Is the Tenant Responsible for Raking the Leaves?

When you live in an apartment, there are so many things that you need to worry about in and outside of the place. The apartment is not yours, so you know it’s your duty to keep it clean and maintain it as much as you can.

You want to be the best tenant and never have any problems with the landlord, but some issues still occur from time to time. Most of the time, these problems happen due to a lack of knowledge on the part of the tenant or landlord, or maybe both.

The same thing can be said about simple chores like raking the leaves. If you’re here, then you're probably not aware of whose responsibility this is. That’s precisely why we wanted to help you out by explaining who is responsible for raking the leaves in Ontario and British Columbia, as well as the rest of Canada. Let's take a look:

Is the Tenant Responsible for Raking the Leaves in Ontario?

Winter is coming, and there are so many things that need to be done in the way of making sure you’re safe and warm inside. Raking the leaves outside of the building is probably the last thing you want to do. But do you have to do it?

If you live in Ontario – you don't. Ontario is the most tenant-friendly province of Canada, and the landlord does almost every chore that has to be done if it involves the common areas. 

However, there's more to it than that. If you rent a whole building (a house, a duplex, or similar), then what's usually considered the common area is used exclusively by you. When you or your family are the only ones who use it, then the law requires the tenant to rake the leaves, remove the snow, and all similar chores in the way of maintenance.

Additionally, if the tenant lives in a multi-tenant building, the landlord can change these rules and put the responsibility on the tenant’s shoulders. As long as they prepare a separate agreement that is signed by both parties, the rules are changed, and raking the leaves is now your responsibility.

Is the Tenant Responsible for Raking the Leaves in British Columbia?

The same rules apply in British Columbia and all other provinces and territories of Canada. Unless the lease or other agreement states otherwise, the landlord is always responsible for all maintenance of a multi-residential unit. It's only the tenant's duty when they exclusively use the area in question.

In general, most of these things won't be a problem for you as long as you and your landlord have a kind and respectful relationship. Most landlords in Canada are good and won't try to abuse their power. However, if they do, it's best to avoid confrontation and to try and resolve the situation peacefully. When all of that fails, you should contact the proper authorities and let them handle the situation according to the law.

Is the Tenant Responsible for Snow Removal?

Winter is a tough season. You need to work hard on surviving it in your apartment, and you don't need additional stress like snow removal. However, it can be an even greater stress if it's an obligation, a job that you have to do according to the law. If you don't, the consequences will end up being an even bigger problem than the task itself.

It has happened more than once, that tenants and landlords went to court over such small issues. For example, in one case from 2002, a tenant slipped on the walkway to her basement apartment and decided to sue her landlord. However, because the lease stated that it was her job to clean the snow, the landlord wasn’t charged.

With such things happening from time to time, we wanted to give you detailed information on whether or not you need to do it if you live either in Ontario or Alberta. Let’s take a look:

Is the Tenant Responsible for Snow Removal in Ontario?

The case we previously mentioned occurred in Ontario. It was later taken to the Court of Appeal, and the decision was altered to the tenant's favor. Why? Because according to the law in Ontario, snow removal is the landlord's obligation. If they want to delegate the duty to a tenant, they have to prepare and sign a separate agreement (outside of the lease), where it's clearly stated that the landlord will pay the tenant for snow removal outside of the building.

So, unless you sign a specific agreement and get paid for it, you, as the tenant, are not responsible for snow removal in Ontario. Now you don’t have to worry about slipping outside of your apartment while you commute to work and then having to pay for everything yourself.

Additionally, it’s worth it to know that according to section 26 of Ontario Regulation 517, it’s the landlord’s job to maintain the common areas in their building, not the tenants’. However, even if the landlord doesn’t respect this, you cannot withhold rent to get them to comply. It’s best to resolve this amicably. If that fails, you can then contact the Landlord and Tenant Board and let them handle the situation.

Is the Tenant Responsible for Snow Removal in Alberta?

Pretty much the same thing goes for Alberta and most other provinces and territories in Canada. If the area belongs to the landlord and is for the use of all tenants, the landlord must maintain it, which always includes snow removal.

However, if the landlord rents a building to a single tenant or family (like a house or a duplex), as long as they have exclusive use of the yard and walkway around the building, then the tenant must maintain it.

Naturally, all of these rules can be changed, as long as both parties agree and sign agreements. Our advice is always to know what your duties are as a tenant and be respectful to your landlord, and we are positive that they will do the same for you.

How to Take Care of Your Balcony Plants in Winter

For those of you who love taking care of plants, we are sure you like having them on the balcony as well. However, the problem with this usually lies in the fact that they can die out during the cold winter months.

In this article, we wanted to give you some advice and tips on how you can take care of those plants in the winter. If you do everything right, and with a little bit of luck, your balcony plants will be completely fine, no matter the cold!

How to Be Good at Winter Gardening

In the past, only people with big gardens were able to have plants. Today, it’s all very different as even people in apartments can keep plants all year round. That’s especially true for people with balconies.

What’s more, you can grow annuals, perennials, small trees, shrubs, and even vegetables in your apartment today! You only need to learn how.

First of all, you need to know which pots are right for your plants. You should know that materials like concrete, ceramic, and terra cotta are not going to do well in the cold. It’s best to opt for fiberglass or polyethylene pots with drainage holes. These materials don't only survive the cold, but they are also more practical as they are very lightweight. Additionally, you should make sure that your pots are some 18 to 24 inches wide as plants do better in larger containers.

Make sure you place the pots in pot feet. By keeping the plants well above the ground, you’ll make sure they have proper air circulation. It will also ensure that excess moisture leaves through the drainage holes.

As for the ground, each plant has its own preference. However, you should make sure you fill your pots with soil and then add a layer of mulch. That will ensure that no mold and excess moisture ruins the plants. However, if you have the right compost and drainage holes on your pots, you can avoid the moisture problem. Also, make sure you fill the containers up to the rim.

Some plants simply can’t live in the cold, so you’ll have to keep them inside during the winter. However, you must keep them somewhere where they can get enough light to survive.

It’s good to prepare plants for the winter. You can do that by continuing to water them regularly throughout the fall, as this reduces new growth, which is the most vulnerable in cold weather.

As for watering in the winter, it's important not to overdo it. The excess water can kill the roots of the plants. It's vital to keep it just slightly moist so the roots don’t dry out. Additionally, before the first freezing temperatures, you should water the plants well. Then you can continue to add some water whenever the temperatures rise above 4 degrees C (40 degrees F).

The Bottom Line

As you can see, there’s always a way to keep your plants alive, even during harsh conditions. All you need to do is follow the advice we gave you, and you should be fine. And if you have a green thumb, you’ll do great.

How to Create a Winter Balcony

All of you who have a balcony know how wonderful it is to spend time on it during the breezy spring days and cool summer evenings. It’s a place the whole family can enjoy together talking, playing games, and relaxing.

However, when the cold weather comes, the balcony becomes as desolate a place as the forgotten parts of the basement. With that in mind, we wanted to help you by showing you how to create a winter balcony. Once you're done, you'll be able to continue to have quality time with family and friends during the whole winter!

How to Make Your Balcony Warm and Comfortable in the Winter

●        For people who have a large balcony and an old sofa, you can make the balcony live up to its potential by merely bringing out the sofa or an old mattress. Add some pillows, blankets, and whatever else you want. Then you’ll have yourself a cozy winter balcony.

●        If you live in an apartment and have a small terrace, you can still create a winter balcony easily. All you need is that old chair that's sitting there. Then, you can create a canopy out of it by using a curtain of your choice, some hula hoop, and a metal wire to tie it all together. Use the hula hoop to hang the curtain and tie it all in a corner with the metal wire. Put the chair beneath it and hang some lights to make it all bright and beautiful. Cover yourself with a warm blanket and enjoy!

●        Instead of regular furniture, you can create or buy a hammock and enjoy the warm winter sun during the day.

●        Use an old carpet to cover the floor and make it warmer. Plus, it will look great!

●        To keep yourself warm, you can opt for some small stoves or radiant heaters.

●        If you want to keep the balcony truly warm, you can install sliding doors and windows (you can keep those open in the summer and spring).

●        Remember that you have to use furniture that’s made from metal and natural materials to avoid mold and cold weather ruining them. Even synthetic wicker and aluminum-made furniture can survive the winter for a couple of years.

How to Make Your Winter Balcony More Beautiful

●        Add curtains and fairy lights to the balcony to make it beautiful all year round. You can also use lanterns and candles (both regular and LED candles are great).

●        Use evergreen plants to beautify your balcony. You can use plants like junipers, boxwoods, and dwarf Alberta spruces, to name a few. To ensure they live through the cold, it's always best to choose the ones that can survive in colder regions. It's also good to use fresh soil and a top layer of mulch. As for the containers, it's best to opt for moisture-resistant wood containers or ones made from fiberglass or polyethylene.

●        Get inspired by other peoples’ ideas for décor.

We hope that these ideas are enough to get you started and help you create your perfect, cozy, and warm winter balcony!

Should You Get Tenant Insurance?

Most people know that tenant insurance is not required, and they are right. Many also believe that it only benefits the landlord. However, there are several reasons why this insurance is beneficial for the tenant as well.

In this article, we’ll make sure to cover everything you need to know about tenant insurance. Then you'll be able to decide for yourself if you need it.

What is Tenant Insurance?

There are several different tenant insurance policies, but all of them will cover several standard things:

●        Personal belongings like clothing, electronics, furniture, and more.

●        Protection from personal liabilities such as someone getting injured in a rented home or the tenant accidentally causing injury to them. The tenant insurance will cover you if someone decides to sue you for such injuries.

●        Temporary living expenses if you’re unable to live in the rented home because of damage or loss.

Such standard coverage usually costs a little as $25 per month. You can also pay extra if you have some other valuables you want to be covered.

Now, let’s take a look at some of the main reasons that make tenant insurance useful.

Reasons for Getting Tenant Insurance

The main reason why getting tenant insurance is beneficial is the fact it covers personal property. If anything in the home gets damaged or broken by accident, you wouldn't have to pay for it. Most people believe that they will be careful and that nothing will happen, so they don't think they need this type of insurance. However, the truth is that accidents do happen, so it's better to stay protected.

The same can be said about accidents that may happen to other people. As we've said, the primary form of tenant insurance makes sure you're covered if someone decides to sue after getting injured in your apartment.

The most important thing about tenant insurance is that it covers the tenant if accidental damage happens to the apartment itself. Without insurance, you'll likely have to pay for any damage caused while living there.

A good plus about tenant insurance is that your personal possessions are covered even while traveling. That includes both the possessions you take with you and those that stay in the rented apartment.

In some cases, landlords require you to have tenant insurance. If you refuse, they simply decide not to rent you the apartment. The landlord is entirely within their right to ask this of you.

If you're a student, your parents' insurance might not cover you adequately. That's because many policies only cover you partially while you’re living away from your parents. Plus, they require that you’re financially dependent on them.

The Bottom Line

Now you know everything you need to know about tenant insurance. The information provided here should be more than enough for you to decide whether or not you need tenant insurance.

If you’re looking for our advice – you should get it. It’s not expensive, and it covers a lot. Plus, it’s better to be safe than sorry!

Avoid Falling for Fall

The sun is shining less, and the weather is slowly getting worse – it's the most definite sign that summer is ending, and fall is quickly approaching. When that time comes, you know it's high time to start getting your home ready for fall.

In this article, we wanted to give you some tips on what you can do to prepare your rental for fall and avoid falling for it!

Prepare for the Rain

One thing that is often characteristic of fall is the rain. Consequently, it's the main thing you need to prepare for before the near-constant rain starts.

The first thing that should come to mind is to make sure that nothing is left outside. If you have anything outside that can be damaged by rain, it's time to get it into storage.

If you live in a basement apartment, this part is crucial. You should make sure the outdoor drains are cleared of leaves and other debris. You can ask the landlord to clear the rain gutter if that's not something that you can do.

Furthermore, it's essential to make sure your apartment is safe by checking the windows for leaks. That will also help with drafts, which tends to overwork your heating system. And we all know the effect this can have on your wallet and the environment. Speaking of drafts, it's time to discuss how to prepare for the colder weather.

Prepare for the Colder Weather

Another obvious characteristic of fall is the colder weather. You can prepare for it by checking for leaks and holes in your windows and doors. These can let the cold air in and make it harder for your heating system to warm up your apartment. It’s shown that such gaps can account for as much as 10% of your heating bill, so it stands to reason that you would want those spaces sealed.

If you live on the top floor, it’s a good idea to check the roof for leaks. Check with your landlord to see who’s responsible for that part.

Naturally, if you live in a house, there’s a lot more that you need to do:

●        Check the exterior of the house for cracks and gaps.

●        Clean the gutters and check that the water drainage system is working fine.

●        Turn off all the outdoor faucets and store the water hoses and sprinkles.

●        Prepare your yard and garden for the fall by cleaning it and cutting any risky tree branches which can easily fall due to strong winds and rainy weather. If you want to grow something in the spring, it's time to fertilize the ground and plant the bulbs! Know that you can also keep plants and the like inside if you live in an apartment.

●        If you have a chimney, it's important to check if there's nothing in it that can be a fire hazard.

The Bottom Line

This detailed list of what you need to do to avoid falling for fall should be more than enough to prepare you. When fall truly kicks in, you’ll be glad you took the extra time to prepare your home for it!

How to Terminate a Lease

Terminating a lease and ending a tenancy early in Canada can be complicated, but there are certain situations when you can do it. Whether you have a fixed or non-fixed term tenancy, you can end it and move out if you give the written notice to your landlord. You may also come to an agreement with them to end your tenancy.

However, if you want to move out early, it won’t always be possible. Let’s have a closer look at some of these situations:

Giving Proper Notice

Every notice must include the termination date, which is the last day you plan to livein the apartment. Unless you provide notice that you’re moving out, your tenancy will continue — and with it, your responsibilities for the apartment. With a fixed-term tenancy, your notice must come at least 60 days before the end of the lease, and your termination date can’t be before the end of the fixed term.

For a non-fixed-term tenancy the notice is also at least 60 days if you have a monthly rent payment, and 28 days if it’s weekly. The termination date has to be the last day of the rental month or week.

Making an Agreement with the Landlord

If the landlord agrees, it’s possible to end your tenancy early regardless of your previously agreed-upon term. However, it’s best to get this agreement in writing. The landlord might accept this because they’d be allowed to increase the rent for the new tenant after you leave.

You can use the Agreement to Terminate a Tenancy (Form N11). Just make sure you do leave on your termination date because otherwise, the landlord can evict you.

Assigning or Subletting Your Tenancy

You can also agree with your landlord to assign or sublet your tenancy to someone else. If you assign your tenancy, you will have to leave the apartment permanently, but if you sublet it, you can return before the end of the tenancy, after a predetermined amount of time.

Both the assignee and the subtenant will pay the same rent you do. While the assignee will pay it to the landlord and the subtenant will pay it to you, and you will then pay it to the landlord. The landlord can refuse to let you assign or sublet, but it can’t be for arbitraryreasons.

Issues with the Landlord

If you have any of the following issues with your landlord, you can apply to the Landlord and Tenant Board to issue an order to end your tenancy early:

●       Landlord doesn’t maintain the rental property;

●       Landlord alters the locking system without giving you replacement keys;

●       Landlord harasses you;

●       Landlord withholds a vital service or deliberately interferes with it or your enjoyment of the rental property;

●       Landlord unlawfully enters the rental property;

●       Landlord refuses to let you assign or sublet the rental unit for arbitrary reasons.

Special Situations

You can leave the tenancy early if you’ve experienced domestic or sexual abuse and violence. You’ll need LTB Form N15, a notice of 28 days, and the copy of a peace bond or restraining order against the abuser.

Also, if your landlord didn’t use the standard lease form, which is the required one since April 30, 2018, you can give them notice to end your tenancy early if they don’t give you a copy of the standard lease form within 21 days of your request.

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