The CSHO owns and operates the HomeStead, a 21 unit rental apartment building. Rental rates are set at a minimum of 10% below market value. The rents are not geared to income or subsidized. Tenants must have the ability to pay the rent. Heat and water utilities are included in the rent. Tenants are responsible for paying their own electricity, cable, and telephone. Each unit is allotted one outdoor parking stall and one storage unit located in the basement. Pets and smoking are NOT permitted in the HomeStead building. The monthly rental rates are as follows: Bachelor - $495.00 1- bedroom - $595.00; 2 – bedroom - $695.00; 3 – bedroom - $850.00. A damage deposit equal to one month’s rent is required.
To apply for a unit, applicants must first, complete a waitlist form. If a unit becomes available, the Housing Coordinator will invite suitable applicants for an interview. Applicants will be required to complete a full application form at the time of interview. References will be required at the time the application is completed. Please note: Suitable references are individuals to whom the applicant is NOT related (no relatives). Acceptable references include: former and present landlords and employers, instructors, health care professionals, social service professionals, or long time family friends. Other information that will be required on the full application includes employment history with contact phone numbers, former landlords with contact phone numbers, and information on your financial status. Following the interview, applicants will be rated on a point scale. The applicant with the greatest score and most suited to the unit will be referred to the Property Manager. 
The Property Manager will complete the reference and income verification checks. If the references are satisfactory, the applicant will be contacted by the Property Manager, and offered the unit. Please note: priority is given to applicants who are already established in Cochrane; i.e. residents of Cochrane, employed in Cochrane, have family/friends in Cochrane, have children in school in Cochrane, etc.
Waitlist forms are kept on file for a period of three months. After three months, it is the responsibility of the applicant to re-apply for a rental unit. If you apply for a unit, please be sure to advise the Housing Coordinator if your situation and/or contact information changes.
The maximum allowable gross income per household is $58,900. The maximum amount of assets allowed is $100,000. Households earning greater than this amount are not eligible to apply.
If you have any additional questions, please contact Corinne Burns, Housing Coordinator at (403) 851-2261, by e-mail at cburns@csho.ca, or in person at the HomeStead, Main Floor, Unit #1, 209 2nd Ave. W., Cochrane, Alberta.