1. What is a security deposit?

A security deposit is a sum of money held in trust either as an initial part-payment

in a purchasing process or, in the course of a rental agreement to ensure the cost of
repair in relation to any damage explicitly specified in the lease and that did in fact
occur.
2. Must a landlord provide a receipt for the security deposit?
A landlord must give the tenant a written receipt stating the amount of deposit.
3. Does a landlord have to pay interest on security deposits?
Yes the landlord must pay interest on security deposit for the entire period the
landlord has had the deposit.
4. How much can be charged for a security deposit?
A security deposit cannot be more than half of one months rent.
5. How much time does a landlord have to return a security deposit after the tenant
moves out?
A landlord has about 15 days to return the security deposit after the tenant moves
out.
6. What is a rental agreement?
A rental agreement can be oral or written and is a legal binding contract between
the parties. It may also contain extra conditions or obligations.
7. What are the types of rental agreements?
Types of rental agreements are Week to week, month to month, and a fixed term of
not less than 6 months and not more than 12.
8. Must a landlord give a copy of a signed rental agreement to the tenant?
Yes the landlord has to give a copy of the signed rental agreement.
9. Must a landlord give a tenant a copy of the residential Tenancies act?
Yes the landlord has to provide a copy to the tenant.
10. What is a rental premises condition report form?
A rental premises condition report form shows the condition of the residential
premises at the beginning and end of the rental agreement.
11. Does the residential tenancies act apply to a verbal rental agreement?
Yes the act does apply to a verbal rental agreement.
12. Can a landlord request post dated cheques for rent payments?
Yes the landlord can request posy dated cheques.

13. Are there residential premises not covered by the act?

Yes there are certain premises not covered by the act.
14. Does the act apply to business/commercial rental agreements?
No the act does not apply to business/commercial rental agreements.
15. Is a tenant responsible to have insurance on his/her personal belongings?
Yes a tenant is responsible to carry insurance on his/her belongings.
16. When a rented premises is sold to a new owner, does the rental agreement
continue?
Yes the rental agreement continues when the place is sold to a new owner.
17. What happens to a security deposit when there is a change in ownership?
The new owner will be responsible for the security deposit if there is one when there
is a change in ownership.
18. Can a landlord charge a fee for late payment of rent?
Yes the landlord can charge $5.00 for the first day it is late and $2.00 for each
additional day the rent is not paid up to a maximum of $75.00.
19. Can a landlord charge a fee if a tenants rent cheque is returned because of nonsufficient funds in the tenants account?
If a rent cheque is returned a landlord may charge a fee not greater than $25.00.
20. Can a tenant withhold rent because a landlord is not maintaining the premises?
No, not paying the rent may result in the landlord serving a short termination
notice.
21. Can a landlord terminate a rental agreement when the tenant does not pay
rent?
Yes a landlord can give a short termination notice when the rent is not paid.
22. Can a landlord increase rent by giving a verbal notice to the tenant?
No a landlord must give the tenant a written notice to increase the rent.
23. Can a landlord increase rent anytime?
No a landlord cannot increase the rent anytime.
24. Is a tenant responsible for damages to the residential premises?
A tenant is responsible for any damages where the tenant or one of the tenants
guests created the damages.

25. What can a landlord do if a tenant has not repaired damages?

A landlord can request in writing a tenant to repair damages if a tenant has yet to.

26. Can a termination notice be verbal?

No a termination notice must in writing.
27. Where can I get a copy of the residential tenancies act?
You can get an official copy of the residential tenancies act at the government
service center for $5.25.
28. If a landlord gives a tenant a termination notice in writing, is the tenant required
to give a written notice of his departure?
Yes, all notices of termination by landlord will require a written notice from a tenant
when he/she is leaving.