Introduce yourself!
- Get to know your landlords and neighbours by name.
- Learn about what kinds of people live in your area whether they are families, retirees or fellow students.
- Get involved in any neighbourhood associations (Neighbourhood Watch and community associations etc).
- Be, courteous and respectful with neighbours and landlords even when disputing things, it will go a long way to ensuring that issues don’t escalate further.
Be aware of your surroundings:
- Inform your neighbours if you plan to have a party.
- Make your guest list manageable and keep noise levels to a minimum.
- Keep guests off your neighbour’s or public property.
- Inform yourselves and your guests about bylaws to avoid fines.
Learn what is expected of you:
- Know when your garbage and recycling days are. London has a rotating collection cycle. Find out your collection day and how to properly sort your waste at http://www.london.ca/residents/garbage-recycling/garbage/Pages/default.aspx
- There is a limit of three (3) garbage bags/ containers per household.
- There is no limit to the amount of properly sorted recyclables (Blue Boxes).
- Maintain the upkeep of your property by ensuring keep the property clean post-party but also working with your landlords over issues such as grass-cutting, and property maintenance.
Be clear!
- Outline the roles and responsibilities of you and your student tenants.
- Make sure that your student tenants understand their responsibilities.
- Maintain a calm and respectful demeanor towards students. It will prevent unwarranted escalations of potential issues.
Be responsive!
- Become familiar with Ontario Fire Code regulations as well as local bylaws addressing property upkeep and rental licensing. To get your own copy, visit publications.serviceontario.ca
- It is your responsibility to be knowledgeable and adhere to provincial and municipal bylaws, including zoning regulations and building codes.
Be available!
- Student tenants are paying for your services.
- Be sure that you can be reached during emergencies.
Welcome to the Neighbourhood!
Go say hello, and learn who you will be interacting with over the course of the year.
Express your concerns
Sometimes students are unaware that their behaviours is wrong or inappropriate and could benefit from a gentle reminder.
Deal with issues as calmly as possible as hysterics are unlikely to create a positive outcome.
Be reasonable
This may be the first time your student neighbours have lived on their own. Help them to become respectful members of your community.
Talk to the landlord
If necessary, direct concerns to the landlord.
It’s common for the landlord to be responsible for property management. Contact the landlord if the property does not meet standards.
Out of options?
Consult the Western/ or Fanshawe Housing Mediation Offices.
The City of London Town and Gown Committee meets regularly — contact your local municipal councillor or city hall to raise your concerns.
Local government and services
- London City Hall
www.london.ca
519-661-CITY (2489)
- London Transit
Ltconline.ca
519-451-1347
- Garbage and Recycling Collection
519-661-4570
- City Parking Enforcement
519-661-4537
- City Bylaw Enforcement
enforcement@london.ca
519-661-4660
- Fanshawe Student’s Union
www.fsu.ca
519-452-4109
- University Students’ Council
westernusc.ca
519-661-3574
Emergency and Health Services
(For emergencies, call 9-1-1)
- London Police Services
londonpolice.ca
519-661-5670
- The London Fire Department
519-661-4565
- London Health Sciences Centre
lhsc/on.ca
519-685-8500
Rental resources
- Off-Campus Housing Services Western
www.offcampus.uwo.ca
519-661-3550
- Off-Campus Housing Fanshawe
offcampushousing@fanshawe.ca
519-452-4260
- Housing Mediation Services
519-452-4282
- Landlord and Tenant Board
www.sjto.gov.on.ca/ltb/
1-888-332-3234