Veterans are people who served in the armed forces of a country. In Canada, the estimated number of veterans on March 31, 2020, was 629,300; 32,100 were War Service Veterans, and 597,200 were Canadian Armed Forces Veterans. Many of these people have difficulty adapting to life after service.

The country’s veterans receive some benefits to help them with their finances. One of them is the Career Impact Allowance. It is compensation for any financial loss caused by the inability to get a job because of service-related injuries. There is also the Earnings Loss Benefit for veterans undergoing a rehabilitation program. It is also given to those permanently incapacitated. Of course, these aren’t the only benefits they receive. But that’s a topic for another day.

Unfortunately, some develop mental health issues and disabilities after years of service. Others find it challenging to find new jobs because of it. What happens when a veteran wants to rent a property? What can landlords do to assist them?

Veterans with Disabilities

The number of Canadians with hearing loss has an estimated three million people. However, the disability is common in veterans because of the loud noises encountered during their years of service. The Human Rights Code of Canada generally prohibits landlords from discriminating against people with disabilities. It includes making physical changes to a property, revising rules, and removing barriers.

For veteran tenants with hearing loss, the landlords can heighten the use of their other senses like sight and smell. Having a smoke alarm in the property is usually enough to warn the tenants because of the loud sounds. However, people with affected hearing will have difficulty. One with strobe lights can become an alternative to catch their attention.

Service Animals

Having animals inside a property needs proper discussion between tenants and landlords. It also depends on the local laws in their province. A landlord might prefer tenants who do not own pets. Although, there is an exception for service animals.

Some veteran tenants may need to have the assistance of these animals. The law protects them in different provinces, which you have to learn. British Columbia has the Guide Dog and Service Dog Act, while Alberta has the Service Animals Act. Landlords also have to remember that service animals do not require pet deposits.

Communication

Being able to communicate with tenants is an essential part of renting. Landlords have to adjust to get their messages across. I know it is challenging with veterans with hearing disabilities, but there are other means of communication. The best solution is through written messages using texts and emails. The landlords can also ask a close relative or friend to relay any information.

Homeless Veterans

As of 2020, there are around 2,950 homeless veterans in Canada. These people are struggling to adjust from their service life to civilian life. Fortunately, there are support programs for them. The Royal Canadian Legion’s Poppy Fund pledges finances to support the veterans’ accommodations. The Homes for Heroes Foundation aids in searching for affordable houses for them.

Landlords can offer rental homes to veteran tenants that can fit their budget. You can convince property owners to help provide these veterans and their families with a place of shelter, protection, and comfort. After all, they deserve all that after their years of serving the country. The landlords will gain income and offer assistance at the same time. It’s a win-win situation.

If you know a landlord willing to rent their property to veterans, you can specify it in your ads and market it. Utilize a reliable website that will make sure many people will see it. Take Padleads, for example. They let you post your property listings and syndicate them to other websites all over the internet. You will fill in that vacancy in no time.