Occupant Handbook - Definitions
Base shelter value (BSV): Is the value assessed by Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation for the occupation of a housing unit, and accounts for the physical and locational characteristics of the unit and external influences. The BSV excludes utilities (heat, electricity, water and sewer), furniture and appliances. It also excludes any rental charge adjustment and/or special reductions.
Fair wear and tear: Normal and expected deterioration due to ageing and normal use.
Household: Includes the Occupant, dependants or other individuals residing with the Occupant.
Housing Services Centre (HSC): HSCs are the local offices responsible for the management of the residential housing units at your location. They are your first point of contact for housing information and services including allocations, rent information and maintenance.
Infraction Notice: An Occupant who fails to comply with an applicable section of the Licence to Occupy/Occupant Handbook may be issued an Infraction Notice, which is a notification of a violation of the Terms and Conditions of Occupancy. The Infraction Notice will clearly identify the infraction, outline in detail what is expected to resolve the issue and provide the deadline by which the Occupant must comply.
Non-fair wear and tear: Damage caused by neglect or mistreatment. The Occupant may be liable for the cost of repair or replacement caused by non-fair wear and tear.
Non-roadworthy vehicle: A vehicle that is not mechanically sound or suitable for use on the road, regardless of if a vehicle is licensed, insured, or certified.
The Occupant: The individual who has been allocated a residential housing unit and accepted responsibility as a result of having signed a Licence to Occupy document and commenced payment.
Premises: A house together with its land and outbuildings.
Recreational vehicle: A structure designed to provide temporary living accommodations for travel, vacation, or recreational use, and to be driven, towed, parked, or transported.
Residential housing unit: Unfurnished quarters or a leased housing unit administered by the Minister, including a heritage residence that may contain some furnishings.
Utility trailer: A small non-motorized vehicle which is generally pulled by a motorized vehicle and features an open-bed and is used for the hauling of light loads.
Vehicle maintenance: Includes tasks on your own personal motor vehicle such as engine tune-ups, lubrication, carburetor cleaning, tire rotation as well as replacement of bulbs, headlights, battery, filters, wiper blades, fuses, etc. It does not include major repairs such as engine replacements, engine rebuild, replacing a head gasket, engine block repairs, cylinder replacement or repair, transmission replacement or rebuild, etc.
Violation Letter: An official notification to an Occupant that a violation has occurred or has not been satisfactorily corrected. It includes a statement of infraction, the corrective measure(s) required from the Occupant, and a specified deadline to ensure compliance and prevent further escalation which may ultimately result in eviction.