Rooming houses play a critical role in many communities across Canada, providing a low-cost housing option that keeps many people off the streets. Rooming houses offer a path out of homelessness for those leaving an emergency shelter. And while many do offer safe and affordable housing, others are characterized by a variety of problems: shared bathrooms and kitchens that are often unsanitary; lack of repairs and maintenance resulting in properties that are poorly kept; lack of privacy and security; drinking and drug use; theft; and violence.
