The goal of the Crime Free Multi-Housing program is to introduce crime prevention techniques to multi-housing properties as to reduce the likelihood of criminal activity occurring on the premises. The Crime Free Multi-Housing program adheres to the principles detailed in Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design.

The City of Edmonton has a number of properties that have completed the three phases and are certified Crime Free Multi-Housing properties. As a public service, the EPS has complied a list of certified properties based on the six policing divisions throughout the city.

View Crime Free Multi-Housing Properties

Benefits of the Crime Free Multi-Housing Program

• 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; and
• Peace of mind that comes from spending more time on routine management instead of crisis control.

Just as the merchant depends on the customer for his livelihood, so does the landlord depend on the tenant. This places the tenant in a unique and powerful position. By refusing to rent from landlords who close their eyes to illegal activity, you convey a clear message that the rental community will seek out responsible, dedicated landlords. Those landlords who allow illegal activity on their property will see their occupancy rates decline and their profits dwindle.

The next Crime Free Multi-Housing course will be held on October 23-24, 2024. *October 22 for the 1/2 day recert. **Registration forms must be received no later than September 20, 2024. For all management companies interested in registering themselves, site managers, assistant managers or maintenance staff, please contact us at  crimefreemultihousing@edmontonpolice.ca To learn more about the responsibilities of renting, visit The Property, The Neighbourhood, The Landlord, and The Tenant sections of our site.

View the Crime Free Multi Housing brochure here.

The program consists of three phases

Phase 1

• Two-day seminar that teaches the concepts of creating a crime-free building;
• Those attending the seminar will be given a 12 chapter manual that provides additional community resources for tenants, landlords, and property managers;
• Includes presentations on Crime Prevention through Environmental Design (CPTED), drug and gang awareness, and the Crime Free Lease Addendum;
• Upon completion of the Crime Free Multi-Housing (CFMH) seminar, a pre-inspection needs to be scheduled with the CFMH coordinator to determine what upgrades need to be completed in order to pass the Phase 2 inspection.

Phase 2

• A complete inspection of your building by a certified CFMH official; there are nine mandatory components the buildings must pass to be fully certified.
• This report will determine if the upgrades needed during the pre-inspection have been completed. If this inspection is passed, the Phase 2 Certificate will be issued.

Phase 3

• The property owner/manager will organize a Safety Social with the building tenants;
• A police officer will deliver a presentation on Crime Prevention and the concept of the Crime Free Multi-Housing Program.

The strength of Crime Free Multi-Housing Program lies in the ongoing maintenance needed to remain in the program. In order to maintain Crime-Free status, a property manager must:

• Ensure his / her property passes a yearly inspection;
• Organize a Safety Social every two years (try to schedule the same day with the yearly inspections);
• Complete a 1/2 day recertification course every three years.