Respect is a Two Way Street

The Federation of Rental-Housing Providers of Ontario (FRPO) does a lot of promoting of the Certified Rental Building Program (CRBP), which we established to provide quality assurance to renters at buildings that obtain this certification. It’s about accountability on the part of apartment owners and property managers to do as much as they can to provide a good quality of life for tenants.Respect should be a two-way street, with renters doing their part to abide by the rules and guidelines set out by the management and outlined in the Residential Tenancies Act (e‑laws.gov.on.ca). Keep in mind that these parameters are set for several reasons, one of which is to help ensure the safety and comfort of all tenants. They also protect the investment of apartment building owners, who should be able to expect that their premises will be treated with care.One of the best ways to be a good tenant and encourage a healthy, open relationship with your owner and property manager is to live by the golden rule. Treat your apartment the way you would like it be treated if you owned the building. And the same goes for the people.Paying rent on time, for example, goes a long way toward that goal. So does keeping your apartment relatively clean, which will help keep things like floors and appliances last longer. Owners and property managers understand that over time, buildings experience normal wear and tear. If renters damage something through a deliberate action, however, they should pay for the repairs.You do not own your rental unit, so of course, you do not have the authority to change the locks without the landlord’s or property manager’s permission. For safety and security reasons, being able to access your apartment when you are not there may be necessary in an emergency.Remember, too, that an apartment building is a community under one roof. Rules regarding things like pets, noise and what is safe to store and use on your balcony are there for the benefit of all tenants. If in doubt, ask.If you own a bicycle, check as to whether you can keep it on your balcony, or the building has a bike storage area. If the elevators are small, it may pose a safety hazard to have people transporting their bikes in and out.As a renter, you are privileged to live in an apartment that is provided and maintained by someone else. When all tenants obey the rules, the quality of life is raised for everyone involved. Remember that respect is a two-way street.To learn more about your rights and responsibilities as a tenant, visit the website of the Landlord and Tenant Board of Ontario at ltb.gov.on.ca, where you will find a Guide to the Residential Tenancies Act. You will also find a wealth of information at www.frpo.org.