Occupant Handbook - 2.0 Moving in

2.1 Orientation meeting

Upon arrival for move-in, the Housing Services Centre (HSC) representative will provide an orientation briefing and an electronic copy of the Occupant Handbook and the Licence to Occupy, which include Occupant regulations. If the Occupant prefers a paper version, they can request it from the representative, although the Canadian Forces Housing Agency (CFHA) encourages electronic versions instead of paper. The representative will also provide the Occupant with the keys to the residential housing unit (RHU).

2.2 Move-In Deficiency Report

It is the Occupant’s responsibility to note in this checklist any damages and/or deficiencies in the allocated RHU which will remain on file with the HSC. This checklist will be reviewed at the end of occupancy and during the preliminary move-out inspection for comparison to ensure that the Occupant is not held liable for any damages and/or deficiencies upon move-out. Repair costs for damages that are not noted in the checklist may be the responsibility of the Occupant. The Occupant is required to complete, sign, and return the DND housing checklist to the HSC within thirty (30) calendar days of the move-in day by email or in person.

2.3 Locks and keys

The Occupant is provided with two (2) sets of keys for each lock type of the exterior doors of the RHU including the garage door, if applicable, which must be returned upon move-out. The Occupant is required to contact the HSC to obtain approval to change locks.

It is important to note that the HSC does not keep a spare set of keys to RHUs. The Occupant is responsible for the safekeeping of their keys and must arrange for a locksmith at their own expense in the event of a lockout, lost keys, or key replacement.

2.4 Insurance requirements

The Occupant is fully responsible for damage to, or loss of, personal effects while occupying the premises (including garages and row garages).

The Occupant must provide proof of insurance to the HSC prior to taking possession of the premises and of the row garages, on an annual basis and at any time upon request.

The Occupant must carry the appropriate insurance coverage for the length of this agreement. It must include the following protections:

1. Personal belongings (contents) coverage. This coverage typically covers the policy holder’s personal possessions against certain types of events, circumstances, or hazards that leads to the loss or destruction of the Occupant’s private property or belongings. The Minister shall not be liable to the Occupant for any damages to the Occupant’s personal belongings content.
2. Personal liability coverage with a minimum amount of 1 million CAD. This coverage provides financial protections against such things as lawsuits and other legal expenses arising from injuries to other people while they are on the RHU property. This coverage also covers damages to Crown property.

CFHA strongly recommends the Occupant includes additional living expenses coverage to their policy. This coverage protects the Occupant if they are forced to vacate their RHU following an unexpected event.

2.5 Damage caused by movers

The Occupant must inform the HSC of any damages to the premises caused by the moving company. The Occupant is responsible for covering the repair costs and for submitting a claim for reimbursement directly to the moving company.

2.6 Utilities

When the Crown provides utilities (water, sewage, gas, fuel, and electricity), the Occupant is responsible for the costs and is charged accordingly.

When the Crown does not provide utilities, unless advised otherwise by the HSC, the Occupant must arrange for the service(s) directly with their local provider.

Failure to obtain and maintain utilities, including top-up of the fuel tank, can create health and safety hazards and cause damages to the RHU. This may result in CFHA recovery of utilities and repair charges and could justify eviction.

2.7 Cable/satellite dishes and telephone

The Occupant is responsible for paying for telephone, cable and/or satellite, and Wi-Fi services, including the installation of additional and/or relocation of jacks or cable and satellite installation and upkeep. Drilling into floors or other structural elements to run cables is not permitted. Please refer to section 3.2 Activities requiring HSC approval of this Handbook for more information.