April 1 marks the first time rent is due since the COVID-19 virus shut down a large part of the economy. (file photo/paNOW Staff)

By Michael Joel-Hansen

cost of living

Housing concerns emerge after COVID-19 shutdowns

Apr 1, 2020 | 5:37 PM

It’s the first rental due date since COVID-19 forced a major economic shutdown across the country.

Brian Howell, general manager with Riverbank Development Corporation in Prince Albert, which provides affordable housing in the city said he expects to see more people reaching out to him and his organization for advice and assistance.

“We’re expecting that they’ll probably take place over the next few days,” he said.

Howell added some people may not be as affected right away. He said the closure of the Northern Lights Casino and retail outlets is going to especially impact some of the people his organization houses.

In regards to the temporary halting of evictions, Howell said the move made sense given current circumstances and the need to protect against the virus. He added renters need to be aware of what the action truly means.

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“It’s important that they not view this as a rent holiday and if they’re having difficulties [they need to] talk to their landlords,” he said.

Administrators at the Saskatchewan Landlord Association (SKLA), which is based out of Saskatoon and represents property owners across the province said they have concerns about the rental industry not receiving targeted help.

“There’s no assistance for tenants or landlord to ensure that the cash flow of the rental housing industry is maintained,” Cameron Choquette, executive officer with SKLA, said.

Choquette said staff members at the organization heard tenants are struggling to pay rent as some may not qualify for current assistance programs. He said it would be of benefit if the province set up a rent bank and provide tenants with interest free loans to cover rental costs.

“Ultimately that facilitates the health and safety of tenants and makes sure that housing is continued to be provided,” he said.

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MichaelJoel.Hansen@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @mjhskcdn