The lack of community in rental housing can be a significant issue, as it can lead to a sense of isolation and disconnection among residents, and can also affect the overall liveability of a building or neighbourhood.
Some of the factors that contribute to lack of community in rental housing are:
High turnover: High turnover of residents in rental housing can make it difficult to build a sense of community, as new residents are constantly moving in and out of a building.
Lack of shared spaces: Rental buildings often lack common spaces that can be used for socializing, such as lounges, community gardens, or other shared spaces, which can make it difficult for residents to interact and get to know one another.
Limited social interaction: Many rental buildings lack opportunities for social interaction among residents, such as organized activities or events, which can make it harder for residents to connect with one another.
Poor building design: Rental housing may lack design elements that encourage social interactions such as shared indoor or outdoor spaces. It can be difficult to retrofit these.
Limited incentives for renters to organize: Tenants may face difficulties in organizing themselves or forming groups and associations, especially when they don’t have a sense of permanency or long-term commitment.
However, there are ways to promote a sense of community in rental housing. Some examples include:
Building community through shared spaces: Encouraging the use of shared spaces and common areas in rental buildings can help to promote social interaction and community building among residents.
Organizing events and activities: Hosting events and activities in the building or neighbourhood can help to bring residents together and promote a sense of community.
Encouraging participation: Encouraging residents to participate in decision-making and maintenance of the building can give them a sense of ownership and belonging.
Building supportive relationships: Encouraging property management or landlords to build supportive relationships with tenants, through regular communications and interaction can help to create a sense of community.
We believe a focus on building community can add economic value to these investments.
Building community amongst residents can create a sense of belonging and social cohesion among tenants, which can lead to increased satisfaction and well-being, resulting in lower turnover and higher occupancy.
A sense of community can also foster a sense of responsibility among residents for the upkeep and improvement of the building and its surroundings, which can lead to better-maintained and more attractive buildings. This can help to decrease maintenance costs.
Building community in multifamily buildings can also promote more sustainable living through shared resources, carpooling, or shared transportation arrangements, as well as through community gardens, shared spaces, and other common areas that encourage residents to interact and collaborate. This can also help to reduce running expenses in these buildings.
There are a number of ways to build community such as features that support health, wellness, and social interaction such as providing communal spaces such as rooftop gardens, common workspaces, or yoga facilities. Community-building can also occur through simple social interactive events such as ice cream socials, or allowing pets in buildings. Stay tuned for more examples of community building.
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