Durham's Easy Entry to Private Rentals (DEEPR)

The Social Services Department at Durham Region would like to simplify the complexity in searching for affordable rentals, specifically for seniors.

The intent of this project is to develop ideas to replace the fragmented list of unreliable resources Durham’s residents are currently relying on to find affordable housing.

This system promises to be very user-friendly for seniors and the technically challenged. Everyone searching for a rental unit should be able to utilize this tool to uncover hidden vacancies.

Landlords will have easy access to upload the details of their vacant units. They would include the description of the vacancies (photos, rent, required deposits, list of required documents, amenities included, etc.).

Tenants will find ease in searching via specific filters:

• Specific Locations
• Rent
• Vacancy preferences (number of bedrooms/bathrooms, type of flooring)

Vacancies will simply be removed from the system once units are rented. Ideally, the landlord will need only to push a button to indicate “rented” once leases are signed.

Frequent updates to the site would provide a central and reliable source to search for affordable vacancies while they wait for subsidized housing.

Host Department: Social Services

Type of Collaboration: Upper-year group project

Anticipated Outcome: Research to gather information and suggestions for a popular, and reliable tool that seniors or the technically challenged can rely on when faced with the challenge of finding a place to live. This would be an option while waiting on the DASH wait list for subsidized housing.

Deliverables: Report containing findings of research along with recommendations

Systems Mapping

Timeline: 8 months

Desired Start Date: Fall Semester 2026

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