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Maintenance Responsibilities

MAINTENANCE

As indicated in your Residential Tenancy Agreement, CHC tenants are responsible for the maintenance and care of their unit and surrounding premises including the cost of any repairs and maintenance resulting from occupancy of their unit (other than normal wear and tear).

  • Notify CHC immediately of any damage to your premises or complex that has been caused by you, other members of the household, or your guests.
  • Report general maintenance concerns during regular business hours. (Office: Mon – Fri. 8 a.m. until 4 p.m., Phone: Mon. – Fri. 8 a.m. until 4:00 p.m.) (Except statutory holidays.)
  • Phone your Maintenance Administrator or call the main line at 587-390-1200 (press 3)
call 9-1-1 In case of FIRE, DEATH AND SERIOUS MEDICAL OR THREAT OF LIFE
  • Call CHC in case of a maintenance emergency at 587-390-1200 (press 3)
  • Maintenance emergencies include:
    • Flood, frozen water line or water running into your unit or the common areas of the building, sewer back-up.
    • No heat in your unit and the temperature is below 15 degrees.
    • Non-emergencies will be handled during regular working hours.

Tenant maintenance responsibilities include (but are not limited to):

  • Maintaining cleanliness of the interior and exterior of the unit
  • Removal of snow and ice from walkways and municipal sidewalks, and maintenance and care of the lawn, and front and back yards
  • Replacement of light bulbs, fuses and furnace filters, unclogging toilets and drains and cleaning the furnace and air ducts
  • Immediately notify CHC of any problem with or failure of the plumbing, heating or electrical systems
  • To report a maintenance concern or request a repair, contact CHC at (587) 390-1200 or contact your Maintenance Administrator
  • If you lose power in part of your home, you will need to check your breaker panel first before calling the CHC maintenance department.
  • Remember to switch the breaker all the way to the off position before you switch it back on.
  • Charges may apply if CHC sends a technician to your unit to reset a breaker.

DOWNLOAD: How to Reset the Breakers

How to reset a tripped breaker

  • Keep windows closed during cold weather
  • Lowering the temperature on your thermostat by one degree can save about two per cent on your heating bill.
  • Throw down a rug on exposed floors for insulation and turn off heat in unused rooms and close the door.
  • Use the cold water cycle on your washing machine
  • Take shorter showers (five minutes or less).
  • Unplug electronics when not in use
  • If your computer must be left on when you’re not using it, turn off the monitor.

Call you Maintenance Administrator or (587)390-1200 to repair leaky faucets, running toilets, drafty windows, etc. 

Find more tip on this Energy Saving Tips page at calgary.ca

  • Do not store belongings within 4 feet of your furnace or hot water tank
  • If you have a furnace in your unit, you are responsible for replacing the filter at least annually preferably every 3 months.
  • Instructions on how to change your furnace filter have been posted on your furnace.
  • Take note of the size of filter that is required before heading to the store.
  • Furnace cleaning, which you are also responsible for, should be done every two years by a qualified cleaning company
  • The cost of furnace filters and furnace cleaning are your responsibility.

DOWNLOAD: How to change your Furnace Filter

How to change a furnace filter

  • Mold seeks moisture, warmth and food to grow.
  • You can prevent mold from growing by controlling moisture and keeping your home dry. For example, cooking and bathing produce moisture.
  • Open a window or if your home is equipped with exhaust fans use them.
  • You can increase airflow in your home by keeping interior and closet doors open, when possible.
  • Maintaining correct room temperatures and providing for adequate air circulation reduces mold growth.
  • Furniture should be kept one inch from the wall to help air circulation.
  • The recommended thermostat settings range from 16 degrees Celsius (61 degrees Fahrenheit) to 21 degrees Celsius (70 degrees Fahrenheit).
  • Open your curtains and/or blinds to allow airflow and prevent moisture from forming on windows.
  • Do not hang blankets up on windows, as this will trap moist air, resulting in mold growth.
  • Reduce the amount of materials you store, especially items no longer in use. For example, stored fabrics, paper, and wood collect dust and hold moisture.
  • Use bathroom ceiling fan (where equipped) for at least 15 minutes after shower or bath.
  • Keep unit clean at all times to allow for good ventilation and airflow.

If you notice pests such as bed bugs, cockroaches or mice in your unit, please call your Maintenance Administrator or (587)390-1200. You can find our guide to preparing your home for bed bug treatment here. 

  • A new plunger is provided at move in and is yours to keep
  • Look inside your bathroom cabinet for directions on using your plunger
  • To prevent clogs, toilet paper is the only material that should be flushed down your toilet
  • Should you, other members of your household or your guests cause the sinks, tub or toilet to be clogged, you are responsible for the cost to remove the clog.
  • See the section on Tenant Charges for more information on CHC fees for unclogging drains.

DOWNLOAD: How to unclog your toilet

How to unclog a toilet

  • Before winter, please shut off the water to the outside taps to keep the pipes from freezing and bursting.
  • The first step is to locate the tap inside your unit. It is usually located somewhere around the basement ceiling, often in close proximity to the outside tap.  (Call your Property Manager if you cannot locate the tap).
  • Shut off the water to the outside taps.
  • The next step is to go outside and open the tap to drain any water that is left in the pipe.
  • If you live in a unit with a yard, it is your responsibility to:
    • Keep your walkways and steps free of ice and snow in the winter
    • Cut and water their lawns during the summer season and rake leaves during the fall
Grass and leaves
  • Grass must also be trimmed along fences inside and outside of the property
Snow and ice
  • Under the Street Bylaw, owners/occupants of a home are responsible for the complete removal of snow and ice from all City pathways and sidewalks, adjacent to the front or side of their property, within 24 hours after the snow stops falling.
  • If you do not maintain your sidewalk, CHC will have the work completed and send you an invoice for the cost.

If you, your guests, or a member of your household cause damage to CHC property or if Calgary Housing repairs your unit as a result of your negligence, an invoice for the cost of the repairs will be mailed to you.

  • Payment from you is due 30 days from receipt of the invoice.
  • Non-payment of tenant charges will result in eviction
  • Please talk to your Property Manager if you have difficulty paying the tenant charges.
  • Some other things you could be charged for include:
    • Laundry Card
    • Lock Change due to Lost Keys
    • Mowing
    • Replace Lost Fob
    • Reset Breaker Panel
    • Shoveling
    • Unplug Drain (minimum)
    • Unplug Toilet (minimum)
    • Removal and disposal of large items
Outside Taps
  • Before winter, please shut off the water to the outside taps to keep the pipes from freezing and bursting.
  • The first step is to locate the tap inside your unit. It is usually located somewhere around the basement ceiling, often in close proximity to the outside tap.  (Call your Property Manager if you cannot locate the tap).
  • Shut off the water to the outside taps.
  • The next step is to go outside and open the tap to drain any water that is left in the pipe.

Snow and ice

  • Under the Street Bylaw, owners/occupants of a home are responsible for the complete removal of snow and ice from all City pathways and sidewalks, adjacent to the front or side of their property, within 24 hours after the snow stops falling.
  • If you do not maintain your sidewalk, CHC will have the work completed and send you an invoice for the cost.

Windows

  • Keep windows closed during freezing temperatures to avoid water pipes from freezing. Costs for repairs due to burst pipes and floods caused as a result of leaving a window open will be charged to you.
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Tenant Handbook

In Summer 2020 we compiled a new Printable PDF version of important information for tenants. You will find details on how to connect with CHC, guidance on the programs we provide, and advice on maintenance and management of your home. Keep a copy of the PDF on your device or print your own hardcopy. Download CHC Tenant Handbook 2020

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In early 2024 we will be reaching out to residents to gather your experiences, opinions, and ideas to inform our Anti-Racism Strategy.

You can participate by:

  • Completing the survey that will be distributed in early 2024
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