Strategic Group mandates COVID-19 vaccination for new apartment renters in Alberta

A Calgary-based real estate company is requiring COVID-19 vaccination for all new residents as well as its employees.

Strategic Group, which rents out more than 1,500 suites in Calgary and Edmonton, announced the new policy on Thursday.

"We know that vaccination against COVID is the only way we are going to get out of this pandemic and back to normal,"said the company's chief operating officer, Tracey Steman.

"We want to stress the importance for other landlords to do the same and to help to end this pandemic."

Under the policy, all new residents will need to be fully vaccinated prior to moving into their new home, and prospective tenants wanting to tour a rental property will also have to show proof of vaccination.

Steman says existing tenants won't be forced to move out if they are not vaccinated. But they won't be permitted in common areas like fitness areas and party rooms without proof of vaccination.

"Our residents are telling us that they value knowing that all their neighbours are vaccinated they feel even safer in their own homes," said Strategic Group CEO Riaz Mamdani in a release.

"We have had no pushback from prospective residents when we ask for proof of vaccination prior to doing tours. Knowing they are walking into a community that cares about their health is a feature for them."

The company says all of its employees and contractors are already fully vaccinated.