GOOD NEIGHBOURS GUIDE - FOR UNIVERSITY STUDENTS, LANDLORDS, COMMUNITY RESIDENTS AND NEIGHBOURS
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GOOD NEIGHBOURS GUIDE FOR UNIVERSITY STUDENTS, LANDLORDS, COMMUNITY RESIDENTS AND NEIGHBOURS This Mississauga Good Neighbours Guide is designed for you, whether you’re a university and college student who lives off- campus, a Mississauga resident who counts students among your neighbours, or a landlord who rents your property to students. Keep this guide handy—it’s packed with helpful tips about everything from garbage collection to getting along with your neighbours, as well as a handy list of local contacts and resources offered by the City of Mississauga and Peel region. This publication is one of many partnerships between the City of Mississauga and our local post- secondary institutions, building a community that supports our students and strengthens our civic environment and pride.
INFORMATION FOR STUDENTS
When you move away from home and
live off-campus, you’re not only gaining
privileges that come with living on your own,
but you’re also accepting responsibilities
for being part of a new community. We
encourage you to be a good neighbour in
whatever area of Mississauga you call home.
Being a good neighbour will help ensure that
you, your fellow students and your university
maintain good reputations in the broader
community.
It’s important for you to be aware of your
rights and responsibilities as a tenant, which
can vary depending on the type of rental
agreement you have. A good source is the
Ontario Landlord and Tenant Board (ltb.
gov.on.ca), where you can find a variety
of resources to help you understand the
legislation pertaining to your specific rental
situation.
HOW TO BE A GOOD NEIGHBOUR
Be friendly Keep it tidy
Make a point of meeting your neighbours • Keep the exterior of your home clean
when you first move in. Remember that and tidy. This includes storing waste
you’re likely to see them on a regular basis. and recycling appropriately, following
Give your closest neighbours your contact garbage collection schedules, not leaving
information, and your landlord’s information, furniture or debris on your lawn, and
and invite them to contact you if they have avoiding hanging signs, banners or flags in
concerns. windows.
• Tell your closest neighbour whether you or
Ask questions your landlord is responsible for lawn care,
snow removal and external maintenance
Most people genuinely like helping others, of your home, so that concerns can be
so if you aren’t sure about something in your directed appropriately.
neighbourhood, try asking a neighbour. This
could include seeking recommendations Follow parking and traffic rules
for a good auto mechanic or how yard
waste should be put out for collection, or • Have only as many vehicles as parking
something as simple as asking what time the spaces. Check your rental/lease
mail is usually delivered or the location of the agreement for specific information about
nearest post office or grocery store. parking privileges.
• Do not park, or allow your visitors to park,
Make a good impression on your neighbour’s property without
their permission. This includes parking
Be aware that the appearance of your home on lawns and driveways, or blocking
and how it’s maintained will have a huge walkways.
impact on how your neighbours relate to • Be aware of municipal by-laws that
you. While you may be renting your house regulate parking in the city — for example,
or apartment, your neighbours have likely they may prohibit parking on both sides
invested a lot in their own homes — your of the same street, parking on a street
efforts to maintain the appearance of your overnight, parking on sidewalks and
home will help protect the investments of blocking bus stops or fire hydrants.
your neighbours.
For specific information, visit
Mississauga.ca/parkingbylaw
• Avoid exposing your neighbours to
activities they may find disruptive or
offensive such as swearing, drinking,
excessive partying or rowdy behavior.
• Keep an eye on your guests and try
to head off any problems by moving
potentially bothersome behaviour inside
your home or somewhere else that might
be more appropriate.
• If you receive an unfriendly reaction
from a neighbour, listen to his or her
Contribute to safety concerns — try to see the issue from his
or her perspective, and make whatever
• Drive safely and slow down in residential reasonable adjustments you can.
areas, particularly since children may live
and play nearby. Keep it quiet
• Watch for possible safety and security
concerns and report suspicious activity Excessive noise at any time of the day is
to Peel Regional Police and/or Crime illegal and could carry a fine, but your
Stoppers. neighbours are likely to be even more
sensitive to loud noises at night. While your
Be considerate and respectful student schedule may include late-night
hours, most people in the community follow
Almost every culture has an equivalent to a more traditional 9-5 schedule that involves
the “Golden Rule,” that suggests that you getting up early and not going to bed too
“do unto others as you would have them late. Avoid excessive noise to help them
do unto you.” It’s a basic concept that’s sleep peacefully.
important when considering how to be a
good neighbour. A noise by-law can be enforced for noises
likely to annoy or disturb the peace of fellow
• Develop house rules with others living with residents, including sounds from overly loud
you. Assigning responsibilities for tasks stereos, televisions, car engines and exhaust
like taking out the garbage will reduce systems, and shouting.
concerns and conflicts within your space
and with your neighbours.
Enforcement • You are allowed to put out two containers
of garbage without a surcharge — if you
Municipal law enforcement officers and have more garbage, secure those bags
Peel Regional Police take neighbourhood with garbage tags purchased at locations
concerns seriously and will issues tickets and across the city, noted in the Waste
lay charges. Serious offences can lead to a Management Guide.
criminal record, time in jail and can have • If you’re discarding furniture or other large
a significant impact on your future career household items, consider whether they
options. may be reused by community agencies
such as the Salvation Army or Goodwill —
Follow garbage schedules and rules some of these groups will pick up larger
items with advance notice. Otherwise,
Some of the general guidelines include: place items such as these at the curb
before 7 a.m. on your regularly scheduled
• Recycle and compost whatever you can. collection day.
Ensure that waste is properly sorted and • Toward the end of the school year, as you
stored among your garbage container, and your housemates prepare to move
blue box, green bin and yard waste. out, plan your move so you don’t pile up a
• You or your landlord should invest in lot of refuse on the last possible garbage
garbage cans with lids — they discourage day. Planning ahead can make moving out
raccoons and skunks from getting into more manageable for you and for the City
your garbage. when collecting waste and recycling.
• Put out your waste only on collection days.
All materials, including garbage, recycling Contact the Region of Peel for a
and organics, must be at the curb no later Waste Management Guide by calling
than 7 a.m. on the day of collection, and 905-791-9499 or visit
not before 7 p.m. the previous evening. At peelregion.ca/pw/waste/garb-recy
all other times, your bins and containers
must be neatly stored elsewhere, inside or
outside of your home.Plan parties responsibly • If a neighbour or police officer comes to
your door, deal with the issue in a co-
If you plan a party at your home, consider operative manner and do what you can to
the safety of your guests and the comfort of remedy the situation.
your neighbours. • Clean up the exterior of your place
afterward — discarded/ broken bottles
• Limit the number of guests you invite to a and scattered garbage are unattractive
number that’s reasonable for your home. and dangerous.
• Let your neighbours know when you
are planning a party. Give them plenty Safety checklist
of notice and ask them if they have any
concerns up front. Once you are a tenant living in a home or
• Control the noise level and keep the party property, you share responsibility with the
inside. landlord for your safety and well being.
• If you are providing alcohol or your
guests are bringing their own, you share Here’s a safety checklist that can help
responsibility, including legal liability, for ensure you don’t miss any important steps:
their actions during and after the party.
Information on party planning is available • Make sure working smoke detectors and
online, including at lcbo.com/learn/ carbon monoxide detectors are on each
plannningtips.shtml. (Note that it’s illegal floor of the property.
to sell alcohol without a license, including • Make sure there is a working fire
selling cups for “free” alcohol.) extinguisher on the premises.
• Monitor your guests and ensure that • Be ready for an emergency; arrange a
they are drinking responsibly and get disaster preparedness kit that includes
home safely. Having bus routes and the flashlights, batteries, bottles of water,
telephone numbers of taxi companies some canned food, matches, candles,
handy can help. a battery powered radio, a couple of
• Ensure that there is a sober host, blankets and a first-aid kit.
preferably the person responsible for the
home, so that the host is fully capable For fire prevention information, please visit
of handling any problems that arise, Mississauga.ca/portal/residents/firesafety
including calling police if the event gets
out of hand. Being intoxicated does not
excuse a host from legal responsibilities
— the “but I was drunk” defence doesn’t
work.GOOD NEIGHBOUR CHECKLIST FOR STUDENTS BE FRIENDLY Introduce yourself to your neighbours when you move in, and give them your contact information, and that of your landlord. ASK QUESTIONS Your neighbours can help you adjust to your new neighbourhood, and can share important tips on when garbage and recycling is picked up, or where you can find the nearest grocery store or transit stop. KEEP IT NEAT Keeping the outside of your home neat and tidy will have a huge impact on how your neighbours relate to you. Store waste and recycling appropriately, follow garbage collection schedules, and don’t keep furniture or debris on your lawn. Making an effort will help avoid any issues, as well as any fines for non- compliance. Let your neighbours know if you or your landlord is responsible for cutting the grass and clearing snow. If you are responsible, make sure you handle yard work in a timely fashion. STAY SAFE Children may live or play nearby, so drive safely and slow down in residential neighbourhoods. Reach out to Peel Region Police and/ or Crime stoppers if you see suspicious or unsafe activity. KEEP IT QUIET, ESPECIALLY AT NIGHT Excessive noise at any time of the day is illegal and could carry a fine. Your neighbours are likely not on a student schedule. Keep the peace by avoiding late-night parties and excessive noise. Keep an eye on your guests and try to head off any problems, such as rowdy behaviour, swearing or drinking, by moving potentially bothersome behaviour inside your home or somewhere else that might be more appropriate. (Did you know? Excessive noise can result in fines of up to $5,000, and criminal charges.) TAKE OUT THE TRASH Follow municipal waste guidelines, and sort waste into the appropriate garbage, blue box, green bin or yard waste container. Keep bins neatly stored inside or outside your home, and deter pests by investing in garbage cans with lids. Put out your waste only on collection days. FOLLOW PARKING AND TRAFFIC RULES Check your rental/ lease agreement for specific information about parking privileges. Do not park, or allow your visitors to park, on your neighbour’s property without their permission. Avoid expensive parking fines by checking the parking rules for your area. BE NICE The best way to be a good neighbour is to abide by the “Golden Rule,” that suggests that you “do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” Everyone wants to be treated considerately.
INFORMATION FOR
RESIDENTS & NEIGHBOURS
Living in an area that is home to major post-
secondary institutions, you will likely come
in contact with students throughout the
year. This might happen on campus, in your
community or right next door. Regardless
of circumstance, the University of Toronto
Mississauga and the City of Mississauga
encourage students and longer-term
residents to develop a positive and co-
operative relationship. As a resident, your
actions play a large part in the establishment
of such a relationship and there are
measures you can take to encourage a
better community.HOW TO GET ALONG WITH STUDENT considerate and follow the law. Make sure you
NEIGHBOURS have reasonable and fair expectations.
Introduce yourself Know who is responsible for what
Your student neighbours are likely to be more Tenants may or may not be responsible for
considerate and understand your needs lawn care, snow removal or other issues that
better if they know you. Make a point of might be problematic, depending on their
meeting new neighbours moving into your arrangements with their landlord. Talk to your
neighbourhood, and introducing yourself neighbours first, and then follow up with
and your family—a simple “hello” will go the landlord if responsibilities are not being
a long way at the start. Consider giving fulfilled.
neighbours your name and phone number
and welcoming them with advice that’s likely Handle problems politely
to be of help, such as the schedule for waste
pick-up and tips on securing their green bin If you’ve made a point of meeting your
from raccoons. neighbours early on and you have reasonable
expectations, it’s likely you’ll get a friendly
Communicate reaction from them if concerns arise. If you
have a problem, seek resolution before it
Realize that this may be students’ first time becomes a significant dispute.
living on their own. If you have a problem with
the behaviour of your neighbours, let them If you run into problems, seek assistance
know how you feel—they may not realize that
what they are doing is disruptive or offensive If you have been unable to come to an
to you. If you are comfortable with doing so, understanding with the landlords or tenants
try to resolve the issue with your neighbours of a specific property, please discuss any
directly. If necessary, follow up with the problems or concerns with relation to noise,
landlord or authorities as appropriate. parking, property standards, fire code and so
on with the appropriate authorities such as
Be reasonable by-law enforcement officers or the police.
Student tenants are paying to living in their (See the Helpful Contacts section of this
accommodations, and have the right to guide.)
reasonable enjoyment of their premises.
Of course, you should expect them to beGOOD NEIGHBOUR CHECKLIST FOR
RESIDENTS & NEIGHBOURS
BE FRIENDLY
Get to know your student and landlord neighbours. Introduce yourself and your family,
and provide your contact information, along with any advice that might help your student
neighbours adjust to their new home.
COMMUNICATE
If you have a problem with the behaviour of your neighbours, let them know how you feel—
they may not realize that what they are doing is disruptive or offensive to you. If you are
comfortable with doing so, try to resolve the issue with your neighbours directly. If necessary,
follow up with the landlord or authorities as appropriate.
BE REASONABLE
Student tenants are paying to living in their accommodations, and have the right to reasonable
enjoyment of their premises. Of course, you should expect them to be considerate and follow
the law. Make sure you have reasonable and fair expectations.
KNOW WHO IS RESPONSIBLE FOR WHAT
Find out if your student neighbours or their landlord will be looking after lawn care, snow
removal or other issues that might be problematic, depending on their arrangements with their
landlord. Talk to your neighbours first, and then follow up with the landlord if responsibilities
are not being fulfilled.
BE NICE
If you’ve made a point of meeting your neighbours early on and you have reasonable
expectations, it’s likely you’ll get a friendly reaction from them if concerns arise. If you have a
problem, seek resolution before it becomes a significant dispute.
SEEK ASSISTANCE
If you have been unable to come to an understanding with the landlords or tenants of a
specific property, please discuss any problems or concerns with relation to noise, parking,
property standards, fire code and so on with the appropriate authorities such as by-law
enforcement officers or the police. (See the Helpful Contacts section of this guide.)INFORMATION FOR LANDLORDS
As a local landlord, you are providing an
important service to your tenants. We
appreciate your willingness to share a part of
your home, a house or an apartment that you
own with students who are often new to both
renting and living on their own.
Thinking of becoming a landlord?
The City of Mississauga permits and
encourages second units (also known as
basement apartments, in-law suites or
secondary suites). Before you consider adding
a second unit to your residential property and
becoming a landlord, you need to ensure your
second unit meets the city’s safety and legal
regulations.
This includes ensuring the unit complies with
safety and fire regulations, and obtaining a
Second Unit Licence from the City.
Following these steps will ensure the safety of
your tenants, and protect you from insurance
penalties and fines.For further information about second units, Make sure your tenants understand the
please visit responsibility of having their own space, and
Mississauga.ca/portal/residents/ they will likely be more respectful of your
housingchoicessecondunits property and the neighbourhood—be clear
and up-front regarding lease restrictions,
limits to extra housemates, sublets, cars
It is important for you to be fully aware of and parking, noise, garbage removal, etc.
your rights and responsibilities as a landlord, A sample tenancy agreement is available
which can vary depending on the type of through the Ontario Landlord and Tenant
rental agreement you have with your tenant. Board.
Therefore, we advise you to consult the
Ontario Landlord and Tenant Board, where Clearly establish whether you or the tenant is
you can find a wide range of online resources responsible for yard maintenance and snow
to help you understand the legislation removal. Ensure your tenants are aware of the
pertaining to your specific rental situation. by-laws and regulations. Ensure your tenants
have information, such as garbage collection
For further information, please visit the and snow removal schedules.
Ontario Landlord and Tenant Board at
Ltb.gov.on.ca Comply with fire code and safety regulations
If you are renting a part of your property,
you must meet the legal requirements for
COMMUNITY RELATIONS FOR fire separations, means of escape, smoke
LANDLORDS alarms and electrical safety. Tour the premise
with each tenant to point out the location
Tenancy agreements and operation of smoke detectors, carbon
monoxide detectors and fire extinguishers.
Whether you’re renting out a house, an Make your expectations clear about keeping
apartment or a room, you should have a this equipment in place and in good working
written tenancy agreement, signed by both order.
the landlord and the tenants. The agreement
should outline the roles and responsibilities For a copy of the Ontario Fire Code
of each party to the agreement and regulations, call 1-800-668-9938 or visit
indicate things such as tenancy term, e-laws.gov.on.ca/html/statutes/english/elaws_
who is responsible for interior and exterior statutes_97f04_e.htm
maintenance, monthly rent and services
provided.Comply with municipal by-laws and licensing help them to work through it co-operatively.
requirements Your presence in the neighbourhood may
help ease any concerns residents might have.
All home occupancies are subject to
compliance with provincial and municipal Safety checklist
laws. Charges may be laid for violations
of zoning regulations, property standards, Once you have tenants living in your home
building codes or other municipal by-laws. or property, you share responsibility for their
It is the property owners’ responsibility to safety and well-being.
ensure knowledge of and compliance with
local regulations. Here’s a safety checklist that can help ensure
you don’t miss any important steps:
For by-law information, please visit • Make sure you have working smoke
Mississauga.ca/portal/residents/ detectors and carbon monoxide detectors
bylawenforcement on each floor of the property.
• Make sure there is a working fire
extinguisher on the premises.
Be a visible landlord • Tenants need to arrange a disaster
preparedness kit that includes flashlights,
Your job is not over once the lease is signed. batteries, bottles of water, some canned
Not only are your tenants paying for a place food, matches, candles, a battery-powered
to live, but they are also paying for services radio, a couple of blankets and a first-aid
from you. Consider providing your contact kit.
information not only to your tenant but also
to close neighbours in case they identify For fire prevention information, please visit
concerns that would be appropriate for your Mississauga.ca/portal/residents/firesafety
attention.
Make sure your tenants have a way to contact
you at any time in case an urgent situation
arises.
Visit your property regularly and talk with your
tenants and neighbours about how things
are goings. If there is a consistent problem
between your tenants and their neighbours,GOOD NEIGHBOUR CHECKLIST FOR LANDLORDS GET LICENCED The City of Mississauga permits and encourages second units (also known as basement apartments, in-law suites or secondary suites). Before you consider adding a second unit to your residential property and becoming a landlord, you need to ensure your second unit meets the city’s safety and legal regulations. This includes ensuring the unit complies with safety and fire regulations, and obtaining a Second Unit Licence from the City. Following these steps will ensure safety of your tenants, and protect you from insurance penalties and fines. For further information about second units, please visit Mississauga.ca/portal/residents/housingchoicessecondunits KNOW YOUR ROLE Your role as a landlord can vary depending on the type of rental agreement you have with your tenant. Make sure you consult the Ontario Landlord and Tenant Board where you can find a wide range of online resources to help you understand the legislation pertaining to your specific rental situation. For further information, please visit Ltb.gov.on.ca BE CLEAR Make sure you review the rental agreement with your tenants, Make sure everyone is clear on who is responsible for interior and exterior maintenance, snow clearing and garbage removal. Be up-front regarding lease restrictions, limits to extra housemates, sublets, cars and parking, noise, garbage removal, etc. Ensure your tenants are aware of the by-laws and regulations. Ensure your tenants have information, such as garbage collection and snow removal schedules. BE SAFE Ensure your rental unit complies with fire code and safety regulations. You must meet the legal requirements for fire separations, means of escape, smoke alarms and electrical safety. Tour the premise with each tenant to point out the location and operation of smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors and fire extinguishers. Make your expectations clear about keeping this equipment in place and in good working order. For fire prevention information, please visit Mississauga.ca/portal/residents/firesafety BE A VISIBLE LANDLORD Consider providing your contact information not only to your tenant but also to close neighbours in case they identify concerns that would be appropriate for your attention. Make sure your tenants have a way to contact you at any time in case an urgent situation arises. Visit your property regularly and talk with your tenants and neighbours about how things are going, and do your best to help address any contentious issues.
HELPFUL CONTACTS
Health and Safety Enforcement
Emergencies (police/ fire/ ambulance)............911 Noise Complaints
Peel Regional Police Mississauga’s Citizen Contact Centre............311
(non-emergencies)........................ 905-453-3311 (outside city limits 905-615-4311)
Mississauga.ca/portal/residents/noisecomplaints
Crime Stoppers.......................... 1-800-222-8477
Peelcrimestoppers.ca Parking Regulations
M-F, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m................................... 311
TeleHealth Ontario..................... 1-866-797-0000 (outside city limits 905-615-4311)
TeleHealth Ontario Evenings & weekends................. 905-615-3000
TDD for the Deaf........................ 1-866-797-0007 Mississauga.ca/parkingby-law
Emotional/ Crisis support Transportation
Good2Talk..............................1-866-925-5454 MiWay.............................305-615-INFO (4636)
good2talk.ca miway.ca
Distress Centre of Peel...............905-278-7208 Peel TransHelp........................... 905-791-1015
distresscentrepeel.com
Hospitals
Rental Resources Trillium Health Centre................ 905-848-7100
Student Off Campus Accommodations trilliumhealthpartners.ca
utm.utoronto.ca/ocl Credit Valley Hospital................. 905-813-2200
Ontario Landlord and Tenant Board trilliumhealthpartners.ca
Ltb.gov.on.ca
City of Mississauga
Property Standards General information.................................... 311
Mississauga.ca/portal/residents/ (outside city limits 905-615-4311)
propertystandards Mississauga.ca
Mississauga Fire Safety Resources Peel Region
(including the Safe Student Accommodation General information.................... 905-217-7800
101 checklist and tips for creating a Fire Safety Emergency Preparedness
Plan) PeelRegion.ca/prep
Mississauga.ca/portal/residents/firesafety
Garbage and Recycling.............. 905-791-9499
Peelregion.ca/pw/waste/garb-recy
Change of Mail Address
canadapost.ca
The University of Toronto Mississauga fully supports this
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