Nova Scotia’s provincial government is resorting to desperate measures to alleviate the housing crisis.
The government will be spending $1.3 million dollars on a partnership with an online home-sharing platform called Happipad, hoping Nova Scotians rent out their extra rooms to individuals looking for short-term rentals.
“This partnership truly encompasses the hospitable nature of all Nova Scotians,” said Housing Minister John Lohr.
There are 130,000 vacant bedrooms across the province, according to Lohr, and he believes they could be filled by students, healthcare workers and people in the trades who are looking for short-term rentals.
The partnership between the online platform and the provincial government began last spring as a way to help those displaced by wildfires to find a temporary place to stay. It will now be available throughout Nova Scotia.
Happipad is run by a Canadian non-profit organization which aims to set up renters in search of affordable month-to-month accommodations with residents looking to rent out extra rooms in their homes.
The platform conducts background checks of both the host and renter to ensure a safe exchange. Happipad also collects and distributes rent money and provides conflict resolution when necessary.
The government said that the rent prices on Happipad are generally lower than that of rent outside of the platform.
“Whether it’s older adults seeking a housing companion to share their home with or newcomers and students in search of safe and affordable accommodations, Happipad embraces people of all ages,” said Cailan Libby, CEO of Happipad in a recent statement.
The platform is available in all provinces.
