Tag: roommates

Long-Term Guests (LTGs)

A Long-Term Guest (LTG) is someone who is not a Woodsworth member but has been formally approved by the Board of Directors to live in a member’s household.

This webpage explains the rules for Long-Term Guests under the Woodsworth bylaws.

What is a Long-Term Guest?

An LTG lives in a co-op unit as part of a member’s household.
LTG status exists only after the Board of Directors approves the request.
LTGs are not members, but they may apply for membership at any point after becoming a long-term guest.
LTGs count toward household occupancy standards, which can affect eligibility for a particular unit size.

What an LTG Cannot Do

LTGs:
Do not have the rights and privileges of Woodsworth members.
Cannot join the internal waiting list.
Cannot hold a unit in their own name.
Cannot remain in the unit if all members of the household move out or relocate within Woodsworth.
Exception: Article 10.4 of the Occupancy Bylaw applies when a member dies.

Rules and Responsibilities

LTGs must follow all Woodsworth bylaws, policies, and the terms of the Long-Term Guest Agreement.

Approval Process — Required

• A member must submit a written request to the Board of Directors for Long-Term Guest status for the person living with them.
• Use the approved LTG Request Form.
• The completed form must be signed by all household members and the proposed LTG.
• Send the completed form to Management.
• Management forwards the request to the Board for consideration at an upcoming Board meeting.
• The Board reviews the request and votes on whether to approve LTG status.
• If the request is approved, everyone must sign the Long-Term Guest Agreement (Schedule B, Occupancy Bylaw).
• A person is not considered an LTG until the Board has approved the request and the Long-Term Guest Agreement has been signed and witnessed by Management.

Evicted persons:
Someone evicted from the co-op, left after a Notice to Appear was issued, was in a situation of domestic violence or owed money to the co-op cannot be a casual or long-term guest or sub-occupant without prior Board approval. [Occupancy Bylaw, Article 8.7]

The Board may approve LTG status:

• • For a fixed term
  • For a maximum term
  • Indefinitely

The Board may change or cancel LTG status at any time.

Income and Housing Charge Subsidy

• • • LTG income is normally included in household income.
    • LTG income can affect eligibility for a housing charge subsidy.
    • Households must report LTG income accurately and keep their subsidy documents up to date.

LTGs and Membership

An LTG may later apply for Woodsworth membership as an internal applicant.
There is no waiting period before an approved LTG can attend an information session hosted by the Membership Committee. Information sessions are held annually.

Membership is not automatic, regardless of how long someone has lived in the co-op as a guest, LTG, or dependent of a member.

To apply for membership, the following are required:

• • Agreement from all members of the household
  • Completion of the full membership process under the Membership Bylaw including attending an information session.
  • Board approval and signing of the Occupancy Agreement (Schedule A, Occupancy Bylaw)
  • If accepted as a member, the former LTG becomes a full member. However, they must wait two years before:
    • • • • • Having a unit of their own
            • Joining the internal waiting list

            [Membership Bylaw, Article 2.3.3. Long-term guests applying for membership]

            Special Situation: Youth Turning 19

            A youth who turns 19 and does not apply for membership automatically becomes an LTG. They do not need to apply for LTG status while they continue to live with their family members in Woodsworth.

            Youth aged 16–19 may apply for membership through the Turning 16 process. This is a simpler membership process, but it does require attendance at an information session held by the Membership Committee.

          Where to Find More Information

          Occupancy Bylaw, Article 8.4 — Long-Term Guests sets out the rules for LTGs.
          For more detailed information about long-term guests, membership, and relocation, see the website topic:    Membership, Long-Term Guests, Relocation and Unit Allocation

          If you have questions or need assistance with the Long-Term Guest application, please contact the Co-op Office.