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Your ResponsibilitiesABSENCESIf you plan to be away from your unitfor more than 24 hours in the wintermonths between October 1 and April30, you must arrange for your unitto be inspected daily by a competentcaretaker.A caretaker is someone who isreliable, responsible and able tocheck your unit daily. Your designatedcaretaker must monitor your unitdaily during your absence and is notpermitted to reside in the unit.If you plan to be away for a longperiod of time please notify YHCso we know the unit has not beenabandoned.During an absence you are stillresponsible for rent for the periodyou are away, and you may beresponsible for any damages thatoccur as a result of an absence— such as freeze up or othercircumstances.Absences forRespite CareIf you are absent from yourunit due to a stay in a Yukoncontinuing care facility, YHCwill pro-rate your rent so thatyou do not pay rent for the daysyou were in care. You will needto submit proof of your stay toYHC to receive rent relief. If atenant moves into long-termcare beyond the usual term ofrespite (up to six weeks), theywill need to arrange to vacatethe unit. Please contact us formore information.YUKON HOUSING CORPOR ATION TENANT HANDBOOK 9

CHANGES TO YOURHOUSEHOLDGUESTSYour family composition may changefor a variety of reasons — birth,adoption, new relationship, deathor the break-up of a relationship orfamily. It is important that you letYHC know as soon as the number ofpeople in your household changes.This will allow us to ensure that youare properly housed and paying theappropriate rent.You are allowed to have guests stayfor up to two weeks in a calendaryear. You must obtain permission inwriting from YHC for longer stays.A guest who stays for longer thantwo weeks is an unauthorized tenantand you will be asked to do one ofthe following:1. Ask the unauthorized tenant tomove out2. End your Tenancy Agreement andmake plans to vacate your unit3. Help the unauthorized tenant toapply for social housing. Theymay be added to your leaseif your unit is big enough, aslong as the person meets theeligibility requirements for socialhousing, signs onto your TenancyAgreement and pays rent to YHC. 10 YUKON HOUSING CORPOR ATION TENANT HANDBOOK

RELOCATING BETWEEN UNITSYHC may consider transferring youfrom one unit to another undercertain circumstances. These includethe following:If you are a victim of violence or youneed to move communities to beclose to medical care, special policieswill apply to your relocation. ContactYour family size changes and your YHC for more information.unit is too big or too smallYHC occasionally needs to relocateYour current housing situation istenants so that maintenance cannegatively impacting your healthbe carried out on a unit or a moreand your doctor can confirm itsuitable unit can be found forYour current housing situationfamilies that have changed in size orposes risks to your safety andcomposition. YHC will try their best toa professional (RCMP officer,minimize the inconvenience for youdoctor, support worker, etc.) can and your family.confirm itYou need to be closer to work,other family members or yourdoctorIf you would like to relocate toanother unit, you will need to fillout a Tenant Relocation Applicationform (available at any YHC HousingOffice). Applications are placed ona waiting list and considered alongwith new applications when newunits become available.Please note that relocations betweendifferent communities are notpermitted because each communityhas its own waiting lists. If you’removing, you’ll need to submit a newapplication at the YHC office in thatcommunity.YUKON HOUSING CORPOR ATION TENANT HANDBOOK 11

DAMAGES, VANDALISM AND CHARGEBACKSYHC will provide tenants with aproperty that meets YHC standardsof maintenance. Tenants areexpected to take good care of theirproperty, keep it reasonably cleanand are responsible for damagesbeyond normal wear and tear due tonegligence, willful intent or damagesby guests.Damage should be reported to yourHousing Manager or Tenant RelationsOfficer.If damages are discovered in annualinspections or upon move-out, thetenant may be responsible for thecosts of repairs, depending on thecircumstances. Please keep the linesof communication open with YHC toavoid any surprises.The following types of damage aretypical of incidents where the tenantmay be responsible:Broken windowsHoles in cabinet doors and wallsBurns, stains or other damage toflooring that cannot be consideredregular wear and tearBroken and damaged clotheslinesBroken locksDamaged doors and securityscreensDamage to toilets and sinksClogged toilets caused by itemsflushed down the toilet, suchas sanitary pads, baby wipes orother itemsAbandoned personal items,furniture or vehicles at the end ofthe tenancyThe tenant has the right to accept ordispute liability for costs associatedwith damages (see Appeals onpage 14). If the tenant disputesthe assumption of liability, YHC willsuspend the cost recovery processuntil the appeal is concluded. 12 YUKON HOUSING CORPOR ATION TENANT HANDBOOK

YOUR RIGHTSLANDLORD ACCESSYHC has the right to access your unitto complete inspections, repairs orfor other reasonable purposes. YHCwill provide sufficient notice beforeentering your home. This right ofaccess also applies if YHC believesthat your unit has been abandonedor in the event of an emergency.In certain situations: (such asemergencies) notice may not beprovided.LANDLORD ANDTENANT LAWSYour rights as a tenant are protectedunder Yukon’s landlord and tenantlaws. The legislation sets out therights and responsibilities of bothlandlords and tenants in Yukon.As your landlord, it is YHC’sresponsibility to ensure that you havea safe, secure and functional home.As a tenant, you are responsiblefor following the conditions of yourTenancy Agreement and keeping theunit in good condition.Find out more by contacting theYukon government’s ResidentalTenancies Office.YUKON HOUSING CORPOR ATION TENANT HANDBOOK 13

COMPLAINTSAPPEALSWhile we hope that your housingexperience with YHC will bea positive one, problems mayoccasionally occur. We encourageyou to try and solve problemsbetween neighbours on your own,however there may be cases whereyou need YHC to intervene.YHC has a process in place thatallows you to appeal any decisionmade by YHC that affects yourhousing situation. Your appeal lettershould clearly state the reason foryour appeal and explain the situationfrom your point of view.You may submit a confidential complaintto your Housing Manager or TenantRelations Officer by phone, email,letter or in person. You may remainanonymous if you wish, but YHC’s abilityto take action will be limited. It is bestyou provide your name and as muchdetail about the incident as possible.We recommend that you provide yourcomplaint in writing.Please follow the timelines andinstructions that are provided in yourcorrespondence from YHC.The details of how to appeal will beincluded in official letters from YHCregarding infractions of your tenancyagreement. Please ask usif you have any questions.Please remember that YHC is not alaw enforcement agency. If there isan emergency or criminal activity,call your local emergency respondersor the RCMP. Please report allincidents to YHC. RCMP do not reportincidents to YHC.Where YHC has security servicesin place, call security if there isunreasonable noise, smoking or otherrelated non-emergency issues.For after-hours maintenanceemergencies, call the after-hoursmaintenance emergency phonenumber for assistance. 14 YUKON HOUSING CORPOR ATION TENANT HANDBOOK

PRIVACYYHC respects the confidentialityand privacy of its tenants. Wecollect tenant personal informationfor the purpose of running housingprograms according to the Access toInformation and Protection of PrivacyAct (ATIPP).We protect your personal informationand do not share information withother agencies unless you haveprovided written consent to shareinformation for a specific purpose.We have safeguards in place toensure we can do so successfully.YUKON HOUSING CORPOR ATION TENANT HANDBOOK 15

About Your HomeAPPLIANCESEvery unit comes equipped witha fridge and stove. Selected unitsmay also have a washer and dryer.Your Tenant Relations Officer orHousing Manager will demonstratehow to use the appliances whenyou move in. 16 Fridges and stoves work best if youclean them regularly. If you havequestions about how to clean anappliance, do not hesitate to call us.YUKON HOUSING CORPOR ATION TENANT HANDBOOK

BALCONIES ANDUNIT EXTERIORSWe want you to enjoy your balcony orpatio, and ask that you follow a fewsimple rules.Limit of one gas or electric grill(with a lid) — no charcoal orwood grills allowedPlease clean your potted plantsout at the end of the growingseasonIf you hang seasonal or holidaydecorations, take them downwithin 30 days after the holidayIf you have a bicycle, do not storeit on the balconyLimit the size of outdoor storagecontainers to no more than 3' x 3'in sizePlease do not:Shake, clean or hang laundry,rugs, mats, clothes, bedding orsimilar items from balconies orlandingsUse balconies for general storageof appliances, boxes or otheritemsBe careless with ashtrays(ensure they are noncombustible and covered whennot in use and never discardbutts from a balcony/patio) —this is a real fire hazardKeep balconies and patios cleanand tidy and free of obstructionsYUKON HOUSING CORPOR ATION TENANT HANDBOOK 17

BASEMENTSThere may be a basement in yourbuilding or house. Do not allow anyfamily members to sleep in theseareas unless there is a designatedbedroom — most basements donot have proper fire exits or aircirculation for use as a bedroom.Ensure that you are prepared for anaccidental basement flood as well —store your valuables and keepsakesoff the floor.BUILDING STORAGEAREASCABLE, PHONE ANDINTERNETMost YHC buildings have individualcable, phone, and Internet hookups. You can arrange for theseservices through local providers atyour expense. Please note that YHCdoes not permit satellite dishes to beattached to a house or apartment,but some apartment buildingsalready have them installed foryou to connect through your localsatellite TV provider. If you havequestions please contact us for moreinformation.Some of YHC’s apartment buildingsinclude storage lockers designatedfor your unit. Please keep these areasclean and secure. These lockers arefor your use only and are intendedfor storage of items that you do nothave room for in your apartment.Remember to get content insurancefor all of your belongings, includingthe items that you are storing inlockers. 18 YUKON HOUSING CORPOR ATION TENANT HANDBOOK

COMMON AREASSMOKE FREE BUILDINGSMost YHC buildings have commonareas. These include hallways,elevators, lounges, decks, kitchens,bathrooms and laundry rooms.Please do not store your personalitems in common areas withoutpermission from YHC. Hallways inparticular need to be kept clear ofpersonal items for safety reasons(i.e. fire escape, emergency access).YHC has a strict NO SMOKING policy.No one — including tenants, family,visitors or guests — may smokecigarettes, cigars or any other productindoors. Smoking is prohibited inall YHC buildings. Smoking is onlypermitted in designated smokingareas. These include privatebalconies, off-site outdoor areasand at least five meters from sharedentrance areas.Common and multi-purpose areasare for everyone’s enjoyment. Pleasedo not store your personal items inthese rooms or restrict access toother tenants. Please contact YHC ifyou have any questions about the useof common space.Smoking is grounds for eviction. YHCwill provide two written warningsprior to terminating a tenancy. Indoorsmoking is a health and safetyconcern.YUKON HOUSING CORPOR ATION TENANT HANDBOOK 19

GARBAGE ANDRECYCLINGLAUNDRY AREASRegardless of what type of unityou live in, you are responsible fordisposing of garbage and recyclingproperly:Tie up your garbage bagssecurely before you dispose ofthem down the chute (for someapartments) or in the building’sgarbage bin (for some apartmentsand smaller multi-unit buildings)Double-bag kitty litter anddiapersPlace garbage directly inside thebin or garbage chute and closethe lid — do not leave it on theground next to the bin or chuteMany buildings have common laundryrooms. Buildings with laundry roomsare only to be used by registeredtenants. Check for a laundry roomschedule and any rules about hoursof use — both will be posted.Do your part to keep laundry facilitiesin good working order by cleaning thewashing machine drum and removinglint from the dryer lint screen aftereach use. Laundry machines are onlyto be used for clothing and linens. Donot overfill the machines or add extrawater.Do not put glass, aerosol cansor large items down apartmentchutesWe encourage you to participate inyour community’s recycling program. 20 YUKON HOUSING CORPOR ATION TENANT HANDBOOK

PETSYou must clean up your pet’swaste and dispose of it properlyPlease note that a dog is onlyallowed in a unit with direct accessto an outdoor yard, and that in someapartment buildings you may onlyhave a dog if you live on the firstfloor.Pets over six months of age mustbe spayed or neuteredContact your local YHC office formore information.You are allowed to have one petlive in your YHC unit, but you mustregister it before it enters your unit.Here are some of the rules:Pets cannot not disturb theenjoyment, health, safety orrights of other tenantsKeep your pets out of anycommon areas such as laundryrooms or loungesA pet must be immediatelyremoved from the unit if it bites,claws, or harms a person oranother petExotic pets, reptiles, snakes, wildanimals, rodents, dangerous dogsand domestic animals crossbredwith wild animals are NOTallowedYUKON HOUSING CORPOR ATION TENANT HANDBOOK 21

WINDOWSPlease do not leave your windowsopen during the winter. This canfreeze pipes, cause ventilation issueswithin the building and waste energy.You will be asked to close yourwindows if they are seen open in thewinter.Please do not install thermo-filmor plastic on windows as it candamage paint and cause a buildup ofcondensation and mould.Window screens should be left inwindows. Damaged screens are theresponsibility of the tenant. 22 YUKON HOUSING CORPOR ATION TENANT HANDBOOK

Safety and SecurityYou and your family’s safety and well-being is our first priority. Help us keepour buildings safe for everyone by reading through this section carefully.CARBON MONOXIDEAND SMOKE ALARMSWHAT IS CARBONMONOXIDE?All YHC rental units have CanadianStandards Association (CSA)approved carbon monoxide detectorsand smoke alarms. We maintain andinspect the devices on an annualbasis. Do not remove or tamper withthese devices.Carbon monoxide (CO) is an odorless,colourless and tasteless gas that candeprive the blood of oxygen wheninhaled. Exposure to CO may resultin illness or death. CO build up iscaused by blocked or dirty chimneysand furnaces, as well as improperventilation of burning fireplaces orwoodstoves. Stay safe by followingthese safety tips:In many cases the carbon monoxidedetectors and smoke alarms are hardwired into your electrical panel. Testthe device monthly to ensure it isworking.Do not ignore a carbon monoxidedetector’s alarm if it sounds. Treateach alarm as serious. If you hearan alarm, immediately evacuate allfamily members and pets from thehome. After evacuating the unit, call911 (in Whitehorse) or your localFire Department.Never operate a gas-poweredengine, kerosene stove orcharcoal grill in a closed spaceNever use a barbeque grillindoorsCheck clothes dryer vents thatopen outside the house for lintTo find out more about carbonmonoxide prevention visitwww.seriouslysimple.ca.YUKON HOUSING CORPOR ATION TENANT HANDBOOK 23

EMERGENCIESFIRE SAFETYIt is a good idea to be preparedfor a major emergency such as anextended power outage or naturaldisaster. Keep a 72-hour emergencysupply kit on hand that includes thefollowing items:Accidental fires are one of the mostcommon and serious householdemergencies. In most cases, firescan be prevented with some basicsafety guidelines:Two litres of water per person perdayFood that doesn’t require cookingand won’t spoil (canned or driedfood, energy bars)First Aid kitBattery powered flashlight andradioExtra batteriesAny medicationsCash in smaller billsFind out more at www.community.gov.ylc.ca/emo/planning.html. 24 Do not burn candlesDo not leave stove unattendedTest your smoke alarm regularlyHave an evacuation planMake sure you and all yourfamily members know what todo in case of fire. If you live inan apartment building, you willfind fire safety and evacuationinformation posted. Know at leasttwo routes out of the building incase one is blocked by fireIf a fire occurs, evacuate yourhome first and then call the firedepartmentYUKON HOUSING CORPOR ATION TENANT HANDBOOK

Safe Cooking TipsKitchen fires often start from cookingoil or grease igniting on the stovetopor in the oven at high temperatures.Use an electric skillet or deep fatfryer to safely deep fry foods.Keep a pan lid or cookie sheethandy in case grease or oi

common questions about living in YHC housing in the pages that follow. Keep this handbook in a convenient . TENANT HANDBOOK AGREEMENTS TO PAY Where YHC deems that a tenant is in arrears and that these are under "special circumstances", the tenant may be able to enter into an Agreement to Pay with YHC. Note: Special are circumstances