HALTON COMMUNITY HOUSING CORPORATION

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1 PAGE 1 OF Purpose Tenants occasionally wish to effect changes to the interior and/or exterior of their units for various reasons. They may wish to alter their unit to better reflect their style, taste or preference or to accommodate physical limitations. 2.0 Policy As per each tenant s lease agreement, no one is allowed to make any alterations to the unit or the property without the written consent of the Operations Manager or Property Manager. Section 4.03 of the Corporation s lease agreement states that: You agree not to make any changes or alterations of the Unit (like the attachment of shelves or the building of a partition in the Unit), or any building system (like plumbing or electrical services) without our prior written consent. If we do consent to a change or alteration to the Unit, that change or alteration is subject to inspection by HCHC and whatever you installed becomes our property, which you cannot remove and for which we will not pay you. All approved alterations must conform to HCHC standards and are subject to final inspection and approval of HCHC. Approval may be granted under extenuating circumstances (eg through Ontario March of Dimes for a household who has a disabled member). Any approved alterations must be maintained by the tenant and become the property of Halton Community Housing Corporation. No cosmetic alterations would be allowed. By definition, alteration means any permanent change to the unit or property that alters the internal or external characteristics of the unit or property. 3.0 Request for Alterations A tenant or an agency, on behalf of a tenant, can apply to have an alteration done to the unit under the following conditions: 1. It is for health reasons supported by a recommendation from a doctor. 2. It is either funded by the tenant and or an agency.

2 PAGE 2 OF 6 3. Any approved alterations must meet all health, safety and other standards required by law, and conform in type and quality of workmanship and materials that exist at that site or approved in the tenant s request. Furthermore, all liability is assumed by the tenant. 4. The tenant and/or agency would be responsible to maintain the alteration to an acceptable standard at the expense of the tenant and/or agency. 5. Upon tenant moving out, this alteration is the property of Halton Community Housing Corporation, which you cannot remove and for which you will not be paid for. 3.1 Interior Alterations Painting of Units Tenants must obtain the written permission of the HCHC prior to altering the painted surfaces within the unit. Units are not painted at each turnover. The Property Manager or his/her designate will inspect the premises and, at his/her own discretion, will determine whether painting is to be completed. Painting is completed either through outside contractors or by providing the tenant with paint. Such decisions are based on unit conditions, timing issues, budget restrictions, etc. In all cases, units are painted (as per colour specifications outlined in Painting Contract) in the existing colour with a semi-gloss finish. Only latex paints are to be used unless otherwise indicated. Ceilings must be painted flat white. When painting walls and ceilings that are located in kitchens and bathrooms use paints that are marketed as "Kitchen and Bathroom. They are latex paints with a semi-gloss finish to provide a washable surface and may have a higher amount of mildewcide to help prevent mildew growth in moist spaces. Alkyd or oil paints may be used to paint bathroom walls if they have previously been painted with alkyd or oil, or if a particular situation requires it, otherwise latex products are the paints of choice. Be sure to sand walls prior to painting, fill cracks or holes, spot prime and then paint to ensure that you achieve the best finish possible. Tenants must supply painting equipment (i.e. brushes, rollers, thinner) at their own expense. Tenants are expected to take due care when painting. Drop cloths or similar protective coverings must be used to protect flooring, carpeting, counters, etc. Switch and cover plates must be removed and all non-removable hardware, controls, fixtures, ceiling areas and other surfaces masked before painting.

3 PAGE 3 OF 6 Only previously painted surfaces may be painted. Existing unpainted fixtures such as kitchen cupboards, heaters, closet doors, smoke detectors, fire bells, and carbon monoxide detectors are not to be painted. The following decorative treatments/finishes are not permitted: Stucco finishes Textured paint Paint techniques (e.g. sponge painting) and special paint finishes that require preparation, such as sanding, to cover Dark paint (colours that require more than one coat to cover) In all cases, tenants are responsible for restoring the unit as per their lease agreement and will be charged back if they do not comply Other Wall/Ceiling Coverings Tenants must obtain the written permission of HCHC prior to applying wall coverings. The following wall/ceiling coverings are not permitted: Wallpaper and border that is not dry strippable Wallboard, vinyl paneling, plastic paneling, wood paneling and wood trims Mirror and cork tiles Cloth wall/ceiling coverings Peel and Stick wall tiles Adhesive used to apply wall/ceiling coverings must be that which has been recommended by the product manufacturer. Alternate adhesives, glues, etc. must not be used. It will be the responsibility of the tenant to remove wall/ceiling coverings prior to vacating the premises and to restore any damage to the wall/ceiling surface as a result of the alteration Floors Tenants may not remove floor coverings (e.g. carpet, tiles, vinyl) without the written approval of HCHC. Area rugs or wall to wall broadloom may be placed over existing carpeting but carpet may not be glued, stapled nor nailed over the existing carpet or flooring. Any damage caused to the floor will be the responsibility of the tenant. At times, HCHC receives requests from residents wanting to upgrade and install, at their own cost, tiles or carpet. Only standard HCHC flooring and/or carpet products and colours will be approved in these instances. These fixtures will become permanent and the property of the HCHC. Such an arrangement will be documented in writing with the tenant. The following flooring products are not permitted: Peel and stick floor tiles

4 PAGE 4 OF 6 Hardwood or laminate flooring Paint products (existing flooring and concrete floors such as basement floors and garage floors are not to be painted) 3.2 Exterior Alterations Fences, Gates, Partitions Tenants are not permitted to paint, install or erect any fences, gates or partitions without the written approval of HCHC. Tenants must forward a written request to HCHC of their desired alteration/addition. HCHC will respond and advise of the approved HCHC standards or specifications. The following guidelines must be adhered to: must conform to municipal bylaws where applicable must be aesthetically pleasing and not detract from the appearance of the site must be temporary in design must be consistent throughout the site in type of materials (i.e. chain link or pressure treated wood) and consistent in colour must remain in a well maintained condition by the tenant must not interfere with lawn and grounds maintenance must not be affixed to existing HCHC structure, i.e. building or privacy screens; and must be completely removed and reparations made to the lawn area prior to vacating the premises Changes to Landscaping Prior to any alterations being made, a written request detailing the changes must be forwarded to HCHC. The written approval of HCHC is required. HCHC will not permit the following: the removal of existing vegetation the planting of trees the planting of bushes or shrubs that exceed 4 feet in height and/or width. the installation of any type of pond the installation of a composting bin or structure the installation of wired garden lighting the installation of any object, e.g. flower baskets and bird feeders, to the existing fencing or privacy screens. Alterations to existing bed size or the addition of beds are subject to the written approval of HCHC. Such alterations must be removed and/or restored prior to vacating the premises. The installation of new or additional pavers or patio stones is subject to the same conditions.

5 PAGE 5 OF 6 HCHC will inspect all alterations and additions to ensure they meet specifications. HCHC retains the right to remove structures or restore areas that are not in compliance with the guidelines or become a health and safety hazard. Costs to complete same will be the responsibility of the tenant. 3.3 Structural Alterations Structural Alterations for Accessibility Prior to signing a lease agreement with HCHC, a tenant views a unit and determines if the location will meet their needs. Occasionally a tenant s needs change over the course of their tenancy. HCHC will work with tenants requiring such alterations by exploring all possible and appropriate resolutions to accommodate their changing needs. There should not be an expectation that customization of a unit will occur automatically upon a request. Such alterations must not create hardships for HCHC, financial or otherwise, nor negatively impact other tenants (rights to reasonable peace and enjoyment of the) premises. Requests for structural alterations due to accessibility issues must include detailed drawings or plans in order to assess the extent of alterations required and the possible impact on other components of the building. This information will assist in determining if a structural engineer is required and also the type of contractor required. Documentation supporting the need for such alterations must also be submitted. The source of funding or funding availability will be considered along with any alternate accommodation HCHC is able to undertake, such as a transfer to a more suitable unit. Sensitivity to the dignity and rights of the tenant will be the utmost consideration when determining whether or not to approve such requests Other Structural Alterations HCHC does not permit requests for structural alterations that include the removal of existing walls, finishing of the basement area or installation of additional bathroom facilities. 3.4 Other Alterations (these items may change as the policies are updated in this process) Written requests for permission to install portable air conditioning units, security alarms, grab bars, to change light fixtures, to install garage door openers and to install a satellite dish must be submitted to HCHC prior to undertaking such alterations. HCHC does NOT permit the installation of built-in dishwashers, central air conditioning systems, additional electrical fixtures, additional plumbing fixtures (e.g. taps, toilets, hot water tanks) nor additional counters and cupboards. For the installation of satellite dishes, please refer to the Policy Satellite Dish HCHC 023.

6 PAGE 6 OF 6 HCHC does not permit the removal of any existing component or element of the premises without the prior written approval of HCHC. No painting or other modifications to cabinetry is to be made. For alterations not identified within this policy, written permission must be obtained from HCHC prior to undertaking said alteration.