A Program of the BC Crime Prevention Association 

The Crime Free Multi-Housing Program (CFMH) is a direct and solution-oriented crime prevention initiative designed specifically to help rental property owners and managers, residents, police and other agencies work together to keep illegal and nuisance activity off rental property.  The unique three-phase approach ensures that crime prevention is successfully implemented.  The program is resident friendly and effective in reducing crime in multi-unit rental properties. 

The program seeks to:

• Create safer and stronger rental communities
• Facilitate a cooperative effort between rental property owners and managers, residents and police to minimize the potential for crime
• Help rental property owners and managers screen prospective residents more effectively
• Show residents crime prevention techniques to maintain a safe and secure environment
• Have rental property owners and managers achieve a better understanding and application of residential tenancy law
• Reduce the number of criminal and nuisance related incidents at rental properties

The three phases of the program: 

1. Management Training
   • Beginning with an eight-hour workshop, managers receive instruction on how to effectively manage their properties and use present legislation to help stop the spread of illegal and nuisance activity on rental property
2. Property Security Assessment
   • The rental property receives a security assessment and beneficial improvements are recommended.  Rental properties must meet minimum security requirements of CFMH to become fully certified
3. Resident Training or Manager's Meeting
   • The Safety Social is an opportunity for the building managers to update the residents on the security precautions and upgrades for their property.  As well, it encourages each resident to meet their neighbours and take responsibility for the safety and security of their home and possessions.
   • The Manager's Meeting is a meeting for all buidling managers of rental properties in Surrey.  This meeting is an excellent opportunity for everyone to meet and share information regarding common issues and ideas.

Successful completion of these three steps results in a rental property being fully certified in the Crime Free Multi-Housing Program.  The property will then obtain permission to display the CFMH sign and to use the CFMH logo in its rental advertising.

Regular reviews and annual re-certification ensure that the certified rental property continues to meet the requirements of the Program. 

For more detailed information on the program please contact the City of Surrey Crime Free Co-ordinator, Tanya Wong, at 604-591-4489 or ttwong@surrey.ca.