In an exciting development for the Canadian multifamily sector, a group of visionary leaders has united to revolutionize rent payments and enhance resident financial health. Our founding members represent some of the industry’s most respected organizations:
Last week, we held our inaugural meeting, focusing on rental reporting—a service that is still relatively new to Canada. Our discussion centered on how to deliver this service effectively to residents and maximize its positive impact on their financial well-being.
At Zenbase, we are proud to be the first provider of fully automated rental reporting, ensuring the highest level of data quality. Recently, we enhanced our offering to include up to 24 months of historical rent payments, allowing residents to build their credit even faster. Additionally, we are pleased to offer Canada’s first rental reporting API, which broadens the reach of our CreditBuilder solution to more Canadians.
We’re committed to keeping you informed about the outcomes of our future Partner Advisory Board meetings as we strive to empower renters financially. Together, we can create a brighter future for residents across Canada!
Zenbase, a leader in rental reporting innovation, is excited to announce the launch of Canada’s first rental reporting API. This groundbreaking technology is set to revolutionize how proptechs and fintechs integrate rental payment data into credit building solutions, giving consumers unprecedented opportunities to enhance their credit scores through their rental payments.
Zenbase’s new API streamlines the process of integrating rental reporting into existing platforms, making it easier for property technology and financial technology companies to offer their users credit-building tools that leverage their rental payment history. By simplifying the implementation of rental reporting and multiple layers of complexity, Zenbase is setting a new industry standard and paving the way for more inclusive credit building practices.
APOLLO Insurance, a trailblazer in digital insurance solutions, is proud to be the launch partner to integrate Zenbase’s rental reporting API into their offerings. This partnership marks a significant milestone in enhancing the financial ecosystem for renters across Canada.
“We are thrilled to launch Canada’s first rental reporting API and to partner with APOLLO Insurance,” said Koray Can Oztekin, Founder and CEO of Zenbase. “For more than 10 million Canadians who are credit unserved or underserved, our mission is to democratize access to credit-building and empower renters to leverage their most essential payment to build their credit. This API allows developers to fully white-label rental reporting and represents a major step forward in making rental reporting an industry norm.”
APOLLO Insurance’s Founder and CEO, Jeffrey McCann, also shared enthusiasm about the new partnership: “Integrating Zenbase’s API into our platform underscores our commitment to providing innovative solutions that meet the evolving needs of our customers. By including rental reporting in our services, we’re not only enhancing the value we offer but also helping renters build better financial futures through responsible credit management.”
Zenbase’s rental reporting API offers a robust and user-friendly solution for integrating rental payment data into credit-building processes. The API’s seamless implementation ensures that companies can quickly and efficiently provide their customers with the opportunity to strengthen their credit profiles based on their rental payment history.
For more information about Zenbase’s rental reporting API and how it can benefit your business, visit myzenbase.com/developers.
About Zenbase
Zenbase, a leader in smart rent payments, is committed to economic inclusion that fosters financial empowerment for renters. Our solutions aid the financial wellness of renters while improving operational efficiency for property managers. Rent is usually due on the first of the month, but that doesn’t align with most people’s bi-monthly pay cycle. Zenbase fixed that misalignment by offering residents the option to split their rent into two monthly payments and provides other financial health tools including Canada’s only automated rent reporting to support building resident’s credit. For more information about Zenbase’s ESG inspired solutions visit myzenbase.com.
About APOLLO Insurance
APOLLO Insurance (“Apollo Insurance Solutions Ltd. and its subsidiaries”) is Canada’s leading online insurance provider. Our proprietary platform allows insurance agents and their customers to purchase their policy immediately, from anywhere, on any device, 24/7. Unlike traditional paper-based processes, APOLLO leverages extensive data and sophisticated algorithms to quote, collect a payment, and issue policies without human intervention.Through traditional agents and embedded finance partnerships, APOLLO is redefining the distribution of insurance. For more information visit apollocover.com.
Greenwin Corp. (“Greenwin”), a leading Canadian multi-residential property management and development firm, today announced a partnership with Zenbase Inc. (“Zenbase”), a financial technology company offering rent payment solutions designed for financial health. Through this collaboration, Greenwin will provide Zenbase’s suite of products, CustomRent and CreditBuilder, to its residents in buildings across Ontario.
This partnership empowers Greenwin residents with greater financial flexibility and control. Zenbase’s signature products address key challenges faced by residents:
● CustomRent: Allows residents to align their rent payments with their income, ensuring on-time payments and increased budgeting flexibility.
● CreditBuilder: Enables residents to automatically build credit history simply by paying rent on time.
These features are particularly valuable in today’s economic climate, where Canadians grapple with inflation and household expenses that strain their budgets. Greenwin, committed to resident well-being, sees Zenbase as a key component of their Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) initiatives.
Greenwin’s residents can seamlessly sign up for Zenbase thanks to its deep integration with their property management systems. This eliminates administrative burdens for both residents and property managers.
The Greenwin-Zenbase partnership aligns with a crucial trend in the rental market: a growing emphasis on financial empowerment for renters. As highlighted by the Canadian federal government, rent reporting can significantly improve credit scores and unlock access to better financial products, particularly for newcomers and young professionals.
“Greenwin and Zenbase are leveling the playing field for a number of residents across their communities to improve their cashflow and build credit,” said Koray Can Oztekin, CEO and Founder of Zenbase. “This partnership sets the standard for managing the household budget and rental reporting, allowing us to propel our vision of financial inclusion for over 10 million credit invisible or thin-file Canadians.”
“We are very excited to offer Zenbase to our residents,” said Jessica Green, Director, Communications, Greenwin. “Rent is typically a person’s single largest monthly expense. It’s also due on the first of the month, which often doesn’t align with most people’s bi-monthly pay cycle. Through CustomRent and CreditBuilder, this collaboration eases some of that financial burden, ultimately benefiting the financial health and future of those who come home to a Greenwin property.”
About Zenbase
Zenbase, a leader in smart rent payments, is committed to economic inclusion that fosters financial empowerment for renters. Our solutions aid the financial wellness of renters while improving operational efficiency for property managers. Rent is usually due on the first of the month, but that doesn’t align with most people’s bi-monthly pay cycle. Zenbase fixed that misalignment by offering residents the option to split their rent into two monthly payments and provides other financial health tools including Canada’s only automated rent reporting to support building resident’s credit. For more information about Zenbase’s ESG inspired solutions visit myzenbase.com
About Greenwin
Greenwin is one of Ontario’s largest privately-owned, full-service property management and development firms. Founded in 1948, Greenwin manages more than $3.3 billion in real estate assets spanning across major urban centres in Central Canada. This portfolio includes more than 1 million square feet of commercial space and nearly 22,000 residential units. Greenwin is committed to investing in people and places to create exceptional, inclusive rental communities – one building at a time. For more information, visit greenwin.ca
The government’s recent announcement drove attention to rental reporting to help residents build credit and help create a path to homeownership. Specifically:
Why does credit score matter? According to Equifax there are 3M+ credit invisible and 7M with thin credit. The rates for unsecured loans range from 7% to 40% and 5 year mortgage rates can be over 7%.
So by taking “credit” for the biggest expense of the month, the residents can technically qualify for better credit products, save on interest charges and eventually access better mortgage rates.
For the federal government to systemically incorporate rental reporting into all provincial agreements:
A uniform legislative code might support the implementation of the above and similar to Fannie Mae in the US, rental reporting can be financially incentivized by public / private institutions. Such institutions and landlords will want to monitor the impact of rental reporting and illustrate how rental reporting improves financial inclusion(number of residents improving their credit score, reducing their interest cost) and eventually qualifying for their first mortgage.
We do believe that every resident should get rewarded for their positive financial behavior and get rewarded for the most essential payment of the month. We do this by creating the broadest reach within the residential ecosystem(landlords, property management systems, renters’ insurance companies) and removing all the friction around by automating rental reporting and monitoring social impact.
Zenbase is already integrated with the major PMS therefore rental reporting doesn’t cost anything to the landlords. Zenbase also allows 3rd parties working with smaller landlords to onboard residents with their leases making sure that regardless of their landlord, any resident can sign up and start reporting their rent payments towards their credit score. In parallel, Zenbase works with their landlord partners to assess their social impact so that it can be included in their ESG reports.
Zenbase, a leading financial technology company, is proud to announce its latest partnership with Fitzrovia, a preeminent rental development and asset management company focused on redefining the rental living experience across Canada. Together, they are introducing Canada’s leading rent payment system, designed to prioritize financial health and empower residents with groundbreaking features.
This collaboration sets a new standard for rent payments in Canada, emphasizing financial well-being through automated rent reporting to Equifax. Residents will now have the unique advantage of effortlessly building and improving their credit by simply paying their rent on time.
Residents also have the option to split their rent payments. This feature not only simplifies budgeting but also provides unparalleled flexibility for residents to manage their financial obligations in a way that suits their individual needs.
“We are thrilled to embark on this journey with Fitzrovia to redefine rent payments in Canada and create unique ESG value,” said Koray Can Oztekin, CEO and Founder at Zenbase. “Our combined efforts aim to revolutionize the renting experience by integrating financial health into everyday transactions, helping individuals build credit and manage their budgets more effectively.”
Automated rent reporting is poised to become a game-changer in the Canadian rental landscape, allowing residents to effortlessly bolster their credit profiles. This collaboration aims to make financial health a seamless and integral aspect of responsible rent payment practices.
“Our collaboration with Zenbase enables us to provide a leading rent payment solution to our valued residents. Exclusive partnerships and premium perks, such as this one, contribute to enhancing the resident experience within Fitzrovia communities,” said Adrian Rocca, CEO and Founder of Fitzrovia. “Through our joint efforts, we are introducing a valuable service designed to support the financial well-being of our residents.”
Zenbase is dedicated to empowering residents across Fitzrovia’s portfolio through its ESG motivated solutions. This partnership reflects a shared commitment to leveraging technology to elevate the financial health of individuals and communities.
About Zenbase
Zenbase, a leader in smart rent payments, is committed to economic inclusion that fosters financial empowerment for renters. Our solutions aid the financial wellness of renters while improving operational efficiency for property managers. Rent is usually due on the first of the month, but that doesn’t align with most people’s bi-monthly pay cycle. Zenbase fixed that misalignment by offering residents the option to split their rent into two monthly payments and provides other financial health tools including Canada’s only automated rent reporting to support building resident’s credit. For more about Zenbase’s ESG inspired solutions visit myzenbase.com.
About Fitzrovia
Fitzrovia is a vertically integrated developer and asset manager of purpose-built rental communities across the GTA. With approximately 8,500 units completed or under development, including Waverley, Parker, Elm & Ledbury, The Brixton and Liberty House, Fitzrovia is the largest purpose-built rental developer in Canada. Fitzrovia partners with public institutions, pension plans and high net worth investors who have an investment bias towards long-term cash flow generating assets. Fitzrovia places an intense focus on active lifestyle management and offering exceptional customer service to our valued residents. Fitzrovia’s customer-first approach means all design and construction decisions are deeply rooted in consumer insights to ensure our resident needs are not only met but exceeded. The future of rental living is here. Visit www.Fitzrovia.ca.
APOLLO Insurance, a Canadian digital insurance provider and leading innovator in the emerging embedded finance sector, is pleased to announce that they now offer credit reporting services to their tens of thousands of customers, through a new partnership with Zenbase.
APOLLO’s digital platform launched in 2019, and began serving Canadian consumers with fully digital insurance products. Since then, APOLLO has partnered with property management companies, proptechs, insurance brokers, and other organizations to embed insurance products into their existing workflows. For property managers, the insurance purchase experience is embedded directly into the leasing workflow.
Zenbase offers Canada’s only automated rent reporting and most popular split rent payments, and has gained recognition for its innovative credit-building solutions, empowering individuals to enhance their financial well-being. Through its solution, Zenbase enables users to report their rental payments automatically to Equifax, allowing them to establish or strengthen their creditworthiness.
“APOLLO’s digital first and resident centric approach to insurance makes them an ideal partner for Zenbase,” said Koray Oztekin, Zenbase Founder and CEO. “As part of our mission to redesign rent payments for the financial health of unbanked or underbanked individuals, including newcomers, this partnership will make rental reporting available to more residents and create substantial ESG value for all stakeholders.”
APOLLO customers can access exclusive rates to use Zenbase to report current and past rent payments to Equifax, helping them build their credit. Building credit can help Canadians reduce interest payments and save money on financial products.
“A healthy credit score goes hand in hand with other aspects of a tenant’s risk management strategy, so offering Zenbase’s solution alongside their insurance makes sense for our customers,” said Jeff McCann, Founder and CEO of APOLLO. “We are excited to work with Zenbase to continue to add value to our customers with this tool.”
Visit https://myzenbase.com/apollo/ for more information.
About APOLLO Insurance
APOLLO Insurance (“Apollo Insurance Solutions Ltd. and its subsidiaries”) is Canada’s leading online insurance provider. Our proprietary platform allows insurance agents and their customers to purchase their policy immediately, from anywhere, on any device, 24/7. Unlike traditional paper-based processes, APOLLO leverages extensive data and sophisticated algorithms to quote, collect a payment, and issue policies without human intervention.
Through traditional agents and embedded finance partnerships, APOLLO is redefining the distribution of insurance. For more information visit https://apollocover.com/.
About Zenbase
Zenbase, a leader in rewarding and flexible rent payments, is committed to economic inclusion that fosters financial empowerment for renters. Our solutions aid the financial wellness of renters while improving operational efficiency for property managers. Rent is usually due on the first of the month, but that doesn’t align with most people’s bi-monthly pay cycle. Zenbase fixed that misalignment by offering residents the option to split their rent into two monthly payments and provide other financial health solutions such as rent reporting. For more information on how to get started with Zenbase or CreditBuilder, visit myzenbase.com.
Zenbase, a leading provider of smart rent payment solutions, has expanded its collaboration with Mainstreet Equity (TSX: MEQ), through the introduction of automated rent reporting to Equifax Canada. This strategic move aims to empower residents in building their credit profiles and underlines the commitment to the social component of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) initiatives.
By offering automated rent reporting as an amanity, Zenbase enables Mainstreet Equity residents to proactively establish and improve their credit. This pioneering feature represents a significant step in enhancing financial inclusivity and empowering individuals to achieve their long-term financial goals.
“We are excited to strengthen our partnership with Mainstreet Equity and introduce automated rent reporting as an instrumental tool for their residents,” said Koray Can Oztekin, CEO and Founder at Zenbase. “This expanded partnership aligns with our commitment to fostering social progress and financial well-being within the communities we serve.”
The automated rent reporting functionality, seamlessly integrated into Zenbase’s existing suite of services, provides Mainstreet Equity residents with the opportunity to build a robust credit history based on their rental payments. This initiative not only enhances financial literacy among residents but also contributes to a more inclusive and sustainable society.
“We believe that financial empowerment is a crucial aspect of social responsibility,” commented Anthony Lam of Mainstreet Equity. “The collaboration with Zenbase signifies our joint dedication to supporting the financial well-being of our residents and fostering a more equitable society.”
Through this strengthened partnership and the introduction of automated rent reporting, Zenbase and Mainstreet Equity reaffirm their commitment to driving positive social impact and contributing to the ESG objectives of the real estate industry.
About Zenbase
Zenbase, a leader in smart rent payments, is committed to economic inclusion that fosters financial empowerment for renters. Our solutions aid the financial wellness of renters while improving operational efficiency for property managers. Rent is usually due on the first of the month, but that doesn’t align with most people’s bi-monthly pay cycle. Zenbase fixed that misalignment by offering residents the option to split their rent into two monthly payments and provides other financial health tools including Canada’s only automated rent reporting to support building resident’s credit. For more about Zenbase’s ESG inspired solutions visit myzenbase.com.
About Mainstreet
Mainstreet is publicly traded on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX: MEQ). As at Q4 2023, assets were valued at over CDN $3B. Since going public, Mainstreet has continued to grow its assets organically; its double-digit compounded annual growth continues today. Current holdings consist of over 17,000 apartments across western Canada (BC, AB, SK, MB). Along with this healthy balance sheet success, Mainstreet is a proud champion of affordable housing. Learn more: https://www.mainst.biz.
Zenbase, a leading financial technology company, is proud to announce its latest partnership with Strategic Group, a prominent real estate investment and management company based in Calgary. This collaboration marks another milestone in providing innovative financial solutions to more renters across Canada.
Zenbase’s smart rent payment platform now offers the country’s only automated rent reporting to Equifax, facilitating a seamless process for residents to build their credit history effortlessly. This pioneering feature not only simplifies the financial lives of residents but also empowers them to achieve their long-term financial goals more effectively.
Furthermore, in an effort to enhance the financial well-being of residents, Zenbase has the option for residents to split their rent, allowing for more convenient budget management. This unique feature enables residents to allocate their funds efficiently, ensuring a smoother and stress-free financial experience at the beginning of the month.
“We are excited to collaborate with Strategic Group to bring our ESG inspired solutions automated to more renters in Canada” stated Zenbase CEO and Founder Koray Can Oztekin. “With this partnership, we aim to empower residents by providing them with the tools they need to build strong financial foundations and achieve their aspirations.”
Tracey Steman, COO at Strategic Group added “The partnership between Zenbase and Strategic Group signifies a shared commitment to enhancing the financial landscape of residents, fostering greater financial stability and well-being within our communities that we serve. As a testament to our ongoing dedication to improving the quality of life for our residents, we are thrilled to announce our collaboration with Zenbase.”
Strategic Group was able to offer Zenbase’s automated rent reporting and flexible rent payments to all of its residents after just 1 day spent setting up the offering. The response from residents was positive and immediate.
About Zenbase
Zenbase, a leader in smart rent payments, is committed to economic inclusion that fosters financial empowerment for renters. Our solutions aid the financial wellness of renters while improving operational efficiency for property managers. Rent is usually due on the first of the month, but that doesn’t align with most people’s bi-monthly pay cycle. Zenbase fixed that misalignment by offering residents the option to split their rent into two monthly payments and provides other financial health tools including Canada’s only automated rent reporting to support building resident’s credit. For more about Zenbase’s ESG inspired solutions visit myzenbase.com.
About Strategic Group
Strategic Group owns, manages, and develops office, retail and residential properties. Our creative and unconventional approach is reflected in our mantra: Creating value others can’t by seeing what others don’t. While Strategic Group’s focus is real estate, we also own businesses in other industries including construction, oil field services, pet care, agriculture, technology corporate finance, self-storage and coworking. For more information visit strategicgroup.ca.
ICM Property Services, a leading property management company dedicated to enhancing the rental experience, is proud to announce its partnership with Zenbase, a fintech company specializing in ESG inspired financial tools for renters. This collaboration aims to empower renters by offering Canada’s only automated rent reporting to Equifax for building credit and a flexible rent payment option as a budgeting tool.
The partnership between ICM Property Services and Zenbase highlights the commitment to supporting residents to take control of their financial future. With an increasing number of people choosing to rent over homeownership, the need for financial empowerment within the rental market has never been greater.
Zenbase’s technology will enable ICM Property Services to offer automated rent reporting to Equifax giving tenants the opportunity to strengthen their credit profiles by simply paying rent on time. This service not only benefits renters looking to build credit but also helps property managers and landlords attract responsible tenants.
Additionally, the partnership will provide tenants with greater flexibility in their rent payments. Zenbase’s budgeting tools will allow renters to customize their payment schedules, making it easier to manage their finances and meet their financial goals.
“We are thrilled to partner with Zenbase to offer our tenants a range of new financial tools that can truly improve their lives,” said Lacy Samson, Associate, Director, Residential Property Management at ICM Property Services. “This collaboration underscores our commitment to enhancing the rental experience for our residents by empowering them to build their credit and manage their budgets more effectively.”
“We are excited to work with ICM Property Services to provide innovative financial solutions to renters,” said Koray Can Oztekin, CEO and Founder at Zenbase. “Our mission is to make financial freedom accessible to everyone, and this partnership is another step toward achieving that goal.”
ICM Property Services was able to offer Zenbase’s automated rent reporting and flexible rent payments to all of its residents after just 2 days spent setting up a fully integrated offering with no negative impact to their operations.
About Zenbase
Zenbase, a leader in smart rent payments, is committed to economic inclusion that fosters financial empowerment for renters. Our solutions aid the financial wellness of renters while improving operational efficiency for property managers. Rent is usually due on the first of the month, but that doesn’t align with most people’s bi-monthly pay cycle. Zenbase fixed that misalignment by offering residents the option to split their rent into two monthly payments and provides other financial health tools including Canada’s only automated rent reporting to support building resident’s credit. For more about Zenbase’s ESG inspired solutions visit myzenbase.com.
About ICM Property Services:
ICM Property Services Inc. provides exceptional service and value while managing a growing portfolio of residential, retail, and industrial properties in the Alberta market. As a boutique property management firm, our management and staff are always accessible and responsive. We work with the principles of honesty, integrity, and respect in all aspects of our business. We provide thoughtful, timely communications, adapt to new technologies and efficiencies and execute proactive leasing and maintenance plans to achieve our goals. For more information visit icmpropertyservices.ca.
Forum Asset Management (“Forum”), a prominent leader in asset management, is excited to announce a strategic partnership with Zenbase, a proptech innovator, with an emphasis on the “S” (Social) in Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles. This alliance is poised to introduce solutions that prioritize social responsibility, including Canada’s only automated rent reporting solution for building credit and the most popular split rent payments.
In an era where social and community well-being holds paramount importance, Forum, is proud to align its efforts with the “S” in ESG values. The partnership with Zenbase signifies a leap forward in delivering advanced services that foster sustainable, equitable, and community-centric living environments.
Kathleen Beaumont, Director, Impact & ESG for Forum, says “Our partnership with Zenbase is a testament to our dedication to creating socially responsible and sustainable living environments. By focusing on the ‘S’ in ESG, we are not just enhancing our residents’ living experience; we are also contributing positively to the communities we serve.”
Koray Oztekin, Founder & CEO of Zenbase added, “Zenbase is excited to collaborate with Forum in pioneering ESG-inspired solutions that prioritize the social well-being of Canadians including students and newcomers. Together, we aim to redefine property management by creating inclusive, supportive, and socially responsible living spaces.”
The Forum and Zenbase partnership represents a leap forward in championing the “S” in ESG principles within the real estate industry. Residents and property owners can anticipate an elevated living experience characterized by financial empowerment, community-building, and a commitment to social responsibility.
About Zenbase:
Zenbase, a leader in smart rent payments, is committed to economic inclusion that fosters financial empowerment for renters. Our solutions aid the financial wellness of renters while improving operational efficiency for property managers. Rent is usually due on the first of the month, but that doesn’t align with most people’s bi-monthly pay cycle. Zenbase fixed that misalignment by offering residents the option to split their rent into two monthly payments and provides other financial health tools including Canada’s only automated rent reporting to support building resident’s credit. For more about Zenbase’s ESG inspired solutions visit myzenbase.com.
About Forum:
Forum, the manager of REIIF, is an investor, developer and asset manager operating across North America for over 25 years. Our core purpose is to deliver Extraordinary Outcomes™ to our stakeholders. Our adaptable, agile, and dynamic team is committed to sustainability and responsible investing, creating value that benefits the communities in which we invest.
Our investment focus includes real estate, private equity, and infrastructure. The enterprise value of our assets under management currently exceeds C$1.7 billion. Our investments have attracted a number of top investors. We’re proud to have delivered in the top tier of alternative asset returns since 2002, while positively impacting over 6,000 lives. For more information about Forum, visit: www.forumam.com.
