Housing Durham

You can pay directly from your bank account by completing a Pre-Authorized Payment Plan Form.

Requests for Maintenance

To request a repair in your unit, call Housing Services at 905-666-6222 between 8:30 am and 4:30 pm Monday to Friday.

After Hours Emergencies

If you have an emergency, call for maintenance after-hours at 905-666-6222. The Answering Service will respond. Only emergency repairs will be attended to after-hours (e.g. flooding, lock-outs, fire alarms.)

You will be told at least 24 hours in advance of any work that is scheduled in your home, unless the work is urgent and you have given us permission to enter. You must keep all pets away from the work zone. If pest control is needed, you must remove all pets from your home for the stated time. Please do not smoke when maintenance staff and contractors are in your home.

Inspections

We will do an annual inspection of your unit each year. We will check the smoke detectors, clean the vents and ensure window locks are in place. We also check to ensure that taps are not leaking. From time to time, there may be other reasons for us to enter your home (e.g. to inspect your furnace). We will tell you why we need to enter your home and give you at least 24 hours’ notice.

As your landlord, we have the right to enter your unit under section 27 of the Residential Tenancies Act. If you are concerned about the work or inspection to be done, please contact your Property Manager at 905-666-6222 prior to the work crew arriving.

• Common Room Code of Conduct
• CRR-7-1: Tenant Use of Common Spaces

You cannot have a guest in your unit longer than seven days without written permission from us first. consent. To get permission, you must write to us stating:

• Name of guest(s)

• How long they will be staying

• Reason for the request to have them stay longer than seven days.

Your Property Manager will confirm in writing how long your guest can stay with you.

We can refuse your request if we believe your guest will not leave at the end of the agreed-to term or if their behaviour has disturbed the quiet enjoyment of other tenants.

If you have a guest stay longer than seven days without our written approval, we will consider the guest an illegal occupant. Your guest must either leave your unit or complete an application to be added to your lease. Your guest will need to be eligible for rent geared-to-income (RGI) to be added to your lease. If your guest stays in your unit and is not added to your lese, we can end your RGI and you may have to pay market rent for your unit.

Remember: At all times, you are responsible for the behaviour of your guests.

If you want to transfer to another unit where you live now or in another DRLHC property, contact your property manager. See the list of building locations managed by DRLHC.

Special Priority Tenants

If you live with someone who is abusing you and you want to permanently separate from them, you may receive priority for a transfer to another DRLHC property or another social housing provider. You must complete the Special Priority Application Package.

Overhoused Tenants

If you live in a unit that is larger than you are eligible for under the occupancy standards, you must transfer to a smaller unit. You will be placed on our wait list to transfer to a smaller unit in any of the DRLHC buildings in the municipality where you live now. You can also request to be added to the Durham Access to Social Housing (DASH) wait list.

If you have not transferred to a smaller unit after one year, you will be placed on the DASH wait list. If you turn down one offer to transfer, you will be made ineligible for rent geared-to-income (RGI) and your rent will be increased to the full market rate.

Underhoused Tenants

If you live in a unit that is smaller than you are eligible for under the occupancy standards, you may apply for a larger unit by contacting your Property Manager. Your application date will be the date you requested a larger unit.

Extraordinary Situations

If you need to transfer for extraordinary health or safety reasons, your Property Manager may consider the request. You must not owe rent in your current unit, and you may have to take the new unit in an "as is" condition. You cannot have damage to your current unit or a history of disturbing the quiet enjoyment of other tenants. We will consider Special Priority tenants and overhoused tenants for transfer first.

Tenant Relocation Handout

Why You Might Be Asked to Relocate

At times, DRLHC may need tenants to move from their current unit. This could happen for several reasons, including:

• Major building upgrades or repairs
• Emergency situations (for example a fire or flood)
• Revitalization projects (demolition and rebuilding)
• Permanent unit closures

Types of Relocation

• Temporary Relocation: You’ll return to your original unit after the work is done.
• Permanent Relocation: You’ll move to a new unit and may not return to your old one.

What to Expect During Relocation

• You’ll receive official notice (Form N13) if your tenancy is ending due to repairs or redevelopment.
• DRLHC will help you find a Relocation Unit that fits your unit size.
• You’ll sign a new lease for the new unit and an Agreement to End Tenancy (N11) for your current unit.
• If you’re temporarily relocated, you’ll sign a Temporary Shelter Agreement.

Your Rights

As a tenant affected by relocation, you have several important rights

1. Right to Notice

• You will receive a formal Notice to End Tenancy (N13) if your unit is being renovated, demolished, or repurposed.
• You may also receive a one-year advance notice and other communications to help you prepare.

2. Right to Return

• If your relocation is temporary due to renovations, you have the right of first refusal to return to your original unit once work is complete.
• You must notify DRLHC in writing before moving out if you wish to return.

4. Right to a Suitable Unit

• DRLHC will offer you a relocation unit that meets your household’s size, based on occupancy standards.
• You will not be relocated to a unit that makes you “overhoused” unless no other options are available.

5. Right to Maintain Rent-Geared-to-Income (RGI) Status

• If you are an RGI tenant, your rent will continue to be based on your income.
• If you move to a different housing provider, their rent rules may apply.

7. Right to Fair Process

• DRLHC must follow the Residential Tenancies Act and other applicable laws.
• You cannot be relocated unfairly or without proper legal notice.

Support and Compensation

We know that moving can be stressful and it can also cost money.

If you have to move because of permanent unit closures, revitalization, or major renovations, you might be able to get help with moving costs. Please contact your DRLHC Property Manager for more information.

Emergency Relocations

Sometimes, an emergency situation might happen in your building, like a fire or a flood. An appropriate authority (e.g. building inspector, fire department) will assess the safety of your unit.

If your home is not safe, DRLHC may:

• End your tenancy.
• Move you to a different place for a short time, like another unit or a hotel.
• Let you move back when your home is fixed, if it’s safe.

Each emergency is different. DRLHC will decide what to do based on what happened. You should also have insurance to help cover your things and moving costs.

Important Notes

• DRLHC will work with you to find a suitable unit based on your household size and needs.
• You may not be relocated if your tenancy is not in good standing.
• Smoking rules and other lease terms may change in your new unit.
• DRLHC may offer support services through community partners.

Need Help or Have Questions?

Please contact your Property Manager for more information or support during the relocation process.