Table of
Contents

• Welcome2
• Smoke Alarm Maintenance3
• Fire Procedure Instructions4
• Fire Extinguishment & Fire Hazards5
• Building Rules6–10
• Maintenance11–12
• The Drewlo Way13
• Your Rights as a Tenant14–15

Welcome to
Your New Home!

We are very pleased to have the opportunity to extend a warm welcome to you, and to thank you for choosing Drewlo as your new home.

Please take a few moments to look through this handbook so that you thoroughly understand your responsibilities and obligations as a Resident, and the responsibilities and obligations of your Landlord.

One of the most important things to remember is to refer to your Residential Tenancy Agreement before making any alterations to your residence. Your monthly rental payment is due in full on the first of each month. Please also take the time to carefully read the maintenance policies and procedures in this handbook — we have tried to provide as much information as possible to make the transition to your new home an easy one.

Please do not hesitate to contact your Building Manager or our head office if you need assistance or information about your suite.

Smoke Alarm
Maintenance

The Ontario Fire Code requires that every place of residence have smoke alarms installed and kept in working condition. Smoke alarms are very important for the safety of you and your neighbours by giving early warning of fire. Your Landlord is responsible for installing smoke alarms and keeping them in working condition — including testing, repairs, and replacement as necessary — and must act to correct any problem or concern you report about the operation of your smoke alarm.

For your protection, you are encouraged to take part in ensuring the smoke alarms are operational and to co-operate with the Landlord in carrying out necessary testing and maintenance.

Steps you can take

• Notify your Building Manager if the "power on" indicator goes out (on electrically wired smoke alarms only) and arrange for appropriate repairs.
• Notify your Building Manager if the smoke alarm is damaged, so the repair or replacement of the unit can be arranged.
• Notify your Building Manager of any electrical problems that may affect the operability of electrically wired smoke alarms.
• Contact your Building Manager if you have any concerns about the operability of your smoke alarm or any other fire safety matter in your building.

The Fire Code specifies that "no person shall intentionally disable a smoke alarm so as to make it inoperable." A tenant or any other person who intentionally disables a smoke alarm is guilty of a provincial offence and may be subject to a fine.

Fire Procedure
Instructions

Upon discovery of fire

• Leave the fire area immediately and close doors.
• Sound the fire alarm — use the pull station.
• Use stairwells and leave the building via the nearest exit.
• Call the fire department at 9-1-1. Never assume this has been done; give the correct address and location of the fire in the building.
• Once outside, call your Building Manager and inform them of the problem.

Upon hearing the fire alarm

• Leave the building via the nearest exit.
• Close doors behind you.
• Do not use elevators.
• Do not return until it is declared safe to do so by a fire official.

If you are in a suite and a fire alarm is heard

• Before opening the door, feel the door and doorknob for heat. If not hot, brace yourself against the door and open slightly. If you feel air pressure or a hot draft, close the door quickly.
• If you find no fire or smoke in the corridor, take your suite keys, close the door behind you, and leave by the nearest exit stairwell.
• If you encounter smoke in the corridor or stairwell, consider taking a corridor to the other side of the building where another stairwell may be clear, or return to your suite.
• If you cannot leave your suite or have returned to it because of fire or heavy smoke, remain in your suite and:
  • Close the door but do not lock it, to allow possible entry by firefighters.
  • Dial 9-1-1 — tell the fire department where you are, and signal to firefighters by waving a sheet.
  • Seal all cracks where smoke can get in, using wet towels or sheets to seal doorways and cracks.
  • Crouch low to the floor if smoke enters the room; move to the balcony or window and partially open the window for air — close it if smoke comes in.
  • Wait to be rescued. Remain calm. Do not panic or jump.
  • Listen for instructions or information which may be given by authorized personnel.

Fire Extinguishment
& Fire Hazards

Fire extinguishment / control / confinement

In the event a small fire cannot be extinguished with a portable fire extinguisher, or the smoke presents a hazard to the operator, the door to the area should be closed to confine and contain the fire. Leave the fire area, ensure the fire department has been notified, and wait for the fire department to arrive.

In the event a small fire is determined to be extinguishable, make sure events unfold in the following sequence:

• 1. Activate the fire alarm system.
• 2. Call 9-1-1.
• 3. Attempt to extinguish the fire while keeping yourself between the fire and the nearest exit door.

Fire hazards

The following points are intended to help educate all residents in controlling fire hazards in the building:

• Avoid unsafe cooking practices — deep frying, too much heat, unattended stoves.
• Do not use unsafe electrical appliances, frayed extension cords, overloaded outlets, or lamp wire for permanent wiring.
• Avoid careless smoking; never smoke in bed.
• All hallways and staircases are to be kept free of any obstructions at all times.
• All exit doors are to be kept closed.
• All apartment door openings to the hallway are to be kept closed.
• Storage and use of flammable liquids such as propane barbecues, gasoline tanks, motor oil, snow blowers, and motorcycles is strictly prohibited in apartments and lockers.
• Any safety violation should be reported to your Building Manager immediately.
• In the event of a fire, activate the pull stations, exit the building, and call 9-1-1.
• Remember that no trash may be left in any hallway or common area. These areas must be kept clear at all times for occupant evacuation in the event of a fire or other emergency.

For further information on fire safety, please visit your local fire department's website.

Building
Rules

Garbage & recycling

• Please follow all posted chute procedures and make sure all bags are tied shut.
• Please ensure your bags are not leaking when leaving your unit with garbage.
• Please make sure your garbage has gone completely down the chute.
• Never place glass in the garbage chute — it poses a risk to workers in the garbage room upon shattering. Please recycle all glass products.
• Never leave garbage in hallways and stairwells; this is a Fire Code violation.
• For furniture or large-item disposal, please make your own arrangements. If items are left, you will be invoiced.
• Please help us reduce the amount of garbage sent to landfill by recycling your paper, cardboard, plastics, and glass.

Pest control

• As per your Tenancy Agreement, you must keep your unit free from vermin and pests, and report any pests in the leased premises as soon as noticed — including but not limited to bed bugs, roaches, ants, or mice.
• If vermin or pest control treatment is necessary in your unit, you shall carry out all protocols for preparation of the rental unit for such treatment.
• You agree not to refuse entry into the rental unit by the Landlord or its pest control contractor for the purpose of treating.
• If treatment is required as a result of your willful or negligent conduct, you will be responsible for the costs of such treatment.

Building Rules
Cont'd

Parking & vehicles

• Never park in an accessible spot unless you have a current and valid permit.
• Never park in a fire route — this is a breach of the Ontario Fire Code.
• The front entrance is for dropping off and picking up. Never park your vehicle in this area.
• Be sure your guests know where to park when they visit. Ask your Building Manager about a visitor parking permit if required.
• Cars are not to be cleaned, washed, or repaired in the parking lots.
• Boats, trailers, recreational, or commercial vehicles are not allowed.
• Unlicensed or non-operational vehicles are not allowed to be stored.

Security

• Drewlo buildings are equipped with surveillance cameras for your safety.
• Due to privacy legislation, all images recorded or stored from any surveillance camera on the Landlord's property remain the sole property of the Landlord and cannot be viewed by the general public. They may be viewed by the police upon request.
• Your building is equipped with secured entry. Please do not let people you do not know into the building.

Smoking, vaping & alcohol

• Smoking is prohibited in all common areas of the building, including lobbies, hallways, stairwells, laundry rooms, and exercise rooms.
• As per the Smoke-Free Ontario Act, 2017, you must be 9 metres (30 feet) away from any entrance or window when smoking or vaping.
• As per the Ontario Liquor Licence Act, s. 31: "No person shall have or consume liquor in any place other than a residence." Please do not consume alcohol in common areas of the building.

Building Rules
Cont'd

Pets

• Licensing — most municipalities require all dogs and cats to be registered and licensed. Check your city's by-laws.
• Leash — all dogs must be kept on a leash when not in the owner's apartment.
• Waste — any person who owns a dog shall immediately remove and sanitarily dispose of the feces.
• Barking dogs — barking falls under your municipality's sound by-law and is enforced by by-law officers.
• Cats — under animal control by-laws, cats are not permitted to trespass or be at large. Your cat is not allowed to wander in the common hallways; you must keep it in your apartment.
• Liability — pet owners are responsible for ALL damage and remediation work caused by the pet: feces or urine soiling or leaving an odour, clawing that changes the texture of carpet or wood floors, holes in carpet, and damage to doors, screens, baseboards, and walls.

Disturbances & noise complaints

• All disturbances in your building should be reported to your Building Manager so they can investigate and resolve the situation. If anyone's safety is at risk, please call 9-1-1 first and then inform your Building Manager.
• Please do not allow any noise or disturbance that substantially interferes with the reasonable enjoyment or lawful rights of other tenants.
• If you experience excessive noise, please call your Building Manager to verify the noise.
• Write a written statement with all details — including time, date, and occurrence — and submit it to your Building Manager.

Building Rules
Cont'd

Community, media & exercise room etiquette

Where applicable:

• For private functions, please see your Building Manager during office hours to reserve the social room on a first-come, first-served basis. Your Building Manager will provide the details and terms of use at the time of reservation.
• Cooking, smoking, pets, and alcohol are not permitted in any common rooms.
• Children must be supervised at all times.
• Please follow any posted regulation in each room.

Winter safety

• Drewlo is committed to providing you a safe environment during the winter months.
• Please take extra caution when going outside — sidewalks and steps can be extremely slippery even though they are salted regularly.
• Use sidewalks that have been cleared whenever possible.
• You can avoid injury by wearing proper winter footwear: non-slip sole, deep tread, wide, low heel, rubber soles designed for winter.

Bicycles

• No bicycles are to be left at the front of the building.
• Never leave your bicycle in the hallway or stairwell — this is a breach of the Ontario Fire Code.
• If your building has a storage area for bicycles, you may register your bike(s) with your Building Manager. You are required to supply your own lock.

Building Rules
Cont'd

Hallways

• No rollerblading, bicycle riding, or running is permitted in the hallways or stairwells.
• Children are not allowed to play or ride toys in the hallways.
• No shopping carts are permitted in the building. If you have removed a shopping cart from the grocery store's premises, return it immediately.

Elevators

• If you require the elevator to be on service, please notify your Building Manager as soon as possible. Requests are scheduled on a first-call basis.
• Never allow your children to play on the elevators.

Balconies

• No barbecues allowed, for fire safety.
• Do not feed wild animals.
• Windchimes, clothing, and flower baskets are not allowed to be hung.
• Please do not let your pets use the balcony as their bathroom.
• Never throw anything off the balcony, including cigarettes and matches.
• Please do not allow loud voices or music.
• No plant boxes on the ledge of the railing, and please do not hang flags or political signage.
• Carpets, rugs, mats, and patio umbrellas on the balcony are not allowed.
• Please be considerate when watering your plants.

Laundry facility guidelines

• Use only HE (high-efficiency) laundry detergent.
• Remove clothes from the washer/dryer when the cycle is complete, and pick up your laundry in a timely manner. Unattended clothes will be removed after 24 hours; your Building Manager will store unclaimed items for 30 days.
• Keep floors and counters clean and tidy. Lost or stolen items are the residents' responsibility.
• Report any machine malfunction to your Building Manager immediately, and do not overload the washers and dryers.

Maintenance

What is an emergency, and what to do

• Notify your Building Manager immediately if you have any pipes, taps, or toilets that are leaking. We will make arrangements to rectify the problem as soon as possible.
• Notify your Building Manager as soon as possible if your refrigerator or stove is not working properly. First please check your breakers or fuses, and ensure the appliances have not been partially unplugged due to cleaning, before calling your Building Manager.
• If your sink, tub, or toilet is clogged, please try to plunge it before you call your Building Manager. A service charge will apply if our technician pulls any foreign objects out, including hair and food. Please remember to flush only human waste from the toilet, and do not dispose of any grease or refuse in any sink, drain, or toilet in the rental unit.

Maintenance work order requests

• All maintenance and repair requests must be submitted in writing to your Building Manager's office, or through the building's maintenance request system where available.
• Your building's page on the Drewlo resident portal explains how to report a problem and track it.
• All residents are able to submit and track work orders — you will be kept informed of the status of your request.
• For after-hours emergencies (flood, no heat, lock-out), call your building's emergency line posted in the lobby.

Maintenance
Cont'd

Our technicians

• Under the Workers' Compensation Act, our technicians are always required to wear safety footwear. They will, however, make every effort to thoroughly clean their boots or wear disposable "bootie covers" before entering your home.
• Our workers are not responsible for any pet that leaves the rented premises during a repair. Technicians will not enter the suite if there is a dog that has not been contained in an area away from where the work is being done.
• If any damages occur in your rental unit that are deemed to be beyond reasonable wear and tear, maintenance prices may be charged to you.

Lightbulbs & fuses

• Your apartment is equipped with working lightbulbs in every light fixture upon your move-in.
• Lightbulb and fuse replacements are tenant responsibilities.
• If you require help replacing lightbulbs, please submit a work order request and have your lightbulbs available for the technician upon entering your unit.

Lost or misplaced keys

• Your Building Managers are not obligated to unlock the rental unit for residents who have lost or misplaced their keys. Please feel free to make copies of your keys and give them to someone you trust for backup.
• If you need to get into your apartment, please call a locksmith.
• Lost parking and entry cards or fobs can be replaced for a fee.

Furnace rooms (where applicable)

• Please ensure the furnace vents and air intake are not obstructed.
• Furnace filters must be checked monthly and replaced as required. Your Building Manager will provide you with new filters as needed — recommended every 3 months — however they will not change the filters.

Bathroom exhaust fans & dryers

• Please ensure your bathroom exhaust fans are maintained on a consistent basis. Do not remove the cover; be sure to vacuum the vent cover. Submit a work order if your fan stops working or becomes noisy.
• In-suite dryers (where applicable): clean out the lint trap after every load, and ensure the dryer vent is checked and cleaned — built-up debris can become a fire hazard.

The Drewlo
Way

Who we are

Drewlo is a family-owned company built on steady, long-term development driven by hard work, consistency, and pride in craftsmanship. We develop, build, and manage our communities ourselves — so the team that built your home is the same team that takes care of it.

Your Rights
as a Tenant

Summarized from Tribunals Ontario — Landlord and Tenant Board, "Information for New Tenants." Landlords must provide this information to new tenants on or before the date the tenancy begins.

The law

Most residential tenancies are covered by the Residential Tenancies Act (the RTA). This law gives landlords and tenants specific rights and responsibilities, provides rules for increasing the rent and for evicting a tenant, and creates the Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB). The role of the LTB is to inform landlords and tenants about their rights and responsibilities under the RTA, and to resolve disputes through mediation or adjudication.

You have the right to

• Security of tenancy — you can continue to live in your rental unit until you give your landlord proper notice that you intend to move out, you and your landlord agree that you can move, or your landlord gives you a notice to end your tenancy for a reason allowed by the RTA. If your landlord gives you a notice to end your tenancy, you do not have to move out — the landlord must apply to the LTB for an order, and you will have the right to go to a hearing and explain why your tenancy should not end.
• Privacy — your landlord can only enter your rental unit for the reasons allowed by the RTA. In most cases, before entering your unit, your landlord must give you 24 hours' written notice.

You are responsible for

• Paying your rent on time.
• Keeping your unit clean, up to the standard that most people would consider ordinary or normal cleanliness.
• Repairing any damage to the rental property caused by you or your guests — whether on purpose or by not being careful enough.

You are not allowed to

• Change the locking system on a door that gives entry to your rental unit unless you get your landlord's permission.

Your Rights
Cont'd

Your landlord has the right to

• Collect a rent deposit — it cannot be more than one month's rent (or one week's rent if rent is paid weekly). This deposit must be used as the rent payment for the last month or week of your tenancy; it cannot be used for any other reason, such as to pay for damages. A landlord must pay interest on the deposit every year.
• Increase the rent — in most cases, a landlord can increase the rent only once a year by the guideline set by the Ontario Government, and must give a tenant at least 90 days' notice in writing on the proper form. Some exceptions apply (non-profit and public housing, residences at schools, and certain other accommodation are not covered by all the rent rules).

Your landlord is responsible for

• Keeping the rental property in a good state of repair and obeying health, safety, and maintenance standards.
• Providing you with a copy of your written tenancy agreement within 21 days after the day you signed it, using the standard lease form (Residential Tenancy Agreement — Standard Form of Lease) for most tenancy agreements entered into on or after April 30, 2018.

Your landlord is not allowed to

• Shut off or deliberately interfere with the supply of a vital service (heat, electricity, fuel, gas, or hot or cold water), care service, or food that your landlord must provide under your tenancy agreement. (A landlord is allowed to shut off services temporarily if necessary to make repairs.)
• Take your personal property if you don't pay your rent and are still living in your rental unit.
• Lock you out of your rental unit unless your landlord has an eviction order from the LTB and the Sheriff comes to your rental unit to enforce it.
• Insist that you pay your rent by post-dated cheque or automatic debit. These ways of paying rent can be suggested, but you cannot be refused a rental unit or evicted for refusing to give them.

Contact the Landlord and Tenant Board