Kwantlen Polytechnic University (KPU) is tackling the housing affordability crisis for its students by partnering with a home-sharing platform.
Students at KPU’s campuses in Richmond, Surrey and Langley will be able to access SpacesShared platform that matches students with older adults who have spare rooms to rent.
Hosts can earn extra income by sharing their home, and there’s an option of letting students help around the house in exchange for rental discounts.
Home-sharing can be a source of “companionship and community connection,” KPU said in a press release.
This partnership will provide students with more options for “safe and reliable housing” near KPU’s five campuses, said KPU vice-president Zena Mitchell.
“Finding affordable student housing can prove challenging and stressful, so we’re pleased this partnership offers an innovative solution that can be beneficial to both our students and their wider communities,” she added.
Students and hosts will both be vetted by the platform through identity verification and criminal background checks to ensure the safety of both parties.
Via the online platform, students can search for available rooms, view potential matches for compatibility and connect with potential hosts before entering an agreement.
SpacesShared is already operating in several provinces across Canada and is now being introduced in B.C.
Students and hosts interested in signing up for the platform can visit KPU's Housing Resources page or the SpacesShared website for more information.
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