Q: What is a security deposit?

A: A security deposit cannot be more than half of one months rent. A

landlord can charge only one security deposit for each tenancy agreement.
The landlord cannot ask for more deposit money if the rent increases or
more people move in, and cannot require a security deposit after the
tenancy agreement has begun. Once the security deposit is paid, the
tenancy is considered to be started regardless of whether a tenancy
agreement is signed.

Q: Must a landlord provide a receipt for a security deposit?

A: Yes

Q: Does a landlord have to pay interest on a security deposit?

A: Yes

Q: How much can be charged for a security deposit?

A: A security deposit cannot be more than half of one months rent

Q: How much time does a landlord have to return a security deposit after
the tenant moves out?

A: The tenant must pay the deposit within 15 days of the date it is
required to be paid under the tenancy agreement or a One-Month Notice
to End Tenancy can be served.

Q: What is a rental agreement?

A: An agreement both tenant and renter must sign to.

Q: Must a landlord give a copy of a signed rental agreement to the tenant?

A: The tenancy agreement must be signed and dated by both landlord and
tenant

Q: Must a landlord give a tenant a copy of the Residential Tenancies Act?

A: No

Q: What is a Rental Premises Condition Report form?

A: A report of the conditions of the place. (i.e if youre allowed to smoke

or have pets)

Q: Does the Residential Tenancies Act apply to a verbal rental agreement?

A: No, verbal agreements are not accepted.

Q: Can a landlord request postdated cheques for rent payments?

A: A landlord can request post-dated cheques from the tenant, but cannot
refuse other methods of payment.

Q: Are there residential premises not covered by the Act?

A: Landlords and tenants can agree to and include other terms in the
tenancy agreement, as long as those terms comply with the law, are
written in the agreement, and are clear and easily understood.

Q: Does the Act apply to business/commercial rental agreements?

A: No, the act does not apply to these.

Q: Is a tenant responsible to have insurance on his/her personal

belongings?

A: Tenants should obtain insurance to cover damage to their own

possessions. Only in exceptional circumstances can a tenant claim against
the landlords insurance.
Q: When a rented premises is sold to a new owner, does the rental
agreement continue?

A: Yes.

Q: What happens to a security deposit when there is a change in

ownership?

A: It is used if the property is damaged, or given back.

Q: Can a landlord charge a fee for late payment of rent?

A: Yes, but minimal amounts.

Q: Can a landlord charge a fee if a tenant's rent cheque is returned

because of non-sufficient funds (N.S.F.) in the tenant's account?

A: No

Q: Can a tenant withhold rent because a landlord is not maintaining the

premises?

A: No

Q: Can a landlord terminate a rental agreement when the tenant does not
pay rent?

A: The landlord must provide 30 days written notice using the form Notice
Terminating or Restricting a Service or Facility and reduce the rent in an
amount equivalent to the value of the service being discontinued.

Q: Can a landlord increase rent by giving a verbal notice to the tenant?

A: No
Q: Can a landlord increase rent anytime?

A: No, notice must be given before this event.

Q: Is a tenant responsible for damages to the residential premises?

A: Yes.

Q: What can a landlord do if a tenant has not repaired damages?

A: Keep their damage deposit

Q: Can a termination notice be verbal?

A: No

Q: Where can I get a copy of the Residential Tenancies Act?

A: The tenants office would have them or printed online.

Q: If a landlord gives a tenant a Termination Notice in writing, is the

tenant required to give a written notice of his departure?

A: No