September 19, 2025
For many, the word “home” brings comfort. But for others, especially those navigating the complexities of renting for the first time, finding that sense of safety can feel just out of reach. That’s where the Rockford Housing Authority’s Landlord Liaison Program steps in—not just as a bridge between landlords and tenants, but as a guide, an advocate, and a game-changer.
Meet Monique, a single mother who once feared she’d never secure stable housing again. “I didn’t know what questions to ask, what documents I needed, or how to protect myself as a renter,” she recalls. But through RHA’s Certified Renters Class, (taught by the RHA Landlord Liaison Mr. Justin Francis), Monique learned her rights, her responsibilities, and how to walk into a lease with confidence. “Now I feel secure. I know how to speak to a landlord. I know how to keep my home.”
This spring, that knowledge becomes even more accessible. On April 16th and April 23rd, the Rockford Housing Authority will host Certified Renters Classes right here on site. These sessions aren’t just checklists and brochures—they’re powerful, interactive experiences that help residents understand leases, budgeting, tenant rights, maintenance, and conflict resolution.
But helping tenants is only one side of the story. True success comes when there’s partnership—when landlords aren’t just service providers, but allies in building thriving communities.
That’s why RHA is proud to host the upcoming Landlord Lunch & Learn on May 14th—a gathering that promises more than just a meal. It’s a meeting of minds and missions. It’s where understanding meets organization, and structure meets security. It’s where we celebrate landlords who go beyond the contract—those who recognize the humanity in housing and work side-by-side with us to create safe, sustainable homes for our residents.
“We’re not just filling units,” says the Landlord Liaison, “we’re fostering stability. That starts with landlords who care, and tenants who are prepared.”
The goal is simple but powerful: better outcomes for everyone. With every certified renter, every cooperative landlord, and every open door, we’re writing a new chapter in Rockford—one where housing isn’t a hurdle, but a foundation for a better life.
Whether you’re a resident ready to learn or a landlord ready to lead, we invite you to be part of this story.
Because together, we don’t just rent—we rise.
