Why Landlords Require Notice When You’re Away for 7 Days

As a tenant, you may think that notifying your landlord when you plan to be away from your apartment for extended periods is unnecessary. You are correct that as long as you are paying rent and your landlord does not have access, you may not feel the need to inform them. However, there are several reasons why landlords typically require notification, including legal obligations, tenant safety, and property maintenance.

Legal Obligations and Tenant Rights

In regions like Ontario, Canada, tenants are legally required to notify their landlords if they plan to be absent from their apartment for 7 or more days. This requirement is in place to prevent abandonment and to provide a clear protocol that ensures both parties are aware of the tenant's departure. Should a tenant fail to notify their landlord, their belongings may be considered abandoned, and the tenant could face the task of reclaiming their possessions within a specified timeframe, such as 30 days.

Personal Experiences and Safety Measures

I, myself, rented for over 20 years, and during that time, I took it as a matter of decency to inform my landlord if I was going to be away for more than a day or two. My landlord, Mr. Johnson, depended on tenants to maintain the houses he rented out, and he made it a point to drive by the properties occasionally to ensure everything was in order. One instance where his diligence paid off involved a situation where my car was out of town, and a group of dubious characters were prowling around it. Mr. Johnson noticed this and promptly alerted the neighbors, ensuring the safety of the area.

Property Safety and Incidents

The importance of landlord notification extends beyond personal safety. In a real-life example, fire broke out on the second floor of the house next to the one I lived in. The tenants on the second floor alerted 911 and also contacted the landlord. The landlord, aware that the tenants on the first and third floors were not present, directed the fire department to focus their efforts more efficiently. Had the landlord not known the whereabouts of the tenants, valuable time could have been wasted searching empty apartments, possibly putting the firefighters and surrounding neighbors at greater risk.

Preventing Property Damage and Malfunctions

Another critical reason for landlord notification is to prevent potential property damage and malfunctions that could go unnoticed. For instance, if a tenant is away, they might not be around to notice issues such as a burst washing machine hose or a malfunctioning HVAC system. This could result in significant damage to the apartment and increase the workload for the landlord in terms of repairs and maintenance. Prompt notification allows the landlord to take necessary precautions, such as shutting off utilities, to prevent further issues.

Conclusion

While it is understandable that tenants may not always see the need to notify their landlord when they are away for short periods, there are compelling reasons to do so. These include legal requirements, enhanced safety, and the prevention of property damage. By giving notice, tenants can help ensure that their stay is smooth, and their landlord’s duties are appropriately fulfilled.