The Crime Free Multi-Housing Program (CFMH) is designed to help owners, managers and residents keep illegal and nuisance activity off rental property. Certified rental properties mean that the building owners and managers have taken positive steps to promote effective management to improve the health of the community, and the quality of life for residents by developing an environment where crime cannot flourish. 

Benefits 

• A stable, more satisfied resident base 
• Increased demand for rental units with a reputation for active management 
• Lower maintenance and repair costs 
• Increased property values 
• Improved personal safety for residents, landlords and managers  
• Peace of mind that comes from spending more time on routine management less time on crisis control

Three steps to success

• Phase I: Management Training 
  Building managers attend training sessions where they learn about the principles of the program, crime prevention tips and applicant screening. 

• Phase II: Property Security Assessment 
  A police representative will conduct a thorough security assessment of the property (interior and exterior) and provide recommendations for improvement. 

• Phase III: Safety Social and Manager Meetings 
  The Safety Social is hosted by the Building Managers. It is an opportunity for managers and residents to get together to address safety and security issues and share improvement ideas. Upon request, Surrey Police Service (SPS) representatives can attend and provide residents with safety and security tips. The Manager Meetings are hosted by the CFMH Coordinator. These meetings are held regularly to provide Building Managers an opportunity to get together to discuss best practices in crime prevention. A guest speaker (legal professional or security expert) is invited to give a brief presentation. 

What you will learn

1. Prevention & applicant screening  

• How code compliance can protect your rights as a rental property owner and manager 
• The benefits of applicant screening 
• Tips to strengthen rental agreements 
• How to become a proactive rental property manager 
• How to maintain a safe and healthy environment for residents 

2. Drug nuisance abatement  

• Warning signs of illegal drug activity 
• Actions you must take if you discover illegal activities on the rental property 
• Crisis resolution and eviction process 
• The role of SPS

Successful completion of these three steps results in an apartment community being fully certified in the Crime Free Multi-Housing Program. The property will then be able to display the CFMH sign and to use the CFMH logo in its rental advertising. 

Regular reviews and annual re-certification ensure that the certified apartment community continues to meet the CFMH program requirements.