Tenant Handbook - CMHA



Tenant Handbook

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|[pic] |CANADIAN MENTAL HEALTH ASSOCIATION |

| |Peterborough Branch |

Index

| |Welcome ……………………………………………………………………... |3 |

| |What is “Supportive Housing”? .............................................................. |4 |

| |Who Does What? …………………………………………………………. |5 |

| |Office Hours ….…………………………………………………………..... |6 |

| |Information about Crime Free Housing, Confidentiality, and Your |6 |

| |Tenancy Agreement…………………………………………………..... | |

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| |Your New Home …………………………………………………….......... |7 |

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| |Pets …………………………………………………………………………. |9 |

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| |Fire Safety..………………………………………………………………... |10 |

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| |Repairs ……………………………………………................................... |11 |

| | | |

| |Notice of Entry ……………………………………………………………… |11 |

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| |Security …………………………………………………………………….. |12 |

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| |You and Your Rent ……………………………………………………….. |12 |

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| |Energy Saving Tips ……………………………………………………….. |13 |

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| |Non-Profit Housing and the Residential Tenancy Act………………… |13 |

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| |Landlord and Tenant Board ……………………………………………...... |14 |

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| |CMHA Supportive Housing Policies & Procedures ……………………… |15 |

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| |Housekeeping ……………………………………………………..………. |17 |

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| |When You Decide to Move Out ………………………………………..... |18 |

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| |Important Telephone Numbers ………………………………………...... |20 |

Welcome to Canadian Mental Health Association Housing. We hope your life here will be a happy one. This booklet will give you lots of information on what to expect living here, what your rights are and what we expect from you. More detailed information is written in your Occupancy Agreement. The Occupancy Agreement is a legal document. You should make sure you are familiar with what it says.

Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) has a comprehensive set of policies which govern how we run our buildings. If you would like to have information on a particular policy which you do not find in this handbook, please call our Program Manager of Supportive Housing.

Who is the Canadian Mental Health Association?

Canadian Mental Health Association – Peterborough Branch was incorporated in 1998. Our mission is to provide clean, safe, affordable and supportive housing to families and singles, who have experienced serious and ongoing mental health issues and/or a developmental disability. We own eleven residential properties with a total of thirty-four units, and have additional rent supplement units through private landlords. We have two sources of income to pay for our operational expenses; your rent and a subsidy provided by the provincial government. We have a legal agreement with the government, which sets out rules and regulations as to how we operate.

Canadian Mental Health Association runs its operations on a non-profit basis. This means that we do not charge more in rent along with the government subsidy than would cover the cost of our normal operating costs, such as maintenance, administration, insurance, utilities and mortgage (we also set aside a reserve each year to cover the costs of future major replacements, such as roof, windows, and appliances). Since the amount of annual subsidy that we get from the government is a fixed amount, if we have high expenses for things like maintenance, we must cover the cost by reducing our spending in other areas. That is why it is important for everyone to do their best to look after CMHA buildings.

Mission Statement

To provide flexible strengths-based and barrier-free supportive housing for persons with a serious mental illness or dual diagnosis that is based on respect, dignity, hope and collaboration.

What is “Supportive Housing”?

The Mission Statement of Supportive Housing is: to provide flexible strengths-based and barrier free supportive housing for persons with a serious mental illness or dual diagnosis that is based on respect, dignity, hope and collaboration. The goals of supportive housing are as follows:

➢ Support people to live as independently as possible

➢ Support people to participate in the community, accessing community resources and assistance

➢ Provide supports to minimize stress, provide illness management and prevent crisis and hospitalization

➢ Provide education and support to people to enable them to develop and maintain skills and relationships

Supports are flexible and based on client need and stability. They may include: Case Management, Housing Supports, Housing Retention visits, as well as partnerships with Community Partners (e.g. the ACT team) who provide the functions of a primary support person in the unit.

Support services may include:

• Household maintenance (cooking, cleaning)

• Money management (banking, budgeting)

• Health related support (appointments, medication, crisis related support)

• Rehabilitative goals (education, vocational)

• Personal skills (hygiene, personal needs)

• Social (including recreational)

• Linking with community support services

• Other involvements that enhance a resident’s satisfaction and success

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Who Does What?

Director of Housing

• Oversees the day-to-day management of our building(s) and reports to CMHA’s Executive Director and Board of Directors

Administrative Assistant

• Handles correspondence, calculates rent-geared-to-income (RGI), and prepares lease and/or occupancy agreements

Program Manager

• Oversees the overall day-to-day coordination, supervision, administration, and delivery process in order to assist tenants to maintain independent lifestyles within a supportive, secure, and healthy environment

Property Maintenance Worker

• Does building maintenance for all CMHA owned properties

Housing Support Worker

• The Housing Support Worker is responsible for the on-going, flexible support of individuals living with mental illness within their residential setting. This position will provide community based, client centered service that supports independent living and enhances the quality of life for those receiving service

Intake Worker

• Accepts and processes housing applications, presents applications to the Tenant Selection Committee, and maintains waiting list

Tenant Selection Committee

• The Tenant Selection Committee reviews recommended housing applications brought forward by the Intake Worker. The committee is made up of a CMHA Board Member, one tenant representative, one community representative, a representative from Peterborough/ Lakefield Police, and two community Housing Partners. Non-voting members include the Housing Administrative Assistant, the Program Manager of Supportive Housing and two Intake Workers.

Office Hours

The CMHA office is open from 8:30am to 4:30pm Monday to Friday.

[pic] Information about Crime Free Housing, Confidentiality and Your Tenancy Agreement

The CMHA Supportive Housing Department works hard to continue to attract and maintain desirable landlords and apartments for its tenants. Therefore we do not tolerate illegal activity in our Supportive Housing units. By signing your Occupancy Agreement, you agree that neither you as a tenant nor any member of your household, any guest or occupant of the rental unit, nor any persons invited onto the residential complex by you or any member of your household, shall engage in any criminal activity. This includes but is not limited to offences under the Criminal Code of Canada, the Controlled Drugs or Substances Act, or any other law or statute or regulation which could affect the character of the residential complex.

CMHA acknowledges and agrees that promoting a crime-free housing program does not imply that there is no crime in a residential complex, only that you as a tenant agree to support crime free housing.

[pic]As a tenant, you should know that in the event of problems with your tenancy, information regarding your occupancy may be shared with appropriate authorities and/or agencies such as the Landlord and Tenant Board or legal council.

Please note that the information that is shared does not include your confidential medical information. It will only include relevant facts that apply only to your

Tenancy.

You should also be aware that because CMHA is your landlord, if there are complaints from neighbours about your tenancy, your neighbours may be directed to contact the CMHA Supportive Housing department. Your neighbours will not be given any confidential medical information, but their complaints will be heard.

Your New Home

Moving in:

Will I need to sign a lease?

Yes. Before you move in you will be asked to sign a lease or an Occupancy Agreement. Our Administrative Assistant will review the terms of the agreement with you and answer any of your questions. Your primary Support Worker may be present to assist you as well.

Will there be a pre-move in inspection?

Yes, prior to you picking up your keys, our Housing Department will have completed an inspection of your new home by taking pictures of the apartment showing the state of the apartment prior to you moving in. Any problems with the unit will be documented on the inspection report and you may receive a copy of the report for your own records. There will be yearly inspections performed by two representatives from CHMA while you are a tenant, and pictures may also be taken at this time if there have been any damages that need to be fixed or if there are repair needs that need to be addressed. This way we are able to keep track of the condition of the unit and assist you to address any issues promptly.

What about keys for my apartment?

CMHA will provide you with a key to your apartment, the front door of the building (and your mailbox if applicable). An extra key can be provided for you to give to someone you trust, in the event of a lock out. You will need to provide the name, address, and telephone number of the secondary key holder.

What if I lock myself out?

If you lock yourself out, you will need to contact your secondary key holder, case manager or landlord (CMHA) during business hours at 748-6711. You can also call the property manager/superintendant after hours, depending which unit you reside in. You will be provided with those numbers upon move in. You may also stay at a friend’s home if it is a weekend or after hours. If you lock yourself out after hours or on weekends, you will have to call a locksmith at your own expense. Extra copies of keys are $10.00 each.

What day is garbage pick-up?

Garbage collection is once a week and in some locations it may be twice a week. To find out when garage day is in your area please contact Public Works at 745-1386 and write it on the line provided ____________________. You will be responsible for making sure that your garbage is taken to the curbside in an appropriate container.

What day is my recycling to be picked up?

Recycling is picked up once a week. To find out when Recycling/blue box day is in your area please contact Public Works at 745-1386 and write it on the line provided ______________________. Boxes need to be broken down and tied in bundles before being placed at the curb. You will be provided with one blue box at move-in. Should you need to replace your blue box they can be obtained at City Hall., along with instructions on how to recycle.

Is there a place to park a vehicle at my apartment?

Some CMHA and other apartments do have parking, some don’t. You must make arrangements for parking with the Housing Department. You will be asked to provide information about your vehicle including license plate number. Any unauthorized vehicles will be tagged and towed. If someone else parks in your spot, contact the property manager or housing department.

Will my apartment have cable for my television?

Please refer to your Occupancy Agreement to see if the rent you pay for your apartment includes cable services. If it is not included and you want cable you will need to make your own arrangements. If you are interested in having satellite TV your must have a letter of permission from the Housing Department and you will be asked to provide this to the installer. Your letter will indicate that no holes or structural change to the building is allowed.

Please note: If a satellite is attached to the building/roof etc. and your Landlord did not grant you permission the satellite may be taken down, and damages repaired at your expense.

What about telephone service and/or internet service?

Each unit has at least one telephone jack. Unless otherwise stated in your lease, if you want telephone service, you will need to make your own arrangements with Bell Canada/Cogeco etc. to hook up service. There is a fee that will be charged to you from the service provider. In most cases, Internet is not included and also needs to be arranged and paid for by the tenant if it is not included in your lease.

What if I want to redecorate my apartment?

You must receive written permission from the Housing Department at CMHA as well as providing colour samples before you start any decorating, such as painting or wallpapering. Doing so without permission can be an expensive mistake and you may be asked to repaint to a lighter colour when you move out.

What if I want to install a ceiling fan or an air conditioner?

You must receive written permission from the Program Manager of Supportive Housing prior to any installation of ceiling fans, air conditioners, or other electrical fixtures or wired-in appliances. Installation will be done by a Property Maintenance Worker or electrician for a charge. Please note that if an air conditioner is installed in your apartment your Landlord may request you pay additional money each month for the extra utility cost.

Will my apartment and my belongings be insured?

CMHA is not responsible for your personal belongings. Our insurance covers our property only. CMHA is only responsible for damage to the buildings that we own. CMHA strongly recommends that you get renters insurance to protect your belongings against theft, fire, or other damage. This renters insurance can cost as little as $9.00 per month. Please see your Support Worker if you would like assistance with this.

Will I be able to use the basement?

You do not have access to any basement unless specified in your occupancy agreement or lease.

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Pets

Am I allowed to have a pet?

You may be allowed to keep a pet in your apartment. You must first provide us with a written Pet Care Plan drafted by you and your Case Manager and then written permission from the landlord may be granted. Your pet must not disturb other tenants. If you have a dog, please leash it when you take it out of your unit. Do not allow your dog to run free outside, and remember to “stoop and scoop” after your pet. We also recommend you have your pet spayed or neutered. Please discuss this with your primary Support Worker. Pets can cause damages that can be very expensive such as spraying, scratching and otherwise destroying carpets and other flooring. They can disturb the peaceful enjoyment of the premises by other tenants by causing noise and odours that can lead to your eviction.

Fire Safety

Avoid storing flammable materials or liquids such as gasoline, paint thinner or solvents in your apartment. Recycle your old newspapers; they can become a fire hazard if you let them accumulate.

The most common causes of fire are:

1. Smoking in bed

2. Grease fires on a stove

3. Disposal of lighted cigarette ashes in the garbage

Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors:

Your unit has a smoke detector and it may also have a carbon monoxide detector. Please do not disconnect them. Check every week to see that the batteries are working (if they use them) by pressing the red button. Replace batteries every six (6) months, on Daylight Savings Time. If you have problems with your smoke detector, tell the Landlord or your primary Support Worker immediately.

Smoke detector testing:

Testing of the smoke detector will happen once a month, by the maintenance worker, if you reside in CMHA owned properties. Reviewing your fire safety plan is also important to do on a monthly basis. Your primary Support Worker can assist you with this.

Space heaters:

If you use a space heater, it must have an emergency shut-off.

IN CASE OF FIRE, CALL 911 IMMEDIATELY

Hallways and Fire Escapes:

Fire escapes and hallways must be free of belongings (example: blue boxes, bicycles, wheelchairs, scooters, etc.). In an event of a fire in the building these items could result in another tenant or yourself falling over the items and injuring themselves/yourself and therefore resulting in death if the person injured could not escape in time.

Repairs

What if my apartment needs repairs? Who do I call? Will I have to pay for the repairs?

For all maintenance requests, other than emergencies, please notify your Support Worker or provide the information to the CMHA Receptionist. We take our responsibility for doing repairs and maintenance very seriously.

If you are living in one of our head leased units with a private landlord, and you are comfortable calling them directly, you are welcome to do so. If you have problems with getting the repair done, or you are not comfortable calling the superintendent, you may call our Housing Administrative Assistant to help.

Please report water stains that appear on the walls and ceiling.

There is no charge for repairs due to normal wear and tear. However, any damage you, your visitors, your pets, or your children cause will be charged to you.

The Program Manager and/or Director of Housing is responsible for preparing and authorizing the charge for any repair of damage. If you have any questions about a charged repair, you should discuss them with the Housing Department.

What if I have an emergency repair?

After working hours and on weekends, there is an emergency maintenance number you can call that is located on the fridge magnet provided to you at move in.

Call this number only in a serious emergency, such as a flood, power failure, no heat, or when someone’s safety is at immediate risk.

Notice of Entry

We shall give you 24-hours notice if we need to enter your unit, unless it is an emergency situation and therefore no notice is required. All repairs will be done between 8:30am and 4:30pm, unless a different time is negotiated with you.

Annual inspections:

We inspect all our units each year. From the inspection reports we work out our maintenance plans for the next year and prepare our annual maintenance budget. We shall send out notices of the inspection schedule before we come into your unit.

Vandalism:

If you see anyone damaging CMHA property, you should phone the police right away and tell the Housing Department or your Support Worker.

Security

These hints will help you keep your home secure:

1. Lock you doors and windows when you are out. A good lock for a sliding door or window is a broom handle or other piece of wood fitted into the bottom rail.

2. Attach a lamp to a timer to go on when you are out in the evening.

3. Tell the post office and newspaper carrier if you are going to be away, or arrange for a neighbour or friend to pick up your mail and any flyers.

You and Your Rent

Your rent is determined by your income source and the program that you have been accepted into.

Rent-geared-to-income (RGI) is a subsidized rent. A tenant paying RGI will pay rent equal to approximately thirty percent (30%) of the combined income of everyone living in the home, plus some utilities and additional charges such as parking or cable television. The rules for how RGI is calculated are set by the government.

Depending on the program, clients on ODSP or OW will often pay the maximum shelter allowance determined by their income source and CMHA will subsidize the remainder of rent to pay full market rent to the landlord.

Rent increases and decreases:

If you are paying subsidized rent, your rent will change when your income changes. This may be more frequently than once a year. We do a review of your income and household size each year. We shall ask you to provide updated proof of income and a list of who is living with you at that time. You must let us know immediately if there is any change in your income or household members change as a result of birth, death, marriage (including common-law), separation or divorce, or when your children move out. These changes can affect your rent as well as the size of unit your household is eligible for.

You will receive written notice of a rent increase resulting from an increase in your household income.

If you have any questions about how your rent is calculated, or what proof of income is required, please check the attachment to your Occupancy Agreement or lease. Call our office if you have further questions.

Energy Saving Tips

✓ Lower your thermostat to 16(C at night and when you are not at home

✓ Use a microwave oven, toaster oven or slow cooker to cook small portions

✓ Remember it takes only ten (10) minutes for your stove oven to reach 350(F

✓ Keep seals around refrigerator, microwave and freezer doors clean and in good repair

✓ Consider switching to energy efficient fluorescent bulbs

✓ Turn off all lights when they are not needed

✓ As your maintenance staff about energy efficient shower heads

✓ Take showers instead of baths

✓ Use an electric kettle or coffee maker instead of a stove-top burner

✓ Ensure the heating units in your apartment are clean and that there is nothing in front of them

✓ Wash your clothes in warm or cold water and rinse in cold; wait until you have a full load or use the small loads setting (if available) on the washing machine

✓ Keep windows closed in the winter, both the inside and outside storm windows

✓ Report any broken windows

✓ If the refrigerator in your unit is a manual defrost appliance, defrost your refrigerator on a regular basis and keep it at a medium or low setting

✓ Report dripping taps

✓ Use energy efficient light bulbs

Non-Profit Housing and the Residential Tenancies Act

Interest on last month’s rent on deposit:

Your last month’s rent on deposit will earn interest each year. You will be issued a cheque for this at the end of the fiscal year in accordance with the RTA.

Subletting your unit:

Your occupancy or lease agreement does not permit you to sublet to anyone else, even for a short period of time. Overnight guests are not permitted for more than three (3) consecutive days.

Abandonment of property:

If you move out and leave some of your property behind, we have the right to dispose of that property as we see fit. You will be required to pay to the Landlord the costs associated to remove and dispose of any of your personal effects.

Eviction:

Under the Residential Tenancies Act, you can be evicted if you:

• Do not pay your rent

• Frequently pay the rent late

• Cause serious damage to your unit or the building

• Make noise or act in a way that seriously bothers any other tenant or the Landlord

• Have more people living in the unit than your tenancy agreement states

• Threaten the safety of another tenant

• Break the law on CMHA or other property we have lease agreements with

• No longer qualify for RGI housing

• Misrepresent your income or household size if you are paying RGI

Right to make applications against CMHA:

Under the Residential Tenancies Act, a tenant can make applications against the landlord for problems such as:

• Inadequate maintenance

• Illegal charges

• Harassment

• Reduce or disconnect the utilities

Landlord Tenant Board

The Landlord Tenant Board has replaced the court system for hearing landlord and tenant disputes. You can get information from the Board about your rights by calling 1-888-332-3234, or online

The Human Rights Code

The Human Rights Code says that landlords, people working for landlords, and fellow tenants cannot harass the residents of a building. This is the law. Harassment can be based on race, ancestry, place of origin, ethnic origin, colour, citizenship, religious beliefs, political beliefs, sex, sexual orientation, age, marital status, family status, physical and mental disability, or the receipt of Social Assistance.

Harassment means repeated actions or words that embarrass or humiliate a person. This includes insults, name-calling, racial graffiti, sexual remarks, etc. Grabbing, pushing or hitting are forms of assault, and only need to happen once for legal action.

CMHA Policy on Harassment

If you feel that you are being harassed, you should do something about it. First, if possible, you should tell the offender to stop. If you cannot confront the person who is harassing you, report the harassment to the landlord, or to your primary Support Worker. Do so in writing, if you can, and keep a copy for yourself. Write down every incident, including the place, date and time the harassment took place and details to the harassment.

When we receive a harassment complaint, CMHA will make every effort to correct it. You also have the option of taking your complaint to the Human Rights Commission or a lawyer at any time. CMHA will tell you immediately if it sends your complaint to the Human Rights Commission.

Occupancy Standards

There are rules about the size of unity you qualify for if you receive a rent subsidy. Some households may be required to move to a smaller unit if the household gets smaller.

Domestic Violence

Domestic violence and abuse are criminal offences. If you witness abuse, if you think a neighbour is being abused, or if you are being abused yourself, call the police. If you are being abused in your home you will be given priority for a transfer to other non-profit housing.

CMHA Supportive Housing Policies & Procedures

CMHA Drug-Free Housing Strategy

CMHA is committed to creating and maintaining a high quality of life within our housing units. This means taking a hard stand against drug use and drug trafficking out of our buildings.

Neither we nor the police can control illegal drug activity without your help. You can assist our campaign against the illegal drug trade by reporting any information concerning drugs by calling Crime Stoppers.

CMHA Code of Conduct

We have a code of conduct for staff to help ensure high standards of service and conduct. Staff may not:

• Accept tips, money, or gifts from tenants

• Sell items or services to tenants

• Buy or take property or personal belongings from tenants, their families, or their estates, nor use it for personal gain

• Accept gifts or other items from tenants in return for service

• Accept payment for service during or after work hours

• Borrow money or anything else from tenants

• Lend money to tenants

• Witness a will, oath, or affidavit for a tenant, or act as the executor of a tenant’s will

• Be on the job in an unfit condition due to using alcohol or drugs

• Abuse tenants, staff members, service agency representatives or anyone else in the work place, either verbally or physically

What if I have a complaint?

All complaints must be sent to CMHA in writing. This includes complaints about other tenants and CMHA staff. If you have a complaint about a repair that has been done in your unit, please contact the landlord or the CMHA Administrative Assistant.

If you have a complaint about other tenants in the building please provide date and time of the disturbance and if necessary contact the police prior to reporting it to CMHA Housing Department. If disturbances are on-going, it may be helpful to record specific dates and times on a calendar so that you can provide a list of these to the landlord and/or CMHA.

Transfers

If you would like to move to another CMHA unit, keep in mind that you must make an application to the Tenant Selection committee in writing. To apply for a transfer, please call the Intake Worker at 748-6711.

The following points are the criteria that the Tenant Selection Committee uses to consider for internal transfers:

• Tenant is under/over house

• Critical incident or situation that affects physical or mental wellness

▪ Must be documented

▪ Must be an ongoing situation that is not correcting itself

▪ There will be a low chance of situation recurring in a new apartment

• Problem will be solved by an internal transfer

• Mobility issues if alternative renovations cannot be accommodated

When you transfer you must:

• Not be behind with your rent or owe CMHA any money at the time you are offered a transfer

• Not be involved in legal action with CMHA

• Have a satisfactory inspection of the unit you live in

If your life is in danger where you are living now (due to violence or abuse, for example) and you need more information about transfers, please call our office.

Housekeeping

It is CMHA’s responsibility to maintain the buildings and keep them safe and secure. It is our responsibility to ensure that the buildings we lease are kept safe and secure as well. It is your responsibility to keep the inside of your home clean and safe. Most tenants take pride in their homes and make an effort to keep hallways, laundry rooms and grounds clean and tidy.

Appliances

Regular cleaning and defrosting will keep your refrigerator in good shape and save energy. When cleaning the smooth surfaces of your appliances, use a mild soapy solution. A paste made of baking soda and water is good for cleaning off grease and dirt. Do not use rough cleaners because these will damage the surface of the appliance. Use a commercial oven cleaner for your oven.

Bathrooms

Please do not use rough cleaners like Old Dutch or Comet on bathtubs, sinks and toilets. They scratch the surface and make them harder to keep clean. A good liquid or paste cleanser will prevent mildew from forming on tiles and porcelain.

Sinks

Please do not pour grease down the sink. It coats the inside of the pipe and eventually plugs it up completely. Metal coffee cans or empty glass containers make good alternative storage for grease.

Pests (including Bedbugs)

If you see bedbugs, cockroaches or other pests, such as mice, please call the landlord or the Housing Department immediately. Keeping your home clean will help keep pests away.

To control mice and rats, keep garbage and food (including pet food) in tightly closed containers, and dispose of your garbage and recycling regularly.

Peanut butter and raisins make good bait for mousetraps.

Information and education are vital to preventing an infestation of bed bugs or to catching it quickly.  A proactive and open dialogue about bed bugs will help to reduce the stigma that surrounds an infestation and encourage tenants to be vigilant in inspecting their unit and to notify staff of potential concerns.

There are some quick and easy habits that can help tenants to prevent and identify potential infestations. 

• While curbside finds such a furniture and household objects can be tempting, there may be a reason that they have been discarded. Since bed bugs often infest soft, upholstered furniture like couches and chairs and can live in the joints of things like tables. You should avoid bringing discarded furniture and other items into the home.

• If you notice unusual bites on your skin or stains on your bed sheets that could be blood, you should inspect the mattress and bed frame for small rust brown or black stains. If you find stains or bedbugs, or suspect that you have an infestation, notify the property manager or their staff immediately so that an inspection can be completed.

• If the unit has a bed bug infestation, do not to remove furniture without first wrapping it in plastic and marking it as infested. Taking furniture through the common areas, like hallways and elevators, unwrapped will spread the infestation and make it more difficult to treat.

• Clear away clutter! Bed bugs can hide in small cracks and crevices so you should clean your unit, particularly around where you sleep. Items that you would like to keep should be sealed in boxes for a set period of time or left out to be treated depending on your pest control operator's instructions.

Light Bulbs

Supplying and changing light bulbs in your unit is your responsibility. However, if you have a physical disability which prevents you from changing the bulbs, and you cannot find a friend or relative to do this for you, please contact the landlord, your primary Support Worker or your Housing Support Worker when you need assistance.

Cleaning Service

Household maintenance is a part of our housing support program, where, if needed, staff will work with you on how to maintain a clean and healthy environment. However, if your primary Support Worker deems you physically unable to properly maintain your unit, you may be eligible to receive outside cleaning services in addition to your own efforts.

CMHA has hired our own lead cleaner and a staff that is partly made up of consumer survivors. If you think that you might need extra help in maintaining your apartment, please talk to your primary support worker.

When You Decide to Move Out

60 Days Notice

When you decide to move out, you must give at lease sixty (60) days notice in writing with your last day falling on the last day of the month. Once your notice has been given, the Housing Department together with your primary Support Worker will contact you to do a move out inspection. Pictures may be taken and any damages caused by yourself or your guest will be your responsibility.

Notice in writing

To give notice, you should use the appropriate form from the Landlord and Tenant Board (either N9 or N11) available at the CMHA office, or online on the LTB website:

| |Canadian Mental Health Association |705-748-6711 |

| | |705-748-6711 Ext: 267 |

| |Canadian Mental Health Association – | |

| |Supportive Housing Dept. (Housing Admin.) | |

| |Primary Support Worker | |

| |Fire, Police, Ambulance |Emergency - 911 |

| |Non-emergency: Fire |705-745-3281 |

| | Police |705-876-1122 |

| |Landlord (Day time) |_______________ |

| | (After Hours) |_______________ |

| |Landlord and Tenant Board |1-888-332-3234 |

| |Peterborough Community Legal Centre |705-749-9355 |

| | | |

| |Internet Resources: | |

| |Canadian Mental Health Association – Ontario Division | |

| |Canadian Mental Health Association – National Division | |

| |Canadian Mental Health Association – | peterborough.cmha.on.ca |

| |Peterborough Branch | |

| |City of Peterborough | |

| |Landlord and Tenant Board | |

| |Ontario Disability Support Plan | |

| | | |

Important Telephone Numbers

Canadian Mental Health Association – Peterborough Branch

466 George Street, North

Peterborough, Ontario

K9H 3R7

Tel: (705) 748-6711

Fax: (705) 748-2577

Email: info@peterborough.cmha.on.ca



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