Skip to main content

Fire Alarm Inspection 2017

Life Saving Smoke Alarm
On Friday a “24 Hour Notice to Enter Unit” was taped to my door from UNH’s, it had the usual writings regarding time and date of inspection etc.  Then two sentences that were never written in previous notices caught my eye.  “Photos may be taken during the time of inspection” and another was “Should the tenant be out and have a security alarm system UNH’s would like the pass code”.  After reading the notice my immediate thoughts were UNH’s maintenance dept. is smoking dope during office hours and not sharing. :P  I immediately typed up a reply letter stating UNH’s staff will NOT be allowed to enter my unit to take random pictures without my permission and approval, and if needed we can take the issue to the Landlord and Tenant Tribunal Board for arbitration. 

I’m an advocate for tenant privacy and I recall a few years ago UNH’s took pictures of former tenant Shirley’s unit who’s a lonely widow.  The tenant told me she protested but the staff still went ahead with it, her tenant right to privacy was violated by UNH’s.  I recommended she seek legal counsel but she’s not the outgoing type.  In the end UNH’s got their way.  Now I ask you readers would you allow your landlord to enter your home and take photographs without a written legitimate reason?  I think not.

Early yesterday afternoon I received a knock on my door it was the fire inspector/contractor and office clerk Crystal Powless.  The young lady who I never met before introduced herself in a courteous and respectful manner.  I jokingly said “Oh I’ve heard of you and don’t worry it’s all good” She smiled and asked if she could enter my unit, I agreed thinking this is an opportunity to question her about the notice caption “Photos may be taking during the time of inspection”.  She explained it’s just a formality the photos are usually needed when extensive damage has been done to the unit.  I thought never the less the statement is misleading and shouldn’t be included in an initial maintenance inspection notice unless it’s a follow up.  Our conversation was brief, the fire inspector quickly completed testing the smoke alarm detector and was ready to leave.  In the end my unit passed with flying colors and I was impressed with Crystal’s demeanor and most important the ability to be respectful to Native tenant Elders.  UNH’s employee Lynda Jones could take a few lessons from the young lady.  Lynda’s personality is similar to an aging street hooker trying to pull a trick on Barton Street for $20 bucks and a box of Kraft dinner.  :D

Happy Valentine’s Day to all you lovey-dovey types. :)

Tk

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Poor Working Environment

My unit is located near the KMHC office, along with a friendly wave or hello I see the junior staff going about their business in a cheerful manner with the exception of one employee.   You would think KMHC has a pleasant working environment but that is not the case.   March 2016 is when Urban Native Homes head office was forced to move from their former spacious location to the cramp basement level of KMHC.   There were approx. 8-10 staff members at the time.   Then the Urban Native Homes financial scandal broke out and soon after the current UNH acting director’s illicit past became public knowledge, everyone was worried will they have a job.  Fearful meetings going on in the community room, the rumor mill was in full rotation while I just stood back and observed the panic.   Check your search engine it states this building location is Urban Native Homes head office yet that is not correct.  There is no real head office, the organization has s...
110 comments
Read more

Koo Gaa Da Win Manitou

I hope one day we can truly say there is a haven where older natives who experienced homelessness can find a place to call home and have the resources available for the best quality of life in their golden years. Koo Ga Da Win Manitou Housing Complex has a long journey in order to reach that goal. Perhaps more funding is needed or better trained/experienced outreach workers who can relate to tenants concerns and health issues. Programs that would interest all tenants as a whole would be nice. Most important we tenants must try to get along with their neighbours. (as the good book says "Love thy neighbour") I've been here less then a year and I've observed alot, we have a diversity of tenants living in the building from different reservations and walks of life. Some have problems with alcohol, prescription drug addictions, physical disabilities and slight mental disabilities. The one thing we all have in common is our health concerns, from chronic back pain to deadly...
1 comment
Read more

Wigwamin Terrace

After many years I received a call for Toronto Native Housing offering a vacancy so I decided to explore my options by attending a viewing of what's available. But first I did a phone interview with acting project manager Paul Feitelberg. He said my personal and financial information checks out fine then we talked about the negative reference I got from Ontario Aboriginal Housing Services. I was asked for my side of the story and I also invited Paul to read this blog site to find out more who I am.  A few days later I called Paul for an update, I was complimented on my blog posts and he could see the love and compassion I have for the Native people on this blog site.  Due to the Hamilton cyber attack it was difficult for Paul get a reference from my current housing provider so with my assistance I helped him get in contact with their office. I received an excellent tenant reference from my housing provider. When I asked about OAHS he said he's going to ignore their negative re...
2 comments
Read more