- Beginning Your Tenancy
- Rent
- Maintaining Your Home
- Enjoying Your Home
- Policies
- Programs
- Ending Your Tenancy
MQHS receives money to cover the cost difference between your rent amount and what the housing actually costs to manage.
A member of our Tenant Relations Department will visit with you in the early days of your tenancy to go over info relevant to your tenancy and to give you an opportunity to ask questions.
A Tenant Relations staff will meet you in your home three months after you move in to perform a tenancy review and unit inspection. This is an opportunity to identify and address any concerns that may have arisen and to develop a plan for success going forward.
MQHS is dedicated to creating mutually respectful relationships with our residents. We expect that all communication will be courteous, and we will discontinue service to anyone who is hostile, disrespectful, threatening or using profanity.
Any repairs that are required in your unit should be reported to the maintenance department in writing. If the repairs are a result of damage or misuse by yourself or a guest, you may be billed for the cost of the repair.
In order for us to complete your repair in a timely manner it is important that you make yourself available. You can do this by giving maintenance permission to enter your unit in your absence or by coordinating a time to meet with them.
It is your responsibility to prepare the area where the repair will be done. This would include cleaning and removing clutter to allow accessibility.
*Please be aware that you will be charged for the cost of repair for an issue you failed to report that leads to further damages, such as a leaking faucet or toilet.
MQHS only insures our buildings, not your belongings. We recommend you purchase renter insurance to protect yourself and your belongings in the case of fire, theft, earthquake or other damage.
MQHS staff may only enter your home with your written permission or after serving the appropriate written notice as per the Residential Tenancy Act.
The personal information that we collect from you is stored securely and in accordance with the Personal Information and Privacy Act. MQHS staff are not permitted to release any personal information about you without your written permission.
As a tenant it is your responsibility to prevent and report any signs of pests such as rodents, bed bugs or ants. If you have any reason to suspect you have pests in your home, please contact our maintenance department immediately. Do not attempt to eliminate the pests yourself.
The Residential Tenancy Branch requires that tenants work together with landlords and follow their instructions when treatment of the unit is required.
MQHS is required by our funders to operate in accordance with the National Housing Occupancy Standards. All families are therefore housed in units that are an appropriate fit for their family size and details. If during your tenancy your family size and/or details change we are required to determine whether your current unit is still suitable for you or whether you may need to be relocated. If an appropriate internal transfer is not available or is not accepted, we will be required to end your tenancy.
Tenants are responsible to maintain all outdoors areas included in their rental unit. Areas include the outside of your front door and step, patios/balconies, yards and driveways.
If you live in a unit with a yard space, it is your responsibility to perform routine lawn and yard care such as pulling weeds, mowing the lawn, trimming branches, and all other tasks to maintain a consistent tidy appearance.
Patios and balconies must be kept neat and attractive and free of unnecessary clutter and are not to be used as storage areas. The only furniture permitted on patios is furniture sold specifically as patio furniture. Coolers, indoor toys or items, appliances and any other item that is not daily use and specifically designed for outdoors should be stored or used on the patios.
Maintenance will contact you to schedule a move out inspection. It will take place on the final day of your tenancy in a clean and empty unit. If the final day of your tenancy falls on a weekend or holiday, the move out inspection will take place on the next business day. It is not required that you attend. If you have not heard from maintenance by the last week of your tenancy please contact the office. Please make sure you have provided Tenant Relations with your forwarding address and phone number.
In preparation to move, you will be responsible to ensure your unit is left in the same condition it was as when you moved in. Please refer to our Move Out Guidelines form for details as to what is expected.
In addition, make arrangement to have your utilities, mail and other services transferred. If you would like MQHS to be able to provide a reference for you, you will need to give us written permission. If you require the use of the elevator to move out, you must reserve a time with MQHS staff prior to your intended move out date.
Prior to your move in, maintenance will email you an inspection sheet for your unit that has been prefilled by Staff and instructions for your move in. At the time of your move out, the condition recorded on this form will be used to compare to the current condition of your unit which will determine your eligibility for a security deposit refund.
If your unit has hookup for a washer and dryer, please contact maintenance after installation but prior to using for the first time. They will provide a complimentary inspection to ensure proper connection and therefore reduce the risk of water damages which you could be liable for.
If there are shared laundry facilities at your location that you intend to use, please request a key from maintenance. These facilities are provided for the use of tenants only and are to be used respectfully and with consideration throughout your tenancy.
If you are unable to pay your rent on time, you must contact the Tenant Relations Department before it is due. If you qualify for an extension you will be required to sign an agreement which details your plan for payment.
Rent Extensions are a privilege and are approved based on consideration of your circumstances and your rent payment history.
MQHS’ policy is to serve a 10-day Notice to End Tenancy for any unapproved late rent and to serve a One Month Notice to End for repeated late rent payments.
Prior to your move in a new lock will have been installed to your unit. We keep master keys to all our units. You must therefore not change your lock or add security devices without prior written approval. If you need your lock changed please submit a written request to the maintenance department. There will be a charge for replacing lost keys.
In order for MQHS to receive funding we are required to periodically review the income of all residents. When you receive a notice from our office requesting income verification it is imperative that you comply in a timely manner. Failure to do so will result in the end of your tenancy.
A change in household income may result in a change to your monthly rent or a transition plan for households who exceed our housing income limits.
If a change to your family size or significant income change occur, you are required to contact Tenant Relations to determine whether a rent adjustment is needed.
It is your responsibility to connect electricity (BC Hydro) and gas (Fortis BC) (if applicable) at your unit from the date of your move in and to keep it connected throughout your tenancy.
Rent is due by the first business day of each month. We accept cheques, money orders or electronic withdrawal payments, contact the office to sign up. Payments can be made in person or put in drop box at our office or mailed to PO Box 3563 Mission BC V2V 4L1. Staff are not permitted to accept payments outside of the office.
Please be aware that payments returned due to insufficient funds or other errors will be subject to a $5.00 fee. We reserve the right to require payment be made by money order if ongoing issues occur.
When you submit your notice to end tenancy you will need to fill out a repairs and requests form on the website for your condition inspection. It will take place on the final day of your tenancy in a clean and empty unit. If the final day of your tenancy falls on a weekend or holiday, the move out inspection will take place on the next business day. It is required that you attend. If you have not heard from maintenance by the last week of your tenancy, please contact the office. Please make sure you have provided Tenant Relations with your forwarding address and phone number.
Fire Safety Tips
- Never disconnect or cover your smoke detector. Contact maintenance immediately if the smoke detector is not working properly.
- Don’t overload electrical outlets or use frayed cords.
- Closely monitor the kitchen while cooking.
- Never leave candles unattended.
- If you hear a fire alarm always leave the building immediately.
- Discuss and practice an exit plan with your family in the event of a fire.
- During a power outage do not use propane or gas heaters or stoves inside your unit.
Emergencies are problems that must be addressed immediately to avoid damages to your unit or the housing complex or which threatens your safety. Examples include a water leak, power or heat system failure or a broken lock which prevents you from securing your unit.
If you require an emergency repair at any time contact maintenance by phone at 778-666-3757.
Rent Smart
MQHS offers the RentSmart course at no cost to our applicants and residents. This 12-hour course developed by Ready to Rent and facilitated by our staff, empowers participants by teaching them how to find and maintain safe, suitable housing. In enquire contact the Office and ask for Tenant Relations Administrator EXT. 110.
Seasonal Events / Programs
MQHS offers a variety of programs and seasonal events at our complexes. Notifications of current programs and events are posted on our Facebook page “Residents of MQHS”
https://www.facebook.com/Residents-of-MQHS-735689686609522
Healthy Living Coordinator
This position is for our Mission properties and through this position we provide education, programs and support related to healthy living.
Tenant Support Worker
A full-time on-site support worker is available at our Riverstone property, this position is aimed at supporting current residents to maintain a successful tenancy. Budgeting support, mental health referrals, accessing community resources. Contact the office and ask for Tenant Support Worker or Call 604-302-3935.
Aboriginal Head Start Programs
MQHS partners with the Aboriginal Head Start Program to provide childcare and educational programs for preschool age children. These programs are provided free to qualifying families. Call MQHS office for more information about these programs and how to register.
Crime Free Multi Housing
Our housing is certified through the Crime Free Multi Housing program which is administered through the local community police. This program aims to establish a good working relationship between housing provider, resident and police to create a safe community.
Our housing is certified through the Crime Free Multi Housing program which is administered through the local community police. This program aims to establish a good working relationship between housing provider, resident and police to create a safe community.
MAMELE’AWT QWEESOME/TO’O HOUSING SOCIETY requires directors, officers, and staff to observe high standards of business and personal ethics in the course of their duties and responsibilities. As staff and representatives of MQHS, we strive to practice honesty and integrity in fulfilling our responsibilities and to comply with all applicable Canadian laws and regulations. To formalize a complaint against MQHS staff, please fill out the below form. A team member from our complaints department will contact you to conduct a formal investigation.
It is your responsibility to keep your home clean and safe, preventing mold, pests and fire by caring for your home and is required by Residential tenancy law. All repairs need to be reported right away or you could be charged for the extra damage resulting from not reporting the repair.
“An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of the cure”
- Reduce the risk of mold by limiting the level of humidity in your home. In order to do this, we recommend that you run the fan in the kitchen when cooking and in the bathroom during and after a shower or bath, keep windows open as weather permits, do not hang wet laundry indoors and wipe down condensation on windows.
- If you find a buildup of ice in your fridge or freezer and/or that it is not cooling effectively the first step that we recommend is that you unplug it, prop open doors and allow it to completely defrost for 24 hours. As it defrosts you will need to mop up the water. If this does not resolve the issue, please submit a repair request to maintenance.
- Use only gentle and non-abrasive cleaning products in your home to prevent damages and for your well-being. We recommend that bleach and bleach-based products never be used as they are likely to damage surfaces.
- Only toilet paper is permitted to be flushed down your toilet(s). Do not flush paper towel, disposable wipes, feminine hygiene products, etc. Supervise children to ensure they do not put inappropriate items into toilets. Any blockages caused by misuse are your responsibility to resolve. If your toilet is running constantly, it should be reported as a repair request.
- Prevent food scraps, grease/oil, hair and other items that may cause blockages from going down drains.
- In order to keep carpets clean and prevent damages for which you may be charged, we encourage you to permit your children to eat only in the dining area of your home.
- We recommend that you keep coloring supplies and stickers out of reach of young children and permit crafting only in designated areas and with supervision. Removing marker and /or stickers from walls, doors and other surfaces may result in damages for which you will be charged.
- To keep utility costs down we recommend that you keep the door to your hot water tank room closed if applicable. For energy saving tips or to request a free energy saving kit visit bchydro.com
Maintenance will perform an inspection of your unit and garage once per year. It is your responsibility to provide access to each area of the home. The purpose of this inspection is to identify and address any maintenance related issues. You will be given a minimum 24 hours written notice in compliance with the Residential Tenancy Act.
Alterations to the unit are not permitted without prior written consent from the maintenance department. The reason that we limit alterations such as painting, changing flooring or installing a satellite dish is the high cost of returning units to a condition that is ready to be occupied by a new tenant. If you would like to be given consideration to perform alterations, please request a form.