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“When it’s mid-month, it makes it that much more difficult for the landlord to rent the unit,” says Hoffer. It’s also common for students to want to break their leases, which they can do now by citing fears for their safety to terminate their interest in the tenancy. If all the roommates left, it would be difficult for the landlord to re-rent the unit partway through the school year. Unauthorized occupant application: In another situation, suppose a tenant allows a partner to move in, but the relationship deteriorates to the point of abuse and the tenant gives the 28-day notice. Hoffer advises landlords to bring an unauthorized occupant application to clarify the status of the person who is left behind. However, that can’t be done until after 28 days have passed and the tenant on the lease has actually moved out.
“Events like the golf tournament make a huge difference,” says Gerry Dearing, Director of Philanthropy, Merrymount Family Support and Crisis Centre.“And it’s a wonderful opportunity for us to help people learn more about what we do.”
The London charity gives hope to families during times of crisis and transition.
“All of those things lead to very real financial consequences for landlords that the landlord is left to deal with,” says Hoffer. Training staff: Landlords should begin training their staff now, ensuring that every staff member attends the sessions and that the training becomes part of the orientation for new employees. According to Hoffer, the most severe consequences of inadequate training won’t be for large landlords. “They’ll be for small landlords who don’t have rigorous training in place and who can’t afford to absorb the financial consequences of the short notice period, the inability to list the unit, the uncertainty until day 28 as to whether the tenancy has even been terminated. Those are the ones who will experience the most serious financial losses from this Bill,” adds Hoffer.
LPMA golf tournament supports children’s Residential/Respite Program at Merrymount When members hit the links for the 13th annual LPMA golf tournament in September, they will be helping to provide a safe haven for children who can’t stay at home due to family turmoil. Funds raised from the tournament will benefit the Crisis Residential/Respite Program at Merrymount Family Support and Crisis Centre.
Founded as an orphanage in 1874, the centre offers a wide range of resources and programs that support families through challenging times. It is the only centre in Canada to offer emergency overnight shelter for children whose parents are in crisis. Brenda Trineer, LPMA golf tournament chair, was moved by what she saw when she toured the centre earlier this year. “When you think about someone who is homeless, you don’t think of a child, but there can be circumstances that make it impossible for a child to live at home,” says Trineer. “This year’s golf tournament is a great opportunity for us to support these young children who, through no fault of their own, find themselves in these difficult situations.” Last year’s event raised $20,000 for St. Paul’s Social Services. In 2015, Merrymount’s Crisis Residential/Respite Program provided
London Property Management Association (LPMA) is a non-profit organization, located in London, Ontario, Canada, that provides information and education to landlords. LPMA represents the interests of both large and small property owners. The association has more than 400 landlord members representing approximately 35,000 rental units.
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Membership is open to landlords and property management professionals who own or manage one or more residential rental units. Sign up online www.LPMA.ca, or call Brenda Davidson at 519-672-6999 for more information.