“A good step forward for the city”

By Joel Wittnebel/The Oshawa Express

Citizens of Oshawa who have their names on a lease instead of a deed are getting a little help from city hall.

Set to be released in the coming months, Oshawa’s tenant information document is being touted by one councillor as essential information for all renters.

“It’s a really good step forward for the city of Oshawa,” says Councillor Amy England. “I think this is the first step in engaging tenants in the City of Oshawa.”

According to the city’s 2014 Housing Monitoring Report, nearly 30 per cent of Oshawa’s housing units are rentals.

England brought the recommendation for preparing such a document to staff through the corporate services committee back in May.

The document being prepared, at a cost of just under $5,500, will include the details of all essential bylaws renters need to know, and the rights they have.

Bylaws pertaining to adequate heat, property standards, noise, traffic, and parking, lot maintenance and waste collection will all be included in the document.

Information on how to contact and file a complaint with the city’s bylaw department will also be included.

England says many renters are unaware that they have any rights with the city, due to the fact they believe they don’t pay taxes. However, England says taxes are built into a tenant’s rent, and therefore they should know how the city can help them if they have a problem.

“This is just a way to ensure we’re giving proper information to renters,” she says.

Also, England says the information will allow tenants to be proactive with their issues, as all issues with the city’s bylaw department are complaint based.