I'M GUILTY OF THROWING OUT A LOT OF ENVELOPES LIKE THIS!!!

KEEP YOUR EYES OPEN PEEPS!!! 

http://www.citynews.ca/news/news_6763.aspx

Would you throw out a cheque for up to a thousand dollars if it came in the mail?

Chances are pretty good you wouldn't.

But up to 1,000 apartment dwellers in Toronto may be doing something similar to that when they discard what looks like a junk email letter.

The city, which sets the tax rates, has actually reduced the burden on selected apartment buildings in Toronto. That translates to savings of anywhere from $100-$1,000 a year.

How do you know if you're one of those on the lucky list?

The city sends out an official document telling you about the change. But it looks just like a form letter and is addressed only to "current tenant." And a lot of people simply chuck it into the recycling bin unopened.

"I've seen people spit it back out and I take it back because they don't want it," recalls postal worker Joe Ferreira. "It's not theirs."

The latest batch of letters went out in December.  The law says landlords have to pass on any tax reductions on rental properties, but some councillors admit they've haven't found the best way to let tenants know about it.

"If they opened this envelope, they'll read on, particularly if the message again catches them right at the very beginning," agrees Councillor Michael Walker. "But if it's full of bureaucratese, they may never get to the key ingredient."

He'd like to see a confirmation follow-up or even audits performed to ensure renters get the message.

The city claims it contacted affected landlords back in September, and that the vast majority of them have already implemented the reductions.

But renters who are unsure if they qualify are encouraged to contact their local councillor.

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