What are the best ways to get landlords involved in community outreach for housing insecurity?

1 Why involve landlords?

Landlords are not only business owners, but also community members who have a stake in the well-being of their tenants and neighborhoods. By involving landlords in community outreach, you can help them understand the causes and impacts of housing insecurity, and the benefits of being part of the solution. For example, you can show them how providing housing stability can reduce tenant turnover, increase rental income, improve property maintenance, and enhance their reputation. You can also help them see how they can contribute to social justice and equity, by addressing the systemic and structural factors that create housing insecurity, such as poverty, discrimination, and lack of affordable housing.

2 How to identify potential partners?

Not all landlords are willing or able to participate in community outreach for housing insecurity. Some may have negative stereotypes or prejudices about low-income or vulnerable tenants, or may prioritize profit over social responsibility. Others may face financial or legal constraints that limit their flexibility or options. Therefore, you need to identify potential partners who are open and interested in working with you and your clients. You can do this by conducting research, networking, and outreach. For example, you can look for landlords who are members of local or national associations, such as the National Association of Residential Property Managers, or who have signed up for voluntary programs, such as the Housing Choice Voucher Program. You can also ask for referrals from other social workers, community organizations, or tenants who have had positive experiences with their landlords.

3 How to build trust and rapport?

One of the most important aspects of getting landlords involved in community outreach is building trust and rapport with them. This can help you establish a positive and respectful relationship, and overcome any potential mistrust or resistance. You can build trust and rapport by communicating clearly and frequently, listening to their needs and concerns, acknowledging their challenges and contributions, and showing appreciation and recognition. You can also demonstrate your professionalism and credibility, by providing accurate and relevant information, following up on your commitments, and delivering quality services to your clients. Additionally, you can invite them to participate in trainings, workshops, or events that can enhance their knowledge and skills, and connect them with other landlords or stakeholders who share their values and goals.

4 How to collaborate effectively?

Collaborating effectively with landlords is crucial for achieving successful outcomes for your clients and the community. Collaboration means working together towards a common goal, while respecting each other's roles and responsibilities. To collaborate effectively, you need to establish clear and realistic expectations, goals, and agreements with the landlords. You also need to communicate regularly and transparently, and provide feedback and support. Moreover, you need to monitor and evaluate the progress and impact of your collaboration, and make adjustments as needed. You can use various tools and strategies to facilitate collaboration, such as case management, mediation, advocacy, or referral. You can also leverage the resources and networks of your agency, organization, or community, to provide additional support and incentives to the landlords.

5 How to address challenges and barriers?

Despite your best efforts, you may encounter some challenges and barriers when getting landlords involved in community outreach for housing insecurity. Some of these may include legal or regulatory issues, financial or operational difficulties, cultural or attitudinal differences, or conflicts or disputes. To address these challenges and barriers, you need to be proactive, flexible, and creative. You need to anticipate and prevent potential problems, and respond quickly and effectively to emerging issues. You also need to seek alternative or innovative solutions, and adapt to changing circumstances. Furthermore, you need to seek help and guidance from your supervisors, colleagues, or mentors, and access relevant training, education, or resources.

6 How to sustain and expand involvement?

Getting landlords involved in community outreach for housing insecurity is not a one-time event, but an ongoing process. You need to sustain and expand their involvement, by maintaining and strengthening your relationship, and by creating and seizing new opportunities. You can sustain and expand their involvement by providing ongoing communication, feedback, and support, and by recognizing and rewarding their efforts and achievements. You can also encourage them to share their stories and experiences with other landlords, tenants, or community members, and to advocate for policy or system changes that can improve housing security. Additionally, you can introduce them to new or emerging programs, initiatives, or partnerships that can enhance their capacity and impact.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?