By Michael Joel-Hansen

Community Education

Learn more about rental rights at upcoming workshop

Feb 7, 2019 | 4:28 PM

Members of the Prince Albert Literacy Network want to educate the public about the rights and responsibilities of renters and landlords.

Next Tuesday, the John M. Cuelenaere Public Library will host a workshop which aims to make sure those involved in the rental market know what is expected of them.

Samantha Kelly, who serves as adult literacy coordinator for the P.A. Literacy Network told paNOW they are excited about offering this workshop.

“We’d like a more public venue, where obviously the public can register and they don’t have to be in a program to get the services from this workshop,” she said.

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The education program, which is called A Place to Call Home, has been offered by the literacy network for a number of years. But it has been mostly delivered to people who have been enrolled in programs with family service and other community organizations. The information was put together with funding from a number of sources, including the federal government.

Liz Thompson, who is a volunteer with the literacy network will be delivering the workshop. Thompson has been involved in educating people on these issues since 2013.

“We know that lots of people face challenges when it comes to our basic housing,” she said.

The talk will also provide information to those navigating the rental market.

“The package that we put together certainly applies to first time renters or long time renters, landlords community agencies,” Thompson said.

Thompson said in her time giving the workshop she learned some people are not aware of the rights they have as renters.

“Often they think that a lot of the rights remain with the landlord,” she said.

Thompson said one many are unaware of is the responsibility to keep appliances in working order.

On the other side, Thompson said with those rights come responsibilities, such as paying rent on time and reporting damage.

Another issue which Thompson focuses on in her talk is the importance of having good lines of communication.

“If problems do come up how to deal with, how to communicate with landlords and get resolution,” she said.

Thompson said they have recently updated the session with information about cannabis use and vaping —both can be banned under a rental agreement.

People who are interested in attending the workshop are asked to register by calling the Prince Albert Literacy Network, or by going online.

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MichaelJoel.Hansen@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @mjhskcdn