the property and their neighbours.
- Returning the property in good condition at the end of the lease.
- Taking responsibility for maintenance and repairs, if desired by the landlord.
- Assisting with the necessary documentation and agreements that meets the needs of the landlord and tenants.
This option can be a win-win-win situation for everyone involved. It takes the capital requirement of owning property out of the hands of the organization, while still supporting people experiencing disability to access housing that meets their needs. Landlords have guaranteed rental income and reliable tenants, and tenants have a great place to live and are still able to access other programming or bring in paid support as needed.
Everyone has the right to a safe, affordable home. These types of collaborative efforts can overcome barriers to housing and make this a reality for people experiencing disability.
Does your organization collaborate with landlords or offer property management services for people experiencing disability? We’d love to hear about your experience! Contact SARC’s Communications Coordinator at ahoffart@sarcan.sk.ca
