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Exploring
a sustainable development future for the
Niagara Region
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- Inspections
(both incoming and outgoing)
- Cleaning and Damages
- Notice of Termination
- Six per cent Interest on Last
Month's Rent
- Moving
Inspections
It is a really good idea to do a thorough inspection of
the dwelling on the first day of your lease--even if you are not moving in at that time.
Where possible, have the landlord accompany you--but don't be rushed!
- Inspect the place thoroughly at the start. Make a written
list of any/all defects including.
 bad scratches on the floor,- chipped enamel on appliances,
- missing outlet covers or light fixtures,
- cracked windows,
- dirty carpets,
- missing screens,
- holes in walls, etc.
- On the list indicate those items that need that landlord's
attention and whether immediate action is warranted (for instance 'There is garbage in the
basement; please have this removed within the week.')
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- Sign and date the list and make a copy for your landlord;
get this copy to her/him within the week. This establishes the condition of the place when
you took possession so you won't be charged for previous tenants' damages when you move
out.
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- If your house is heated with oil, you want the landlord to
supply the tank full at the outset. You then leave it filled up before you leave. Do NOT
trust the gauge on the tank--they rarely work! Instead, arrange with the landlord that the
tank will be topped up--at the landlord's expense--when you move in.
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- Inspect again before you go, and replace/repair any damage
you or your guests have caused.
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- When you leave, remove everything you brought into the
house unless clear (preferably written) arrangements to the contrary have been made (for
instance, the incoming tenants have bought your television from you--let the landlord know
ahead of time and leave a note to that effect on the t.v. so the it doesn't get thrown
out!)
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Cleaning and Damages
It's easiest if you take care of the place from the start.
Certainly, before you move out, leave the place clean--this includes the oven, stove,
toilets, tubs, basins, fridges, freezers, floors, and storage areas. If you leave the
place damaged or dirty the landlord has the right to bill you--or take you to Small Claims
Court--to recover costs. It may be worth it to your household to get a professional
cleaner.
- get unperishable food to the food bank drop-offs
- sell or give away unwanted but reusable stuff--clothing, furniture,
plates, pictures, etc.
- make full use of your Blue Box in the weeks leading up to your
departure
- make full use of your garbage days--if it fits in a bag without the
bag ripping, put it out!
- collect Household Hazardous Waste and take it to Recycling on the
assigned days; batteries, caustics, chemicals, paints, solvents, etc. are hazards.
Notice of Termination
- If you are on a fixed term lease (for instance, May 1,
1999-April 30, 2000) and you do not intend to stay for a second year, you must provide the
landlord with a Notice of Termination 60 days prior to the end date (so, in this example,
60 days prior to April 30, 2000). If you are on a month-to-month lease you still must give
Notice 60 days prior to leaving. Under the Landlord and Tenant Act a Notice from tenant to
landlord must:
- be in writing,
- identify the dwelling,
- specify the date the dwelling is to be vacated (here, April 30/97)
and
- be signed by the tenant.
- It can be delivered personally or sent by regular mail. If
the Notice is sent by mail, the Act assumes it is delivered on the third day after the
date of mailing. Otherwise, you will continue to be a tenant beyond April 30...and
that means paying rent!
Six per cent interest on Last Month's
Rent
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Under the Tenant Protection Act, as long as a security
deposit (last month's rent) is held by the landlord, he or she must pay the tenant
annually interest at the rate of 6% of the amount. The landlord does not have to pay this
to you before your one-year tenancy is up.
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To jog the landlord's memory, write the landlord a month
before you are leaving. State simply that, under the Act, 6% interest
is owed on [$ amount of security deposit]. In the letter, include the computations,
provide a name for the cheque to be made out to, and the new address for that person.
Moving
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Well in advance, clarify with the landlord when you will be
out. Aim for no later than the day your lease ends...earlier is better.
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Clarify with your new landlord at what time your new place
will be available.
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Arrange to have your mail redirected. This will cost
approximately $32 at the Post Office
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Send your change of address to your bank, credit card
companies, etc.
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Arrange to move/cancel your hydro contract, your telephone
and cable.
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Your lease may state that you must leave the oil tank full.
Arrange to have it topped up.
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