Applying for Housing
Where could you start searching for housing in your community?
Central station, Manitoba Housing, Pembina Valley Online, Varage Sale, Onpoint Property Management, Big Tree Property Management, Kijiji, Local newspaper
What is the Provincial Law that protects landlords and tenants called?
Residential Tenancies Act
What are examples of expenses you must pay (needs) when creating your monthly budget?
Rent/mortgage, heat/gas, hydro, water, groceries, cell phone, internet, pharmacy, laundry, transit cost, clothing
What are some strategies to ensure effective communication?
Talk less/listen more, slow down, use clear simple words, avoid slang and use humor with caution, focus on one topic, do not assume the other person understands you, be willing to admit that you don't understand something, be respectful, apologize if necessary
What are some responsibilities you have as a tenant?
prevent pests and mold, some yard maintenance, replace lightbulbs, keep apartment clean, notify landlord of appliance issues, clogged drains and pests, pay for changing locks if you lose your keys
What are 3 benefits to having roommates?
Sharing costs, friendship, safety, carpooling, share household chores, pet sitter
What can you expect from your landlord?
You have the right to a safe and sanitary place to live
Your landlord needs to do repairs in a timely manner
He/she has to ensure your rights and address your concerns in a timely manner
Landlords have to follow appropriate legal steps if they want you to move
What are examples of one-off or unexpected expenses?
vacations, birthdays, car repairs, vet bills
What 4 elements make up a Collaborative Conversation?
Set the tone for Success
Listen, Listen, Listen
Assert
Brainstorm
What are the landlords responsibilities?
painting if needed prior to move in, carpets cleaned prior to move in, locks changed prior to move in if required, yard maintenance, emergency repairs, plumbing/water damage repairs, cleaning gutters, pest control/treatment, treating mold, exterior painting and windows, carbon monoxide and smoke detectors/fire alarms
What percentage of your monthly income should ideally be allocated to rent or a mortgage?
30%
What are the two types of tenancy?
Fixed term-start and end date, can't increase rent during the fixed term, rent can change between fixed terms, the tenancy can end or turn into month to month
Month to month-has a start but no end date, rent can only increase after 12 months once a year by the Manitoba specified amount, tenancy can only end with proper notice
What are some ways you can manage your finances to maintain a balanced or surplus budget?
Must pay (needs) vs wants - put off unnecessary purchases, visit a foodbank to assist with cost of groceries, take advantage of meals offered by community centers, get an ap to track your spending, keep your receipts and log them in a book, avoid using credit cards, cash only, get a roommate, put a small amount away into a savings account each month for unexpected expense
What needs to be in writing between you and your landlord?
Tenancy agreement, Condition Inspection Report, Rent Increases, Evictions, Notice to move out, Move out condition inspection report, Security deposit sign off or written consent to keep part of it, Responsibilities, Repairs, Roommates, Pets, Smoking/Drug use
What are some examples of wear and tear vs damage in your rental suite?
Wear and Tear-small scratches on floor, fading paint on walls, loose cabinet hinges
Damage-large holes in walls, broken windows, damaged appliances due to misuse, deep scratches on countertop
What will most landlords ask for prior to being approved for a rental (5 things)?
ID, references, number of people in unit, proof of income, past addresses
How are you required to give notice for a month to month contract vs fixed term agreement?
Month to Month-one full month notice, allow enough time if mailed, may want to send by registered mail
Fixed Term-move out by end date stated on tenancy agreement, if you move out sooner you may be responsible to pay until end of lease, you may be able to assign or extend the lease
What could happen that could make housing unaffordable?
loss of job, rental increase, increase in utilities or other expenses, roommates move out or don't pay their bills
Sometimes when dealing with conflict you can become triggered. What are some "shortcuts" you can use to manage triggers/strong emotions and calm yourself?
Go for a walk/run
Listen to music
Bubble bath
Meditate
Deep breathing
Yoga
Crafts or hobbies that make you happy/relaxed
What are things you can do to prevent a fire in your home?
declutter, always watch cooking, maintain electrical equipment, have working smoke detectors, have a family escape plan, use artificial Christmas Tree with built in lights, close inside doors at night, use appliances as indicated, only use power bars for temporary use, keep BBQ away from the house, dispose of garbage promptly, clean your lint trap every time, unplug items you aren't using, leave 3 feet of clearance around heat sources
What type of housing subsidy options can you access in your area?
Manitoba Housing, Start up Program, Jordans Principle, Top up amount for leaving a domestic violence situation/relationship
What is your to-do list when you are moving out of your rental?
Clean, vacate and return keys by 11:59pm, conduct move out inspection, provide a forwarding address, ask for a reference, receive security deposit within 14 days
What are some risks that can affect housing affordability that you can manage?
debt (secure vs unsecure/high interest), credit cards, avoid payday loans, avoid rent to own furniture, be educated and aware of fraud/scams
What are the 5 conflict styles to be aware of if you need to approach your landlord with an issue?
Harmonize
Avoid
Compromise
Collaborate
Compete
How can you prevent mold and pests in your home?
Mold-leave lots of space between kettles and rice cookers, fan on for cooking, fan on when showering, ventilate home well, wipe up moisture promptly/window condensation, dry laundry immediately (outside or in dryer)
Pests-store food in glass/tin/plastic, wash dishes right after eating, wipe up food spills, clean kitchen floor regularly, check for pests/bedbugs regularly, ventilate bathroom well, dispose of garbage quickly