Tenant Handbook 2018

Northumberland County Housing Services 555 Courthouse Road Cobourg, ON K9A 5J6 905-372-3329 1-800-354-7050 www.northumberlandcounty.ca

Building community one block at a time!

Greetings from the Manager I

To our Residents: Hello, and welcome to your new home! This handbook was written to provide you with important information about living in your Northumberland County Housing neighborhood.

You are part of a large and interesting community made up of seniors, families, singles, people with disabilities and newcomers to Canada.

If you need information, assistance or have a concern, this handbook will help to direct you.

Should you require further information, please don't hesitate to contact our housing department and they will be more than happy to assist you.

Sincerely,

Rebecca Carman Housing Services Manager

Mark McIntosh Facilities Manager

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Welcome to Northumberland County Housing TABLE OF CONTENTS YOU AND YOUR HOME Moving In ............................................................................................................................... 1 Smoke Free ........................................................................................................................... 1 Keys ...................................................................................................................................... 1 Insurance ............................................................................................................................... 2 Parking .................................................................................................................................. 2 Pets ....................................................................................................................................... 2 Decorating ............................................................................................................................. 3 Appliances ............................................................................................................................. 3 Laundry.................................................................................................................................. 4 Garbage................................................................................................................................. 5 Recycling ............................................................................................................................... 5 Hazardous Waste .................................................................................................................. 6 Pest Control ........................................................................................................................... 6 Unit Exteriors ......................................................................................................................... 7 Barbeques ............................................................................................................................. 7 Lawns and Walkways ............................................................................................................ 8 Common Areas ...................................................................................................................... 8 Moving Out ............................................................................................................................ 9 MAINTENANCE AND REPAIRS Contacting the Facilities Department ..................................................................................... 9 Entry to Your Home by Staff ................................................................................................ 10 Annual Unit Inspections ....................................................................................................... 10

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YOUR RENT Paying Your Rent ................................................................................................................ 10 Changes in Your Rent and Income ...................................................................................... 11 Boarders, Lodgers and Guests ............................................................................................ 11 Internal Transfer Requests .................................................................................................. 12 Eviction ................................................................................................................................ 12 SAFETY AND SECURITY Smoke Detectors ................................................................................................................. 13 Carbon Monoxide Detectors ................................................................................................ 13 Building Safety and Security ................................................................................................ 13 Fire Safety ........................................................................................................................... 14 WHO DO YOU CALL ............................................................................................................. 16 COMMUNITY CONTACTS ..................................................................................................... 17 NOTES ................................................................................................................................... 18

For further information regarding Housing Services Policies, please visit: www.northumberlandcounty.ca

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Updated June 2017

YOU AND YOUR HOME MOVING IN Welcome to your new home!

Your unit was inspected before you moved in to ensure it is clean and all repairs have been completed. Please complete the move in inspection form and return it to the office within 10 days. If at any time during your tenancy you require repairs, please call 905- 372-3329 ext.

2356 or toll free 1-800-354-7050 ext. 2356.

SMOKE FREE Effective June 1, 2013 Northumberland County Housing Corporation adopted a Smoke Free Policy. This policy prohibits smoking within the private units designated as smoke free and within 5 metres of the window, doors and air intakes of any single duplex or townhouse dwelling and within 9 metres of any apartment building.

The smoke free policy applies to tenants, members of the tenant’s household, visitors, guests, contractors and business invitees.

The Smoke Free Ontario Act applies to all common areas of a building such as common room, laundry room, hallways, entrance ways etc.

Policies and Procedures Directive 2013-17PM Northumberland County RGI Lease Schedule A, section 5 Smoke Free Ontario Act (SFOA)

KEYS The keys that you were given when you moved in give you access to your unit, your mailbox and your building.

If you lose or forget your keys please call the Facilities Department at 1-800-354-7050 or 905- 372-3329 ext. 2356 (during Business hours) or 1-866-951-7956 (after hours, weekends and holidays).

You may be charged a service fee to have staff open your door. You may also be charged a fee to have new keys issued.

Northumberland County RGI Lease Section 2.13 1

INSURANCE We strongly recommend that you buy insurance for your personal property and to cover yourself in the event of liability issues.

Content Insurance will cover your personal liability, and applies to all personal property such as electronic equipment, jewelry, clothing etc., that you own or acquire during the policy period.

Northumberland County insures the buildings themselves, but does not cover your personal property.

Policy and Procedures Directive # 2008-08 PM Northumberland County RGI Lease Section 8.02

PARKING If you need a parking space, contact your caseworker to inquire if there are any spaces available as there may be a waiting list. Please inform your guests and visitors not to park in the spaces that have been assigned to other tenants or on private property.

Policy and Procedures Directive #2008-02PM Northumberland County RGI Lease Schedule A, section 4

PETS Pets can be important members of any household. Northumberland County Tenant’s are allowed one pet per unit. If you have a pet, you are responsible for your pet’s behaviour and its affect on the building and other residents. Please ensure your pet is licensed by the Municipal Bylaw. Pets must be on a leash anytime you exit your unit.

Pets are not allowed in the common areas of the building ie. laundry room, common room and washrooms. We strictly enforce a poop and scoop policy in all our communities. Failing to adhere to this policy can result in fines, according to the Municipal Bylaw, and may jeopardize your tenancy.

Policy and Procedures Directive #2008-10PM Northumberland County RGI Lease Section 3, 3.02 and Schedule A Section 6 2

DECORATING If you would like to decorate or make alterations to your unit, you must first get permission from the Facilities Department.

These changes include:  Paint  Wallpaper  Carpet  install ceiling fans or air conditioners  change any fixtures in the unit When you decorate, please remember:  Do not make any permanent changes. For example, do not replace floors or remove doors.  When you move out, you may have to change the unit back to the way it was when you moved in or pay to have it brought to the original condition.  Check with the Facilities Department if you have any questions.

Policy and Procedures Directive #2008-07 PM Northumberland County RGI Lease Section 3.03 (i)

APPLIANCES Apartment building units include a refrigerator and a stove. These appliances will work best, and have a longer life span, if you clean them regularly. Keep the stovetop and the oven clean and grease-free to reduce the possibility of fire.

All fridges and stoves that are provided are energy star qualified products and all stoves are equipped with Safe T elements which are engineered to help prevent cooking fires and reduce the amount of electricity required to cook.

If you require more information on the appliances that are provided please contact the Facilities Department at 905-372-3329 or 1-800354-7050 ext. 2356 or visit http://www.pioneeringtech.com/safe-telement for more information on the safe T elements.

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LAUNDRY Townhouse residents will find hook-ups for resident-purchased washers and dryers in the basements and in accessible units on the main floor.

Please leave the coin-operated washer and dryers clean after your laundry is finished and do not leave your laundry unattended once the cycle is complete. For health and safety reasons apartment residents are prohibited from installing washers or dryers in their unit. There are common laundry rooms in all of our buildings.

In order to assist with the conservation of energy, please refer to the Time of Use chart below.

If you have difficulties with the equipment, please contact the Facilities Department at 905-372-3329 ext. 2356.

1-866-951-7956 (after hours, weekends and holidays).

Policy and Procedures Directive #2008-04 PM Northumberland County RGI Lease Schedule A, section 2

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GARBAGE Apartment buildings:  Put all garbage in a securely tied plastic bag before placing it in the large garbage bag provided in the garbage room.  Put double bags on kitty litter and diapers.  Do not leave garbage bags in hallways or garbage rooms or on balconies.  Do not leave any unwanted or unused household items such as furniture, appliances, clothes, electronics etc in the hallway or garbage rooms.

If you have large items to dispose of, please contact Material Facilities Recycling Plant for information on the nearest landfill site.

Townhouses:  Put all garbage in securely tied dark green or black plastic bags and place garbage tag on bag. Place garbage at curbside before 7:00 am on the morning of pick-up. After pickup, remove garbage containers promptly.  Do not use your yard as a garbage storage area.

For more information about garbage pick-up please contact 1-866-2WET DRY (293-8379) or visit www.northumberlandcounty.ca Northumberland County RGI Lease Section 3.01 (v)

RECYCLING We encourage you to participate in the recycling program. Please ensure that you put all recyclables in a securely tied blue bag and place on curbside before 7:00 am on the morning of pick-up. After pick-up please remove blue boxes promptly. For more information about recycling please contact 1-866-2WET DRY (293-8379) or visit www.northumberland.ca Northumberland County RGI Lease Section 3.01 (v)

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HAZARDOUS WASTE It is your responsibility to arrange for the disposal of hazardous waste such as needles, paint, paint thinner and batteries. Needles and syringes are hazardous waste and should be brought in a sealed container to a Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) Depot or to a pharmacy that accepts them. Do not place them in the garbage or recycling because they are very dangerous to collection workers and sorters at the Recycling Plant!

For more information about hazardous waste, please contact: 1-866-2WET DRY (293-8379) or visit www.northumberlandcounty.ca

PEST CONTROL Staff and residents need to work together to help control insects and other pests. Please ensure that food is stored in airtight containers and garbage is sealed and put out on a regular basis.

Do not feed birds, squirrels, stray animals, or wildlife. This could attract mice, rats, or other unwanted pests.

Bed Bugs - Although even the cleanest homes can have bed bugs, regular inspection and house cleaning, including vacuuming your mattress, can help prevent or discover an infestation in its early stages.

Clean up clutter to help reduce the number of places bed bugs can hide and to make inspection easier. Seal cracks and crevices with caulking, even if you don’t have bed bugs. This will help prevent bed bugs and other pests from entering your home or apartment.

Be careful when buying used furniture or clothes. Make sure to inspect the used item, and feel free to ask if the items were checked for bed bugs. Never bring discarded bed frames, mattresses, box springs, upholstered furniture or electronics into your home. These items may be infested with bed bugs.

Please contact the Facilities Department at 905-372-3329 or 1-800354-7050 ext. 2356 if you suspect you have a pest control issue such as bed bugs, fleas, ants etc.

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Policy and Procedures Directive #2008-03PM Northumberland County RGI Lease Section 3.04 Haliburton, Kawartha Pine Ridge District Health Unit 905-885-9100 or visit www.hkpr.on.ca

UNIT EXTERIORS If you are interested in putting up items such as clotheslines, basketball nets, etc. to the exterior of your unit, you must contact our office.

If you have a balcony:  Do not use it for storage. All items kept on the balcony must be related to balcony use ie. table, chairs, etc.  Do not put carpet on the balcony. The carpet will result in rapid deterioration of the concrete.  Due to health and safety risks awnings, shades, flower containers that hang over balcony, TV aerials or satellite dish or antennae, any apparatus or obstructions over the windows, doors or balcony.  Due to Fire Code regulations balconies need to be accessible and clear of debris.

Policy and Procedures Directive #2009-14PM Northumberland County RGI Lease section 3.01 (vi)

BARBECUES Tenants are not permitted to use their balcony or patio for the purpose of barbequing.

This directive is a result of careful consideration and consultation with local Fire Departments and ensuring compliance under legislation, the Ontario Fire Code (Div.B-5.6.2.3) and the Propane Storage and Handling Code (CAN/CSA-B149.2-05 Policy and Procedures Directive #2009-19PM

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LAWNS AND WALKWAYS Tenants wishing to brighten up their patios, balconies and yards with fresh flowers or vegetables are requested to utilize planter boxes and refrain from digging up the lawns. If you are on a second floor please ensure your patio dĂŠcor is not hanging over the railings and are secured.

Townhouse residents are responsible for cutting the grass in their backyard as well as raking, watering and weeding their yard and garden. Please keep this area neat and orderly. During the winter months, residents are responsible for removing the snow and ice from their walkway, driveway and unit door.

In apartment buildings the clearing of snow and ice from all common walkways and roadways is the responsibility of Northumberland County.

If you have any questions or concerns in regards to the clearing of ice and/or snow, please contact the Facilities Department at 905-372-3329 ext. 2356 or 1-866-951-7956 (After hours, weekends and holidays).

Policy and Procedures Directive #2009-14PM

COMMON AREAS Recreation rooms: Each of our buildings has a common room that is available (free of charge) to all residents for in-house events only.

Lifts: Do not hold doors open for long periods of time and do not place large or heavy items in the elevator.

If the lift stalls between floors, there is a telephone or intercom in the lift. Lift the phone off the cradle, or press the intercom button. Stay calm and do not try to exit the lift before it returns to the floor level.

If the lift is damaged or is not working, please call the Facilities Department immediately at 905-372-3329 ext. 2356 or 1-866-951-7956 (after hours, weekends and holidays).

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MOVING OUT When moving out of your unit, you must contact your caseworker and provide in writing at least two full months notice to our office. Your final day to move out will be the last day of the second month. Upon receipt of your notice, we will send you a move out package outlining your responsibilities and arrange a pre-move-out inspection.

If you are paying utilities directly, remember to contact your utility companies to let them know your move-out date so they can prepare your final bill.

MAINTENANCE AND REPAIRS CONTACTING THE FACILITIES DEPARTMENT For all medical and fire emergencies, call 9-1-1.

The Facilities Department will respond to your maintenance requests as soon as possible.

After hour or maintenance emergency calls may include:  There is no heat, electricity or water in your unit or building  There is a major water leak or a flood in your unit or building  Your toilet is not flushing at all Monday to Friday 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

905- 372-3329 ext. 2356 or 1-800-354-7050 ext. 2356 After hours, weekends and Holidays please call 1-866-951-7956

ENTRY TO YOUR HOME BY STAFF Under normal circumstances staff will not enter your home without a 24-hour advance notice in writing.

In an Emergency In the event of any emergency, if lives are threatened, or when substantial damage could be done to the building, Staff may enter without notice.

Northumberland County RGI Lease Section 4 9

ANNUAL UNIT INSPECTIONS Facilities Department staff and a Housing Services Caseworker will inspect your unit once a year usually in the spring.

The annual inspection focuses on Health and Safety. You will be notified in writing of the date of your inspection.

YOUR RENT PAYING YOUR RENT Your rent is due on the first day of the month.

Payment is accepted in our office by cheque, money order, cash or interact payments.

To ensure that your rent is always paid on time, we strongly suggest that tenants with a fixed income set up a pre-authorized payment plan or provide post-dated cheques once a year.

Tenants with a fluctuating income will be required to provide income verification on the 10th of every month to have their rent calculated for the following month.

PLEASE NOTE: Not paying your rent or paying your rent late on a regular basis may jeopardize your future tenancy.

Policy and Procedures Directive #2009-20PM Northumberland County RGI Lease section 2

CHANGES IN YOUR RENT AND INCOME 

Do not wait for your annual review to report changes in your income, household composition or any change to your circumstances.

Failure to report changes to your income could jeopardize your Rent Geared to Income assistance and your tenancy.

With fluctuating income your rent may change more than once a year.

You must report any changes in the amount of your gross household income. This includes an increase/decrease in wages, employment status or pension adjustment.

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Please contact the Housing Services Caseaide at 905-372-3329 or 1-800-354-7050 extension 2309 within ten business days of any and all income change.

Northumberland County RGI Lease Section 2.07, Schedule B

BOARDERS, LODGERS AND GUESTS You are welcome to have friends or relatives stay overnight. Guests may stay for up to 7 days at a time. Prior approval is required, when you have guests staying for an extended period of time to avoid any tenancy issues. Please contact your Housing Services Caseworker.

You are responsible for the behaviour of your guests and for the repair of damage caused by the willful or negligent conduct other occupants of the premises, or persons permitted on the premises by the Tenant.

Your home is meant to accommodate only those who are listed on your lease. Residents are not permitted to have boarders or lodgers under any circumstances.

Northumberland County RGI Lease Section 1.02 (iii)

INTERNAL TRANSFER REQUESTS There are instances when residents will need to transfer to larger or smaller units or to other locations. Internal transfers are mainly due to health reasons or changes in family size.

Please contact your Housing Services Caseworker to discuss reasons for a transfer request and it will be determined if those reasons meet the Internal Transfer Policy.

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EVICTION Eviction is always a last resort. Your unit is your home. Our goal is to help you keep your home. If you have a problem paying your rent on time, please let us know right away and the staff will try to assist you.

The Residential Tenancies Act provides the following grounds for eviction: You may be evicted for the following reasons:  Do not pay your rent  Frequently pay your rent late  Have more people living in the unit than health, safety or housing standards allow  Give false information about your income or the income of other family members living in a rent-geared-to-income unit  You or your guest cause serious damage to your unit or the building  You or your guest make noise or act in a way that seriously bothers any other resident or the landlord  You or your guest threaten the safety of another resident  You or your guest break the law on Northumberland County property You may be evicted if you keep a pet that:  Injures someone  Causes damage and you fail to pay the cost of repair when asked to do so  Makes an unreasonable amount of noise or is an unreasonable nuisance  Disturbs the reasonable enjoyment of the other residents (i.e. not picking up after your pet) Policy and Procedures Directive 2008-11PM

212121

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SAFETY AND SECURITY SMOKE DETECTORS / EXTINGUISHERS All units have hard wired smoke detectors; they will be tested once a year during the Annual Unit Inspection.

If you suspect that your detector is not working properly, please contact the Facilities Department.

Never disconnect or tamper with your smoke detector, under the Residential Tenancies Act this is considered an Impairment of Safety and an Illegal Act and may result in eviction.

Northumberland County RGI Lease Section 3.01 (vii)

CARBON MONOXIDE DETECTORS All units have a carbon monoxide detector in them to alert the residents should there be a serious malfunction of the gas-fired furnace or water heater.

If you suspect that your detector is not working properly, please contact the Facilities Department.

Northumberland County RGI Lease Section 3.01 (vii)

BUILDING SAFETY AND SECURITY Protecting your safety and security is very important. The security of your building depends largely on the precautions you take to ensure your own safety and the safety of your fellow residents.

Below are some precautions you can take to ensure the safety of your building: 1. Always keep hallways clear of items such as scooters, wheelchairs, walkers, boot trays and door mats. This will help emergency workers and cleaning staff and prevent tripping hazards.

2. Close and lock your apartment and building doors at all times.

When using the intercom system, be sure to ask the caller to identify him or herself so that “uninvited� persons cannot gain access to the building or your apartment.

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3. Do not let salespersons or solicitors into your building.

Northumberland County does not permit soliciting in its buildings.

Always ask for identification from anyone that you do not know.

4. Do not give out copies of your keys. They could easily be duplicated which may result in unauthorized entry of the building or your unit.

5. If someone you do not know is trying to enter the building do not let them in. Ask them to use the intercom to contact the person they wish to see and that person can let them in.

6. If you plan to be away from your home for more than 7 days at a time, please notify the office. You may also wish to contact the post office, newspaper office and all other routine delivery people.

Be sure to close and lock all of your doors and windows before you leave.

Northumberland County RGI Lease Schedule A, Section 1 (a), (b), (c), (d), (e).

FIRE SAFETY If you discover a fire:  Leave fire area immediately  Do not use elevators  Close door in fire area; do not lock it  Confirm the alarm by phoning 9-1-1 from a safe location For apartment buildings: When the Fire Alarm Sounds:  Stop what you are doing  Feel door for heat  To check corridor for smoke, stand behind door and open very slowly  If corridor is clear, close apartment door and exit via stairway  Do not use elevators  If you encounter smoke in stairway, use alternate stairway Note:  If smoke is heavy in corridor, it may be safer to remain in your apartment  Keep apartment door closed  Place wet towel at base of door  Wait on balcony  Signal your position by waving  Remain calm 14

For townhouse communities:  Plan your fire escape route in advance  Exit the townhouse  Meet family in predetermined area  Remain calm  Call 9-1-1 from a safe location

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WHO DO YOU CALL? For questions regarding your housing application or status on the wait list

Housing Services Clerk, ext. 2304

For questions regarding rent receipts, income tax or any general questions For questions regarding your move‐in, lease signing, housing selections, housing applications, special priority applications, or updates for modified units

Housing Caseworker, Cindy Heasman, ext. 2295

To report any changes to your income, assets or any other financial changes, or for annual rent renewal package

Housing Case Aide, Lea Kellow, ext. 2309

To report any changes to your living arrangements, change in number of people living in your unit, tenant transfers or general concerns

Housing Caseworker, Marla Mahon, ext. 2458 Housing Caseworker, Shannon Pryde, ext. 2456 Housing Caseworker, Sue Van Allen, ext. 2490

For household repairs – leaky faucets, plugged toilets, no heat, bug problem, locks not working, electrical issues, lost keys etc.

Facilities Administrative Clerk, ext. 2356

Northumberland County Housing Services Tel: 905‐372‐3329 / 1‐800‐354‐7050 Fax: 905‐372‐6463

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COMMUNITY CONTACTS For contact number and information about Community, Social, Health and Government Services dial 211 or visit www.211northumberland.ca For other information call: Info NORTHUMBERLAND: 905-372-8913 or 1-800-396-6626 or visit www.fourinfo.com

Emergency: Cobourg Police Services: Port Hope Police Services: Ontario Provincial Police: Crime Stoppers:

911 905 -372-2243 905-885-8123 1-888-310-1122 1-800-222-TIPS

EMERGENCY HOUSING Cornerstone Family Violence Prevention Centre Crisis Line: 905-372-0746 Transition House: 905-377-0378 Salvation Army: 905-373-9440 Cobourg Police Services: 905-372-2243 Port Hope Police Services: 905-885-8123 OPP: 1 888-310-1122 16 Northumberland County Phone Numbers Facilities Department: After Hours Maintenance Emergency: Housing Office:

905- 372-3329 ext. 2356 or 1-800-354-7050 ext. 2356 1-866-951-7956 905- 372-3329 ext. 2304 or 1-800-354-7050 ext. 2304

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Hospitals: Northumberland Hills Hospital: Campbellford Memorial Hospital: Peterborough Regional Health Care: Hospital for Sick Kids: Poison Control:

905- 372-6811 705- 653-1140 705- 743-2121 416- 813-1500 1-800-268-9017

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Northumberland County Housing Services 555 Courthouse Road, Cobourg ON K9A 5J6 Tel: 905-372-3329 Toll Free: 1-800-354-7050 www.northumberlandcounty.ca

NOTE: We hope this Tenants’ Handbook has provided you with lots of helpful information, and we welcome your feedback. We also strive to provide information in a format accessible to all people. Contact us at 905-372-3329 extension 2304 to request an alternative format.