Over the past several years, there have been many changes to St. John’s rental landscape, as well as to our local community sector and the broader economy. As we adjust to these changes, the City of St. John’s Affordable Housing Working Group is taking the opportunity to engage with landlords to understand the impacts of these changes on the rental properties market. In addition, we hope to gauge interest in, barriers to, and build knowledge around providing affordable housing in our city.
WHAT IS AFFORDABLE HOUSING?
The City of St. John’s 10-Year Affordable Housing Strategy 2019-2028 defines affordable housing as that which costs “less than 30 per cent of a household’s pre-tax income including housing and related costs—such as mortgage or rent, property taxes, home energy, water and repairs.” According to the 2016 Census, 64.90 % of tenants in St. John’s are spending 30% or more of their gross monthly income on shelter. While we are waiting for the most recent census data, indicators such as a lower vacancy rate and observations from our partners in the housing sector suggest this percentage will not change.
WHO IS A LANDLORD?

Anyone who receives payments to have individuals live at a property they own or manage in St. John’s is a landlord. These payments may come from any source (e.g., individuals, Income Support, Eastern Health, NLHC, etc.) and can be for various types of accommodations (e.g., bedsitting rooms, personal care/community care homes, individuals with basement apartments, bachelor apartments, etc.).
Does this sound like you? If yes, we need your help and input! We would like to learn more about St. John’s landlords to strengthen our housing sector. This survey should only take 5-10 minutes. This survey is anonymous. However, you will be given the option to learn more about community services and supports in the housing sector upon your request.

This survey will close on June 3, 2022.

Your time is valuable so we would like to say thank you for taking a few minutes to share your ideas about what it is like to be a landlord in St. John’s.

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