Things you should know about your first apartment
Whether you're new to London
or not, spent time in residence on
campus or moved directly into a
new place all your own, or even
had an apartment elsewhere, there
are certain things you should know
and keep in mind when it comes to
living here in the city.
Our chief concern is for the happiness and wellness of the students attending Fanshawe College, and for that reason we've put together this list of three things you may not know about the apartment you move into while you're pursuing your education. For more information, however, there are a few links and references listed at the end of this article that could help you out.
Apartments must be licensed
Apartments must meet certain standards beyond simply having smoke detectors and alternate emergency exits. In London, apartments must be licensed for residence by the city — the property manager must obtain a license for each and any residence in a building with four or fewer dwellings within it. A building with more than four dwellings is considered a complex.
You have a right to see the licence, of course, and should ask to see it. Don't move into an apartment that hasn't been properly licensed, because not only does it not meet residential standards, but consider that the property manager may not have taken care of other obligations with that apartment, too, and may not when you need them to.
That space is your own
You may already be aware, but by law a landlord must give you written notice of the need to enter your apartment at least 24 hours in advance of doing so. In this area you have full control over your apartment and your privacy, and depending on the circumstance you can afford them some lenience, but know that you don't have to.
So if you have an emergency situation with a broken toilet or appliance, you can make exceptions in order to get the work done that you require. Just know that you aren't obligated under any circumstances to allow them access without notice - this is a principle right for tenants. You needn't accept the notice by phone and should not tolerate any pressure for entry without documentation.
Pets are welcome
You aren't required by any law to give up any pets you may have in order to live in a given apartment. "No pets" clauses on leases are not enforceable by law, and in truth are usually included by the preference of your property manager because pets can tend to be loud, messy or cause allergic reactions.
That said, the best advice is to be upfront and ask about pets while you're looking at apartments. Simply ask about your pet while you're touring or applying for the apartment, you'll likely find that it's a non-issue anyway, and then there's no need to hide your pet from company or feel like you're sneaking around.
London isn't very different from most cities when it comes to municipal by-laws, but it's worth a little time spent on the city website at london.ca to get an idea as to what your rights and restrictions are while you're living here.
Further, the Ontario Residential Tenancies Act of 2006 is the guideline by which property managers and tenants are governed and it would be in your best interest to read it to know what your rights and responsibilities are - you only have to read it once! For a quick reference, visit ontariotenants. ca, a simple website built around providing straightforward answers to common inquiries that tenants have and the nuances of various regions around the province.
Please note: if you have an issue or dispute with your landlord or property manager - particularly if it is becoming a legal matter requiring the involvement of some third party officiate — it is important for you to seek appropriate assistance. You cannot be made to leave the property as a result of a dispute without proper notice and legal documentation, but that doesn't afford you the right to break your end of the rental agreement either, so keep paying rent and behave.
Matters requiring the involvement of the Ontario Court systems are complicated and exacting, and not having the guidance of a professional can be a serious detriment to your position, even if you are in the right. To help you with any legal matters, the Fanshawe Student Union has contracted Community Legal Services to provide free legal advice and assistance for students. To make an appointment, contact CLS directly at 519-661-3352.
Our chief concern is for the happiness and wellness of the students attending Fanshawe College, and for that reason we've put together this list of three things you may not know about the apartment you move into while you're pursuing your education. For more information, however, there are a few links and references listed at the end of this article that could help you out.
Apartments must be licensed
Apartments must meet certain standards beyond simply having smoke detectors and alternate emergency exits. In London, apartments must be licensed for residence by the city — the property manager must obtain a license for each and any residence in a building with four or fewer dwellings within it. A building with more than four dwellings is considered a complex.
You have a right to see the licence, of course, and should ask to see it. Don't move into an apartment that hasn't been properly licensed, because not only does it not meet residential standards, but consider that the property manager may not have taken care of other obligations with that apartment, too, and may not when you need them to.
That space is your own
You may already be aware, but by law a landlord must give you written notice of the need to enter your apartment at least 24 hours in advance of doing so. In this area you have full control over your apartment and your privacy, and depending on the circumstance you can afford them some lenience, but know that you don't have to.
So if you have an emergency situation with a broken toilet or appliance, you can make exceptions in order to get the work done that you require. Just know that you aren't obligated under any circumstances to allow them access without notice - this is a principle right for tenants. You needn't accept the notice by phone and should not tolerate any pressure for entry without documentation.
Pets are welcome
You aren't required by any law to give up any pets you may have in order to live in a given apartment. "No pets" clauses on leases are not enforceable by law, and in truth are usually included by the preference of your property manager because pets can tend to be loud, messy or cause allergic reactions.
That said, the best advice is to be upfront and ask about pets while you're looking at apartments. Simply ask about your pet while you're touring or applying for the apartment, you'll likely find that it's a non-issue anyway, and then there's no need to hide your pet from company or feel like you're sneaking around.
London isn't very different from most cities when it comes to municipal by-laws, but it's worth a little time spent on the city website at london.ca to get an idea as to what your rights and restrictions are while you're living here.
Further, the Ontario Residential Tenancies Act of 2006 is the guideline by which property managers and tenants are governed and it would be in your best interest to read it to know what your rights and responsibilities are - you only have to read it once! For a quick reference, visit ontariotenants. ca, a simple website built around providing straightforward answers to common inquiries that tenants have and the nuances of various regions around the province.
Please note: if you have an issue or dispute with your landlord or property manager - particularly if it is becoming a legal matter requiring the involvement of some third party officiate — it is important for you to seek appropriate assistance. You cannot be made to leave the property as a result of a dispute without proper notice and legal documentation, but that doesn't afford you the right to break your end of the rental agreement either, so keep paying rent and behave.
Matters requiring the involvement of the Ontario Court systems are complicated and exacting, and not having the guidance of a professional can be a serious detriment to your position, even if you are in the right. To help you with any legal matters, the Fanshawe Student Union has contracted Community Legal Services to provide free legal advice and assistance for students. To make an appointment, contact CLS directly at 519-661-3352.
