Sheridan Be A GoodGuideNeighbour Understanding your rights and responsibilities as a student living in the community
Welcome
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Good citizenship begins with an understanding of your responsibilities as a member of the community where you will live during your studies.
Sheridan’s ‘Be A Good Neighbour’ guide will help you understand your rights as a tenant, and your responsibilities as a citizen. Drawing on student feedback, we’ve included tips about signing a lease, how to properly sort and dispose of waste, host gatherings that are respectful to your neighbours, keep your home safe and secure, and more. We’ve also included a list of key resources. As a student living off-campus, you can actively and positively contribute to your neighbourhood. Whether you are a returning student or new to the area, we encourage you to review this guide and find out how you can do your Thankpart.you for modelling good citizenship in your everyday actions.
Janet Morrison, PhD President and Vice Chancellor
At Sheridan, we pride ourselves on being good citizens --on and off campus. As a student, you can demonstrate good citizenship by acting with integrity and showing kindness and respect towards your peers and your neighbours. Over time, these small actions can have a big impact on the well-being of our community.
Table of Contents Welcome .......................................................................................... 1 Your Responsibilities in the Community ......................................... 3 Building Relationships with your Neighbours .......................... 4 Rules for Parking Your Car ........................................................ 5 Property Appearance ................................................................. 7 Waste Collection ........................................................................ 8 Snow Shovelling ........................................................................ 11 Eliminating Noise: Being Considerate to Others ...................... 13 Respectful Partying: Tips for Getting Together ........................ 14 Your Rights in the Community ........................................................ 15 Understanding your Rights as a Renter in Ontario .................. 15 Renting in Ontario ..................................................................... 17 Maintenance Standards ............................................................ 19 Safety in the Community ........................................................... 21 Resources: How to Reach Out for Help? ......................................... 24 2
Welcome to Sheridan's Be a Good Neighbour guide! By being a Good Neighbour you, your fellow students and the Sheridan community work together to positively impact the neighbourhood. The tips in this guide are designed to help you on campus and in the community. to be considerate and respectful to your neighbours We encourage you to be a Good Neighbour in Brampton, Mississauga, Oakville or wherever you call home. This extends to the surrounding campus areas, even when visiting the nearby plazas for lunch. As a Sheridan student, it is important that we demonstrate kindness, respect and integrity in the community.
Remember
Your Responsibilities in the Community
Legal Disclaimer : The ‘Be A Good Neighbour Guide’ is provided for general information purposes only and does not constitute legal or other professional advice. You are strongly encouraged to do your own research, and if necessary, seek legal advice and/or support from the appropriate resources described throughout this guide
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There might be situations where a conflict arises between you and your neighbours. Talking things over is the best way to handle difficult situations. Welcome any concerns they might have and try to handle the situation politely. Being considerate and respectful means being prepared to listen with an open mind.
Building Relationships with your Neighbours
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As a new neighbour, introduce yourself to your neighbours and get to know them. It is a good idea to exchange contact information with your closest neighbours, in case they need to reach you. Lead by example. Be the neighbour you’d like to have! If you notice a new community member, reach out to say hello or if they have their hands full, offer your help. A little kindness can make a big difference!
Forming meaningful connections is the first step to building good relationships with your neighbours. A simple hello is all it takes!
Make sure there is an appropriate parking space for each vehicle and don’t park on the grass!
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If you or your guests need to park your car on the street, you can register the license plate online for a certain number of days per year to avoid getting a ticket.
Rules for Parking Your Car
Never park in front of a fire hydrant! Parking within three meters obstructs Fire and Emergency Crews from properly accessing a fire hydrant and can also result in a ticket. You should avoid parking on the street when it snows as your car can block the snowplow. When it snows, wait to park on the street until it has been salted or plowed.
Parking in the correct spot is very important. Learning the following tips for parking will help you and your guests avoid tickets and allow your neighbours to pass safely. Things to consider while parking:
Before you bring a vehicle to the property, ensure there is room for your car and parking is written in the lease.
Parking Do's and Don'ts When parking, make sure that your vehicle doesn’t block the sidewalk to allow your neighbours to have walking space. Avoid parking on the front lawn, across the sidewalk or overhanging on the curb. You can park horizontally between the sidewalk and roadway. You are responsible for your guests, so make sure they are also leaving a good impression in the neighbourhood by parking correctly. For city-specific parking information, visit the links below: Brampton Mississauga Oakville The images and content in this section are created by the City of Brampton to help educate students about their responsibilities including safe parking protocols. 6
Maintaining the appearance of your home creates a good impression for yourself and for the community where you live. Take pride in the visuals of your home by keeping the exterior welcoming and tidy! As a Good Neighbour, there are little things you can do to create a positive impression including:Retrieving your garbage and recycling bins from the curb after waste collection and storing them properly. Ensuring your lawn is free of any garbage or flyers which may have blown away.Monitoring your lawn to make sure there are no overgrown weeds or grass. It is very important to review your lease agreement and speak with your landlord to clarify what your maintenance responsibilities are. This can include things like shovelling snow and mowing the lawn.
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Waste Collection Respecting the environment and the cleanliness of a neighbourhood is an essential value of a Good Neighbour and that starts with waste collection. Not sure when your waste collection day is or where your item goes? Check out the Waste Collection Schedule and Waste Sorting Guide for your region on the next page! Garbage and recycling services for residents of Brampton, Mississauga and Caledon are managed by the Region of Peel, while Halton Region serves the residents of Oakville, Burlington, Milton and Halton Hills. 8
Region of Peel Halton MainRegion Website When is your waste scheduled to be collected? How to sort your waste correctly? Where to drop off xtra waste and other items? Find the Peel Region’s Waste Collection Schedule Here Check out Peel Region’s SortingHereGuide Visit the nearest Peel Community Recycling Centre if you need to drop off items like electronics and largeHereappliances. Find Halton Region’s Waste Collection Sched Here Check out Halton Regio SortingHereGuide Visit Halton Region’s website for information the 3Rs (Reduce, Reus Recycle), waste dispos andHeremore. e ulen’sone,al 9
A few important tips: Your landlord should provide you with appropriate containers for garbage and recycling items. Remember to put your waste out by 7 a.m. and make sure the bins are not overflowing. For Peel Region, organics are collected every week. Garbage and recycling are collected every other week. For Halton Region, organics and recycling are collected every week. Garbage is collected every other week. Remember to collect your bins after organics, garbage and recycling have been collected and pick up any items that may have blown away. Are you moving? There are special rules for disposing of large items such as a mattress or a couch. Refer to the Sorting Guide on the previous page to learn more. For all waste-related inquires at high-rise buildings in Peel, please speak to your property manager for more details. Region of Peel Waste Bins Halton Region Waste Bins The content in this section has been provided by the Region of Peel. 10
Snow Shovelling Playing Your Part and Caring About Other’s Safety Shovel the sidewalk in front of your home after a snowfall Depending on where you live, you might have to shovel by a certain time or within a certain number of hours after a snowfall. For example, in Brampton, you are required to clear your sidewalks of snow by 11 am the day after a snowfall. Don't shovel onto the road You are required to shovel your driveway but be careful not to shovel snow onto the street as that may be unsafe for passing cars. Help your Neighbour If you share a sidewalk or driveway with your neighbour, or if they need a hand, be a Good Neighbour and help them shovel! For more city-specific information on shoveling rules and timings, check out these links below: Brampton Mississauga Oakville 11
Ontario experiences heavy snowfalls in winter and navigating snowy sidewalks can be difficult. As a Good Neighbour, shovelling plays a major part in ensuring the safety of your community, and only takes a few minutes.
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Eliminating Noise: Being Considerate to Others
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Regardless of what time of day it is or what the source of the noise is, if it disrupts your neighbours, it’s too loud! Be careful not to disturb your neighbours by revving your car engine or speaking too loudly outside. Pay special attention during the early morning and late-night hours, as people are trying to sleep. Be mindful of sound volume while playing music. Your fellow student tenants might be studying, or your neighbours might be trying to relax. If you or your guests are hanging out in the driveway or backyard, the noise could potentially disturb your neighbours. Regardless of the size of the group, try to keep the noise down.
It is important to be considerate of those living around you by not creating disturbances as you live your day-to-day life.
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Respectful Partying: Tips for Getting Together As a student, you may want to host a party or a gathering, but there are actions you can take to minimize the impact to your community, while still having fun. Monitor the noise! Regardless of the size of your party or the time of the day, loud noises may disturb your neighbours. Let your neighbours know in advance if you are going to have a party and welcome any questions or concerns they might have. Ask your guests to be respectful and stay off your neighbour’s property.Notsure where your guests will park? Please refer to the Parking section of our guide. Be mindful of litter and garbage and make sure to clean up the exterior of your home afterward.
The Residential Tenancies Act In Ontario, the Residential Tenancies Act (RTA) governs self-contained units which set out the rights and responsibilities of landlords and tenants. The RTA covers unlawful rent increases, unlawful evictions and provides a mechanism to resolve disputes between landlords and tenants. The RTA does not apply to students living on-campus, in residence. A self-contained unit has all its own facilities. The tenant living there does not share rooms such as the kitchen or washroom. If you and your landlord share rooms like the kitchen or washroom, the RTA does not apply because this type of accommodation is not considered a self-contained unit.
Your Rights in the Community Understanding your Rights as a Renter in Ontario
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Depending on where you live, a second unit dwelling may need to be registered by your landlord. These cities include Brampton and Mississauga.
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To see if your second unit is registered, select your city below and enter your address: Brampton Mississauga
A registered second unit ensures your place complies with the Ontario Building Code, Ontario Fire Code and Zoning By-Law so it is important to check if it is registered.
Second Unit Dwellings
Many students live in a second unit dwelling due to their affordability, but it’s important to ensure they are legal before you move in. A second unit dwelling (often a basement apartment) is a self-contained unit with cooking, sleeping and bathroom facilities located within a townhouse, semi-detached or detached home.
Renting in Ontario
Signing your Lease Many students enter into a verbal agreement and do not sign a written lease agreement. This is not recommended because a written agreement outlines the terms and conditions of your tenancy and documents agreements between a landlord and tenant. If you are living in a self-contained unit, your landlord is required to have a written agreement using the Standard Lease Form. This will protect your tenancy rights as a renter. Check out the Sheridan Student Union's video on how to complete a standard form of lease.
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Here are some key points to consider during your leasing process according to the Government of Ontario's Renting Rights website: The only legal deposits are the final month’s rent and a reasonable key deposit. Your lease should be written in easy-to-understand language and should include important information such as your rent amount, when your rent is due and what is included in your rent. If you are paying cash, make sure to ask for rent receipts. The content in this section has been provided by Sheridan's Student Union.
The Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB) helps to resolve disputes between landlords and tenants. You can file an application with LTB. You can contact the LTB Monday to Friday from 8:30 am to 5:00 pm, by mail, email, in-person or by phone (toll free at 1-888-332-3234). For more information about how to contact the Landlord Tenant Board, Click Here. For more details on your rights as a tenant in Ontario, check out this video from SSU lawyer Bill Reid: Click Here.
Rent Increases
In most cases, the increase in your rent can’t be more than what is specified in the rent increase guidelines for every year. Visit this page for more information on rent increase guidelines and how rent increases are calculated.
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Eviction Rules
Your landlord can only evict you in specific situations and must provide you written notice using the proper form provided by the Landlord and Tenant Board. The form must give the reason for Eveneviction.ifyour landlord gives you written notice, you don't have to move out. Your landlord must first apply for and receive an eviction order from the Landlord and Tenant Board (also known as the board). You have the right to go to a hearing and explain why you should not be evicted. Where to get help for wrongful evictions and rent increases?
Maintenance Standards
General Maintenance: Appliances provided by your landlord should be in working condition. Your rental unit must be kept free of pests, rodents and insects and any holes in your unit should be sealed. What can tenants do when there is a problem?
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Your landlord is required to follow the maintenance standards set out in the Residential Tenancies Act (RTA). An important tenancy right under the RTA is the right to have a safe living space. Students have expressed that the quality of their living space has a direct impact on their health, well-being and their ability to study.
The RTA includes rules about maintenance and repairs including: Vital Services: Electricity, clean hot and cold water, gas, proper ventilation and heat must be readily available in your unit.
Structural Elements: For your safety, the structural elements of your rental unit must be in good condition including roofs, floors and walls.
It is important to talk to your landlord about any concerns you might have as soon as possible and ask your landlord in writing to address the problem. If your landlord doesn’t fix the problem withiin a reasonable amount of time after being informed, you may report your problem to your city’s By–law enforcement: Brampton MississaugaOakville
Safety and Security: Every window and exterior door, including a balcony door, should have locks.
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Stay in the kitchen while cooking to avoid unnecessary fires. Never tamper with electrical wiring and do not overload outlets. Unplug any heat producing appliances when not in use, for instance a space heater or curling iron. Never leave a candle unattended-simply blow it out when you are leaving the room or going to sleep. If you have a fire extinguisher, know where it is located. Only attempt to extinguish a small fire, if it is safe to do so. fire safety information: Brampton Fire’s Tenant Safety Information Brampton Fire Safety Mississauga Fire Safety Oakville Fire Safety Fire Safety Information in English and Punjabi
Important
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No matter where you live, you deserve to feel safe! A few positive actions can help us create a safer community together. Your landlord must provide you with a working smoke and carbon monoxide (CO) alarm. It is recommended to test both your smoke and CO alarm once a month. Never remove the batteries or disable your alarms!
Safety in the Community Fire Safety
If you are a student living in the community and need a FREE smoke alarm, get one from Sheridan by filling out this form. saves lives!
Safety
Personal Safety information from Peel Police
Do not share your personal information with others. If someone is trying to get you to make a quick decision or the opportunity sounds too good to be true, STOP before you do anything.
Be cautious and attentive Safety in your Home
The content in this section has been graciously provided by Peel Regional Police and Brampton Fire & Emergency Services. 22
Do your research by calling the number back and protect yourself by reviewing this Scams Document for more tips.
Avoid opening the door to people you don't know. Ask them who they are and the purpose of their visit. If you are going to be away from home, do not post details on social media as it lets others know your place will be empty. You may consider using timed light switches to create the illusion that someone is home.
Protect yourself from scams
Personal Safety information from Halton Police
Make sure the windows and Ensure your home has solid Keep the entrances locked doors close securely. doors and working locks.
Personal Safety Always be aware of your surroundings while walking. Avoid using your phone or wearing earphones while crossing the street as you may not be able to hear oncoming vehicles. Stay on busier, well-lit streets. Try not to take shortcuts through secluded or poorly-lit areas.
Sheridan’s SafeWalk helps you to feel safe on campus. Campus Security is available 24/7, 365 days a year to walk you anywhere on campus including parking lots, residence and hallways. SafeWalk can be accessed by calling security directly at 905-815-4044 or EXT 4044, and through the Sheridan Alert app. To download Sheridan Alert. Click Here If you are ever in an emergency situation where you feel unsafe or threatened, call 911. 23
Helpful Resources Municipal and Community Health and Safety Emergency Helpline Call 911 Non-emergency Helplines Call 211 for community and social Callservices311 for municipal programs and services By-Laws Brampton Enforcement and By-Law MississaugaServices Services and Programs Oakville Municipal By-laws Waste Management Services Region of Peel Halton Region Transportation Services Brampton Transit (Bus) Mi-Way Transit (Bus) Oakville Transit (Bus) Go Transit (Bus and Train) Police Peel Police Halton905-453-3311(non-emergencies)Police(non-emergencies)905-825-4777 Health Services TeleHealth Ontario (24/7 service) ProvincialSheridan'sEmpowerMeKeepMeSafeGood2Talk1-866-797-0000(24/7service)1-866-925-5454(24/7service)1-844-451-9700(24/7service)1-833-628-5589HealthCentreMentalHealthSupports Fire and Emergency Services Brampton OakvilleMississaugaFireFireFire Legal Advice International Student Guide Book an appointment with Sheridan Review the Ontario International Student Student Union lawyer, Bill Reid: Here Guide for tips to ease your transition into Ontario free legal advice hotline Ontario. Off-Campus Student Housing Whether you are a first-time renter or someone with rental experience, finding a new, safe place to call home is important for your personal and academic success. Sheridan is here to help you along this journey. Here are some resources to help you get Sheridan'sstarted:Housing Guide SheridanPlaces4StudentsCentral Housing Page Need help? Our housing team is here to support you. Email us at offcampushousing@sheridancollege.ca 24
This guide has been created with and endorsed by the following partners. thank our community partners for their contribution in keeping our students and neighbourhoods safe. and Design by Puneet Kaur Johal, Sheridan College Alumni
Designed by Vladyslav Ushkvarok, Honours Bachelor of Business Administration (Marketing Management), Sheridan College
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