A look back at 2020
News
2020 was full of unexpected events that forced everyone to review their real estate strategies and rethink the current real estate landscape. It was a year in which CORPIQ supported Quebec real estate landlords more than ever with a constant presence with government authorities and the media. The impacts being major, we have constantly kept our 25,000 members informed about the new regulations in effect related to the pandemic as well as the real estate market in general.
IMMO 2020, 100% Virtual
Concerned about keeping its members informed and connected, this year CORPIQ had to rethink the organization of its annual event, offering a reinvented formula of the IMMO edition to compensate for the current context. Indeed, the event had more than ever its raison d'être to answer the questions of landlords. This fall, we presented the largest event dedicated to rental real estate in Quebec in a 100% virtual format. The conferences were held on the Web, both live and recorded via our brand-new platform dedicated to the event. We were able to learn about the findings and issues in the rental real estate field that 2020 brought through renowned guests including fifteen economists, lawyers, architects, developers, and even former presidents of the Régie du logement. For the first time in its history, CORPIQ was able to bring together key players from the Régie du logement (now the Tribunal administratif du logement) to hear their views on certain social issues that landlords are facing.
Public Affairs
CORPIQ has been able to stand out in the media by doing a large number of interviews on radio and television, not to mention numerous mentions in newspapers and on social media. With more than 300 requests for interviews and 500 mentions in the media throughout Quebec, in English and in French, CORPIQ was able to reach the media by highlighting the needs of landlords. We kept members informed through social media, our website, our magazine and in the newsletter sent to members.
Security deposit
Long before the health crisis, several subjects were the focus of interest that led to the development of new regulations. CORPIQ successfully brought the long-awaited deposit project to landlords of rental buildings. We were able to have recognized the relevance of proposing security options to protect the interests of both landlords and tenants recognized by developing a legal form attached to the lease. Not to mention that the tenant must voluntarily accept the security deposit since it is not yet mandatory. This form then becomes a legal tool if it is part of the alternatives offered to the tenant.
COVID-19 – Q&A section for Landlords
In light of the new health measures decreed by the Government of Quebec, CORPIQ has made available to its members the frequently asked questions and answers to our advisors by landlords of rental buildings. As a result, we have been able to provide constant support that has allowed landlords to stay informed of the latest developments surrounding the measures taken to limit the spread and mitigate the effects on rental management. The same goes for the dwelling visits. We have sent our members the regulations for visiting units during a pandemic.
CORPIQ mobilized on July 1 and 2
This year's traditional moving date has brought its share of additional challenges for landlords. Exceptionally this year, CORPIQ's team of property management experts was mobilized and strongly solicited to help and advise members during this very special period.
Digital shift at CORPIQ
The PROPRIO magazine
For the very first time, CORPIQ was able to send you its brand new digital PROPRIO magazine, available online only. Indeed, due to the pandemic, we had to adapt to the changes related to this crisis since it was safer for everyone to deliver this product this way. Considering this change, several members have joined-in on the conversion.
Kangalou, a great help for virtual visit
Five years after its launch, Kangalou has just introduced a brand-new version with a completely redesigned landlord component that makes it more user-friendly. You are now able to list your apartment and integrate your photos with your tablet or cell phone. These improvements allow Kangalou to proudly assert itself as the #1 platform for renting your dwelling. Moreover, Kangalou allows the addition of video which offers the possibility to landlords to add a virtual tour, thus avoiding having tenants be physically present to visit the apartment for rent, minimizing contacts.
In addition, on July 1st, the Kangalou brigade safely criss-crossed the streets of Montreal in search of testimonials from tenants. Kangalou was curious to know how tenants got organized this year to move in the context of the pandemic. As a result of the day's proceedings, several tenants confirmed that they had not visited their units before renting them. Some said they relied on a video taken by the current tenant to choose their apartment. As for the signing of the lease, several landlords opted to sign a virtual lease to avoid contact.
ProprioLocation, Online Rental Application
ProprioLocation has seen a marked increase in its use. Indeed, it is a fast and efficient solution that allows you to complete and sign your rental application electronically with your tenant. In addition, the application is sent directly to the landlord and tenant so that you can proceed directly to the credit check without any hassle.
There has been a marked increase in the use of the rental application on ProprioLocation. Indeed, it is a fast and efficient solution that allows you to complete and have your rental application signed electronically with your tenant. In addition, the application is sent directly to the landlord and tenant so that you can proceed directly to the credit check without any hassle.
Moreover, CORPIQ will soon announce a new product on ProprioLocation that will allow landlords to write leases entirely online. Stay tuned for more details on the launch of this new product!
ProprioEnquête - Number 1 in Quebec for pre-rental screenings
Number 1 in Quebec for pre-rental screenings, ProprioEnquête is the essential tool for rental building landlords since everything is done online.
Pronotif: certified email made easy!
This tool allowed landlords to overcome electronic signatures that were suspended by Canada Post delivery. As a result, landlords using Pronotif were able to prove through the notification of this tool, the transmission, reception, opening of the email and even the attachment to the correspondence. It is possible to send a renewal notice, a formal notice or any other document requesting an acknowledgement of receipt.
However, before doing so, make sure you have proof that the tenant originally provided his or her e-mail in the lease or an attachment and explicitly agreed to this means of correspondence.