What does it take to build a life in a new country? On this episode of Sync or Swim, host Giacomo Ladas speaks with Stephanie Ford, Head of Content Strategy at Moving2Canada, about the newcomer experience in Canada. Stephanie shares how Moving2Canada grew from a Facebook group into a leading resource for immigration and settlement, and reflects on her own journey from Australia. The conversation covers key housing challenges, from misconceptions about basement suites to differences in rental rules across provinces. Stephanie offers practical advice on preparing documents, avoiding scams, and building credit, along with tips like starting with short-term accommodation before signing a lease. Tune in for insights on what newcomers face and how to make the transition smoother!

Key Points From This Episode:

• Introducing guest Stephanie Ford, Head of Content Strategy at Moving2Canada.

• Moving2Canada's journey since starting as a Facebook group in 2011.

• Why Moving2Canada's free immigration resources are vital for accessibility.

• A breakdown of Stephanie's personal journey moving from Australia.

• Early challenges newcomers face: housing, healthcare, banking, and immigration rules.

• Misconceptions about basement suites and provincial rental laws.

• Exploring stigma around renting in Canada compared to Europe and Australia.

• Why Toronto and Vancouver tend to attract the most newcomers despite high costs.

• Tips for renters: credit scores, references, and landlord expectations.

• Key documents to prepare: references, bank statements, and proof of funds.

• Common mistakes, including scams and signing leases before knowing neighbourhoods.

• Short-term rentals as a safer first step before committing to long-term rentals.

• Tips for building credit from scratch as a newcomer in Canada.

Quotes:

"We're really designed to support newcomers throughout the entire immigration and settlement journey at no cost to them." — Stephanie Ford [0:04:10]

"Housing can be surprisingly expensive [for newcomers], which can be a really significant challenge, especially in the first few years." — Stephanie Ford [0:07:49]

"Young people are attracted to cities. We're seeing that everywhere. People are moving from regional areas to cities, ideally for better economic opportunities. That's played out in Canada's immigration as well." — Stephanie Ford [0:12:45]

"If you're applying for a house, just bear in mind that your landlord wants two things. They want someone who they can trust to treat their property with care and respect, and to pay rent on time." — Stephanie Ford [0:16:11]

Links Mentioned in Today's Episode:

Stephanie Ford

Stephanie Ford on LinkedIn

Moving2Canada

Moving2Canada on Facebook

Moving2Canada on Instagram
Moving2Canada on TikTok
'How to Identify Rental Scams When Searching for an Apartment or Housing'
Rentals.ca
Giacomo Ladas on LinkedIn

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Episode 94: Show Notes

How do you know if a building lives up to its claim of being well-maintained, professionally managed, and with a quality-living offering? That's where the Certified Rental Building Program (CRB Program) comes in. We are joined today by Dilan Cetinkaya, the Director of Certification at the Federation of Rental-Housing Providers of Ontario (FPRO), the leading advocate for strong and stable rental housing and the largest association in Ontario representing those who own, manage, build, finance, service, and supply residential rental homes. At FPRO, Dilan oversees all certification standards for the Canadian Certified Rental Building Program (CRBP), and she begins our conversation by detailing the work and main focuses of CRBP. We learn about the pain points the CRB Program is trying to solve, how it separates itself from other quality claims or qualifications, the standards that need to be met to obtain CRB certification, and how long it takes to get certified. Dilan also explains how the program helps landlords and property managers compared to renters before unpacking the CRBP's green initiative, Living Green Together. To end, our guest walks us through a step-by-step guide to becoming CRB certified, and we learn what the future may hold for the CRBP and its work.

Key Points From This Episode:

• The Canadian Certified Rental Building Program (CRBP) and Dilan Cetinkaya's role at the organisation.

• Why the Certified Rental Building Program (CRB Program) was created; pain points it aims to solve.

• How the CRB Program differentiates itself from other past quality claims or qualifications?

• The standards buildings are required to meet to become CRB Program certified.

• Understanding the frequency of accountability checks and how long it takes to be certified.

• How the CRB Program helps landlords and property managers versus how it helps renters.

• Case studies that highlight the program's impact on tenant satisfaction and retention.

• Living Green Together: Unpacking the CRBP's green initiative.

• Dilan explains how the program will make rental searches easier moving forward.

• A step-by-step guide to becoming CRB certified.

• What the CRBP has planned for its future and what tomorrow may hold for the CRB Program.

• How to find CRB-certified buildings in your rental search.

Quotes:

"For owners and managers, [the CRB Program] helps to ensure that your property is reducing its operational costs, mitigating risks, and improving asset performance. For renters, it essentially provides a stamp that this building is well-run, well-managed, [and] well-maintained." — Dilan Cetinkaya [0:02:04]

"By being CRB certified, you do get additional [ESG] points. We are recognized by [Global Real Estate Sustainability Benchmarking] and we're an industry supporter. So, you're also helping to improve your ESG performance as well." — Dilan Cetinkaya [0:10:39]

"Overall, I just think [the CRB Program] will help make the rent search easier for residents." — Dilan Cetinkaya [0:16:52]

Links Mentioned in Today's Episode:

Dilan Cetinkaya on LinkedIn

Dilan Cetinkaya Email

Canadian CRB Program (CRBP)

Federation of Rental-housing Providers of Ontario (FRPO)

BOMA BEST

RentSafeTO

Rentals.ca

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