Crime Free Multi-Housing
The Crime Free Multi-Housing Program is designed to help owners, managers, residents, and police work together to keep illegal and nuisance activity out of rental communities.
What the program is all about
- Multi-faceted approach to crime prevention geared specifically for the rental community.
- Partnership between police, landlords and residents.
- Copyright program (Mesa Police) that utilizes a three-phase certification process.
- Comprehensive screening process for new residents and renewed leases.
- Benefits to all partners involved.
Three-Phase Certification Process
Phase 1: Landlord Management Training (one-time certification training)
The police train the landlord (employees) to understand:
- crime prevention;
- Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED);
- resident selection;
- combating illegal activity;
- good property management; and
- building partnerships within the community.
Phase 2: Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) Inspection
The police conduct a yearly CPTED audit of the building and grounds and provide a written report to the landlord. The landlord must meet the minimum standards to receive certification. The fundamentals of CPTED are:
- access control;
- surveillance; and
- territorial reinforcement (includes maintenance and activity generators).
Phase 3: Resident Safety Social
The police meet with residents to explain the program and the importance of their role in the partnership with the police and the landlord by:
- encouraging participation in proactive initiatives; and
- providing crime prevention and safety awareness tips.
Landlords who receive full certification in the Program are permitted to post the Crime Free Multi-Housing Program signs and include the copyright logo in their advertising.
Benefits for Landlords:
- More stable and satisfied resident base - extended lease term.
- Lower maintenance and repair costs - improved property values.
- Improved personal safety for owners and managers.
- Appreciation for dedication to Community involvement - appreciative neighbours - improved communication.
Benefits for Residents:
- Safer and more pleasant place to live - want a longer-term residency.
- Community environment -neighbours speak to each other.
- Identify owners and managers who care and make a difference.
- Develop a sense of personal pride and ownership.
Benefits for Police:
- Reduced calls for service.
- Better use of police resources.
- Better communication - exchange of information.
- Cooperation and better relationships with owners, managers, and residents for the purposes of crime prevention, detection and enforcement.
For more information on the Crime Free Multi-Housing Program:
- Email: CFMHP@ottawapolice.ca
