Landlord & Tenant FAQs

1)
What is a security deposit?
An amount of money given to the landlord in addition
to the rent paid that is held as security as a liability
for the tenant.
2)
Must a landlord provide a receipt for a
security deposit?
No
3)
Does a landlord have to pay interest on a
security deposit?
Yes
4)
How much can be charged for a security
deposit?
Depends on the type of rental agreement. Either
cannot be greater than the first two weeks rent, or be
greater than three quarters of the first months rent.
5)
How much time does a landlord have to
return a security deposit after the tenant
moves out?
15 days
6)
What is a rental agreement?
An oral or written agreement that is a legal binding
contact between the parties. May be simple or
contain extra conditions
7)
What are the type of rental agreements?
Week to week, month to month, or a fixed term of no
less than 6 months and no more than 12 months.
8)
Must a landlord give a copy of a signed
rental agreement to the tenant?
Yes
9)
Must a landlord give a tenant a copy of the
Residential Tenancies act?
Yes

10)
What is a rental premises condition report
form?
A completed, signed and dated report by the tenant
and landlord to show the condition of the rental
premises at the beginning and end of the rental
agreement.
11)
Does the Residential Tenancies Act apply to
a verbal rental agreement?
Yes
12)
Can a landlord request post-dated cheques
for rent payments?
Yes
13)
Are there residential premises not covered
by the Act?
Yes
14)
Does the Act apply to business/commercial
rental agreements?
No
15)
Is a tenant responsible to have insurance
on his/her personal belongings?
No
16)
When a rented premise is old to a new
owner, does the rental agreement continue?
Yes
17)
What happens to a security deposit when
there is a change in ownership?
The new owner is now responsible for the security
deposit
18)
Can a landlord charge a fee for a late
payment of rent?
Yes

19)
Can a landlord charge a fee if a tenants
rent cheque is returned because of nonsufficient funds in the tenants account?
Yes
20)
Can a tenant withhold rent because a
landlord is not maintaining the premises?
No but the landlord may receive a termination notice.
21)
Can a landlord terminate a rental
agreement when the tenant does not pay rent?
Yes
22)
Can a landlord increase rent by giving a
verbal notice to the tenant?
No, the landlord has to give a written notice to the
tenant.
23)
Can a landlord increase rent anytime?
No
24)
Is a tenant responsible for damages to the
residential premises?
Yes
25)
What can a landlord do if a tenant has not
repaired damages?
The landlord can request in writing the tenant to
repair the damages
26)
Can a termination notice be verbal?
No
27)
Where can I get a copy of the Residential
Tenancies Act?
Official copies can be bought at their locations and at
government service centers
28)
If a landlord gives a tenant a Termination
Notice in writing, I the tenant required to give
a written notice of his departure?
Yes