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And for good measure, we've added:

7. Members are responsible for all gas and hydro charges during their occupancy. The members shall provide the Co-op with proof that their gas and hydro accounts are in good standing when they provide notice to vacate. In addition, and upon the written request by the Co-op, the members shall provide the Co-op with confirmation that the accounts are in good standing on an annual basis. If a member fails to provide satisfactory evidence of payment of gas and hydro charges, the Co-op shall have the right to request such information on the members account directly from the Utility Company and this agreement shall constitute authority to do so.

You don't mind, do you?

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Our Occupancy Agreement has changed! New members and members moving internally have to sign this new abridged document, or they will not be given a unit.

I phoned Hydro Ottawa today and read the above clause to them. The representative had never heard of such a clause or arrangement and emphatically stated that there is no need for it. Hydro Ottawa confirmed with me that I would be responsible for any outstanding arrears owing to Hydro Ottawa; that the co-op would not be responsible for any of my arrears. The only thing the co-op would be responsible for would be the hook up charges during the time period between move-ins.

The co-op is gathering personal information about Members which it does not need. This is not only infringing upon one's privacy rights, but the co-op is also coercing Members to sign this document under duress. This is not right, nor is it LEGAL!

How many other documents have been changed without Members' knowledge or consent?