Frequently Asked Questions
Answer
Questions
- What is a Tenancy Agreement?
- When is rent due, and what methods of payment do you accept?
- What happens if I don't pay my rent?
- What is rent subsidy?
- How long do I have to report any changes?
- What is the annual subsidy review?
- How can I as a tenant help reduce humidity and mold/mildew in my unit?
- Where am I allowed to park?
- If I have a complaint, who do I call?
- What is the procedure for maintenance repairs?
- What is considered an emergency maintenance request, and who do we call?
- What if I lose the keys to my unit?
- Can I make modifications to my unit?
- Do I have to have household insurance?
- What do I have to do if I plan on moving?
- What happens if I transfer to another Housing Provider and receive paperwork regarding money owing?
Q: What is a Tenancy Agreement?
A: A Tenancy Agreement is a legal binding contract between the landlord and tenants. Therefore, it is very important to refer to your lease whenever you have a question or concern. It clearly outlines your responsibilities as a tenant, and the obligations of the landlord.
Q: When is rent due, and what methods of payment do you accept?
A: Rent is due in full on the first of each month. Rent payments must be made at our office located at 222-37 Cassidy Street. Payment may be made by pre-authorized payment, post dated cheques, interact payment, money order or cash.
Q: What happens if I don't pay my rent?
A: You will receive a (N4) Notice of Early Termination for Non-payment of Rent. If the rent is not paid in full by the date indicated on the notice, an application with the Landlord and Tenant Board will be filed, which will cost you $150.00. You will then receive paperwork regarding the hearing. If eviction is granted, and you do not pay or move by the date specified in the Landlord and Tenant Board Order, the Enforcement Office will be contacted to enforce the order. The cost is approximately $350.00, and this would also be charged back to you.
A: Rent subsidy is the difference between the market rent for the unit and the rent you pay based on your gross monthly income.
Q: How long do I have to report any changes?
A: You are required to advise us of any changes in income and/or household composition within ten (10) business days. Failure to do so could result in losing your rent subsidy.
Q: What is the annual subsidy review?
A: Once a year, on your anniversary date, you are required to provide paperwork to verify your income and your household composition. Failure to do so could result in your subsidy being revoked.
Q: How can I as a tenant help reduce humidity and mold/mildew in my unit?
A: Tenants shall provide adequate ventilation to prevent excessive moisture build up upon walls and windows. In particular, the tenant shall close the door to the bathroom and turn on the ventilation or open the window for 5 minutes after a steamy shower and the tenant shall avoid excessive rapid boiling of water while cooking. The tenant shall wash all mold and/or mildew off all cleanable surfaces to prevent its accumulation. Mold and mildew is avoidable!
Q: Where am I allowed to park?
A: Tenant and visitor parking is clearly marked in all our locations. Tenants must register their vehicles with our office, and must have a parking sticker displayed in their vehicles. It is the tenant's responsibility to inform their guests to park in the area designated for visitors. Tenants and visitors that do not obey the parking regulations could be ticketed or towed.
Q: If I have a complaint, who do I call?
A: If your quiet enjoyment is seriously being disturbed, particularly in the late evening or early morning hours, you should call the Police. The next business day advise the office in writing of the incident and provide a written account of the events including the date and time.
Q: What is the procedure for maintenance repairs?
A: Forms are available at the office, or you can also call in your request. Requests for repairs are prioritized with the most urgent being addressed first.
Q: What is considered an emergency maintenance request, and who do we call?
A: An emergency request must be problems that cannot wait, for example, no heat or hot water, flooding. Dial 613-542-0443 and press "1". Please, for fire, medical, or police emergency, do not waste time by calling the office first. YOU MUST CALL 911, and then call the office in the event of a fire.
Q: What if I lose the keys to my unit?
A: Tenants cannot alter or change locks on their units. You must inform the office if you require a lock change or keys. The cost for changing locks or keys is the responsibility of the tenant.
Q: Can I make modifications to my unit?
A: You must request in writing to your Property Manager, in detail, what changes you would like to make. If permission is granted, you will be notified in writing by the Property Manager.
Q: Do I have to have household insurance?
A: We encourage all our tenants to have insurance in place. This will insure you against theft, fire, power failure, floods, etc., as well as damage that may be caused by you, your children, or pets in a civil suit.
Q: What do I have to do if I plan on moving?
A: All tenants wishing to vacate their unit must submit 60 day written notice to our office. All tenant notices to vacate must end on the last day of the month. Tenants giving short notice, less than 60 days, will be held responsible for the additional time required to 'proper' notice.
A: If at any time, it is determined that the Tenant owes monies to another non-profit Landlord, the Tenant will be required to sign a repayment agreement with the former Landlord and provide a copy of the repayment agreement to the current Landlord. If the tenant fails to sign a repayment agreement or fails to make the payments as set in the repayment agreement, the Tenant's subsidy could be permanently revoked, and the household would become a market household.
