Q/ How many properties does SORAH own at the present, and where are they located?
A/ SORAH owns 4 properties in Calgary. 3 small apartment buildings and 1 six-plex. There are 41 suites in total.
Q/ What type of suites are available for rent?
A/ There is a mix of bachelor (1), 1-bedroom (14), 2-bedroom (21) and 3-bedroom (5) suites.
Q/ How do I get my name on the list?
A/ Tenants are encouraged to visit first SORAH’s website to learn about the program in general and to read the Frequently Asked Questions page. If interested in applying, please complete fully the Rental Application and the Tenant Income Qualification forms (available on the SORAH website). SORAH’s property manager will get back to you within a next business day to confirm receipt and to ask a few questions.
Q/ Are utilities included in the rent?
A/ The suites located in the 6-plex in the Huntington area do NOT include utilities. Tenants are responsible to pay for all utilities.
The suites located in the apartment buildings located in the Bankview, Kingsland and Bridgeland areas include Water and Gas only. Tenants are responsible for Electricity and for that, they need to set up an account with Enmax.
Q/ What are the rental fees?
A/ It depends on the number of applicants over the age of 18 applying for the unit, and on the location of the actual suite. (There are 4 different properties located in 4 different neighborhoods of Calgary).
For each type of suite, there is a rent range that has been approved by SORAH. It is important for prospects to understand that the rent rates offered by SORAH have been set as part of a AFFORDABLE housing program. SORAH is NOT a subsidized housing program. Therefore, on average, the affordable rental rates offered by SORAH are about 30% below current market rental rates.
Q/ What is it needed to qualify for renting a suite?
A/ The suites are available to members of the Siksika Nation (a Treaty Card # will be required as proof). Each applicant over the age of 18 is required to complete fully a Rental Application Form and a Tenant Income Qualification Form (available on the SORAH website). Additionally, each applicant over the age of 18 is required to abide by the SORAH Tenant Code of Conduct. Note: Whenever appropriate, a background check on the main applicant(s) will be conducted prior to offering a suite to an applicant.
Each application is considered on a case by case basis as we want to make sure that suites are fairly assigned to the best applicants.
Q/ Are suites available on a month-to month basis?
A/ No. If approved for a suite, the applicant is expected to sign a Lease Agreement for a minimum of 12 months.
Q/ Are suites furnished?
A/ No. Suites do not include any furniture. However, each suite includes a fridge and a stove. Some have a dishwasher. Note: All suites in the Huntington property include washer and dryer.
Q/ Is parking included in the rent?
A/ Yes. Each suite has a parking stall assigned to it.
Q/ Do tenants need to abide to a Code of Conduct?
A/ Absolutely. The Tenant Code of Conduct aims to clarify SORAH’s behavioral expectation of tenants to contribute to everyone’s quiet enjoyment of their home in a safe and pleasant environment. The purpose of this document is to clearly set out the responsibilities of tenants towards the SORAH properties, neighbors and other tenants and the environment in which they reside.
Q/ Is smoking allowed?
A/ No. Smoking is not allowed anywhere inside the SORAH buildings. SORAH has zero smoking tolerance, and therefore, smoking inside the building can result in eviction.
Q/ Are pets allowed?
No pets of any kind are allowed in any of the SORAH buildings.
Q/ Are there some suites available for handicap?
A/ Yes. There are four (4) 2-bedroom suites at the Kingsland building (south of Chinook Mall) that have been retrofitted to accommodate handicap tenants.
Q/ Who will maintain the suites and the buildings?
A/ Tenants are fully responsible for giving good care to their suites and all appliances inside. A detailed move-in inspection takes place during the first day of the lease period. A copy of such report is given to the tenant so that it can be used as a benchmark during the move-out inspection. The suite is expected to be left in the same condition as it was during the move-in inspection.
The common areas are cleaned once a week by a janitorial crew. The buildings are professionally maintained by an outside maintenance team.
Q/ Are security deposits required?
A/ Yes. The security deposit amounts are the same as the rent amounts and are due on the first day of the lease agreement.
Q/ What if I need to speak with a SORAH representative in person to discus my specific needs/situation?
A/ Please email the property manager at info@sorah.ca or call 403-452-6606 to request an in-person meeting at the SORAH office. If you require an English-Blackfoot translator, please indicate that in your call/message so that proper arrangements can be made prior to the meeting.