Category 1
Which landlords should provide their tenants with a residential tenancy agreement (standard lease)?
All landlords should provide tenants with a copy of a lease in this form.
Why is it highly recommended to have a written tenancy agreement (lease)?
(1) It will have the details, terms and agreements of both the landlord and tenant(s). (2) It will help settle any disputes or issues that may come up later on.
Do tenants have the right to demand that the landlord repair utilities immediately?
Yes.
Can a landlord prevent its tenants from having guests over?
No, they must not interfere with their tenants' reasonable enjoyment.
Can a landlord ask for a deposit for allowing a tenant to rent a unit?
Yes.
Can a landlord ask for an additional safety/damage deposit?
No.
What other important information might be included on a tenancy agreement but is not required?
(1) Date the tenant will move into the unit. (2) The rent amount. (3) The rent due date. (4) Outline what services are included. (5) Outline any separate charges. (6) Rules set by the landlord as well as who repairs what. (7) Applicable rent increases.
When is a tenant or a landlord permitted to change the locks on a rental property?
When there is consent between both the landlord and the tenant.
Can a tenant break a lease?
Yes, but it is typically not easy to do so.
How long before entering the rental unit does a landlord need to provide notice, unless it is to carry out a repair or in case of an emergency?
24 hours written notice.
If you have not paid the rent, can your landlord cut off any of the following services: Heating, hot and cold water, electricity and/or fuel?
Your landlord cannot shut any of these services off even if you have not paid the rent.
In maintaining a safe environment, what hygiene, health and safety related issues must your landlord take care of?
(1) Mold. (2) Heating. (3) Hot/cold water.
A tenant is allowed to live the lifestyle of their choice without interference or threat from their landlord. As long as it is not __.
Illegal activity.
When can landlords limit house guests or overnight visitors?
A landlord can limit house guests or overnight visitors when it is causing an obvious problem for another tenant's enjoyment.
After a lease has been signed and returned to the landlord, how long does the landlord have to give the tenant a copy with both party’s signatures?
The landlord has 21 days to give the tenant a copy with both party’s signatures.
What important information must be included in a tenancy agreement?
(1) Legal name and address of landlord. (2) Name of both the tenant(s) and landlord. (3) Address of rental unit. (4) Lease activation date and duration of the lease.
What must a tenant ensure they do while living in a rental unit?
(1) Pay rent on time. (2) Keep the rental property in a clean manner, which includes dishes, floors, etc. (2) Contact the landlord about any damages, risks, or problems with the property in a timely manner. (4) Permit entry for repairs and showing the premises to future renters.
Under what conditions can a landlord ask for a key deposit?
(1) If it is refundable when the keys are returned. (2) If the amount of the deposit does not exceed the expected cost of replacing the keys.
Are tenants allowed to have pets and if so, under what conditions?
(1) Yes, unless the pet is causing an issue among other tenants. (2) Or, if another tenant is allergic.
Under what conditions can a tenant break a lease?
(1) If both the tenant and landlord have agreed to break the lease. (2) It is best that this agreement is in writing and is signed by both the tenant and the landlord.
What are the conditions of a landlord asking its tenants for a rental deposit?
(1) It cannot be more than a month’s rent. (2) It must be used for last month’s rent. (3) It cannot be used to pay for small damages. (4) It cannot be used to pay for new keys.
A lease is a legally binding contract. What does this mean?
It is a contract by which one party conveys land, property, services, etc., to another for a specified time, usually in return for periodic payment.
Under what conditions can a landlord increase rent?
(1) The landlord can only increase rent every 12 months. (2) It can only be increased once a year.
What are reasonable demands from a landlord?
(1) Limits on loud music. (2) No large parties. (3) No using the rental property as a place for business.
What can a tenant do if the landlord refuses to let the tenant break the lease?
(1) Assign the unit to a new tenant with the landlord’s consent. (2) Go to the Landlord Tenant Board.