When you rent a home or apartment in Canada, the landlord will usually ask you to sign a written rental agreement. This legal contract is also often called a “lease.” Under the laws of each province and territory, tenants and landlords have certain rights and responsibilities whether they have a written agreement or not. Nevertheless, a written lease agreement can help spell out all the terms you and your landlord want to have covered and agreed to. You may also wish to seek legal ... Full Article...

OTTAWA, November 13, 2008 — New analysis that tracked how long Canadians living in core housing need* remained in this situation over a three-year period is unveiled in the 2008 Canadian Housing Observer, released today by Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC). "The 2008 Canadian Housing Observer provides an in-depth picture of housing trends and developments in Canada," said Karen Kinsley, President of CMHC. "The 2008 Observer provides the first analysis of the dynamics of cor ... Full Article...

Just as you shut off lights and appliances when you’re not using them, you can save energy by turning down the furnace and air conditioner when you leave the house or go to sleep. According to a study by the Canadian Centre for Housing Technology, turning the furnace’s thermostat down a few degrees in winter when you’re not home or go to sleep can result in energy savings of five to fifteen percent. Also, setting the air conditioner thermostat a couple of degrees higher in th ... Full Article...

When you rent a home or apartment in Canada, the landlord will usually ask you to sign a written rental agreement. This legal contract is also often called a “lease.” Under the laws of each province and territory, tenants and landlords have certain rights and responsibilities whether they have a written agreement or not. Nevertheless, a written lease agreement can help spell out all the terms you and your landlord want to have covered and agreed to. You may also wish to seek legal ... Full Article...

Smoke alarms can not only warn you of a fire but they can also protect you from harmful smoke emissions caused by poorly performing wood or oil burning appliances. Under certain conditions, flue gases from these appliances can sometimes spread through the house. For that reason, Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) suggests installing a fire alarm on every floor of your home and especially directly outside bedrooms in order to detect these dangers sooner. Check with your local municip ... Full Article...