Whether you’re a landlord or a tenant, you have specific rights and responsibilities outlined by the law of your province, territory or state. Protect yourself; know what they are.
Landlord’s Rights
A landlord has the right to:
- Collect the rent in a timely manner;
- Collect a rent deposit, not more than one month’s rent worth or one week’s worth if a weekly rental situation;
- Increase the rent once every 12 months within the allowed percentage limits.
Landlord’s Responsibilities
A landlord is responsible for:
- Making sure the rental unit is safe and in good repair;
- Giving the tenant a rent receipt;
- Paying the utility bills if utilities are included in the rent;
- Ensuring that tenants are nor disturbing others;
- Providing tenants with a written lease or rental agreement;
- Providing tenants with their legal name and contact information or that of their legal representative (ie. superintendent);
- Paying interest on rent deposits each year;
- Living up to the tenancy agreement and the Residential Tenancies Laws/Acts.
Not Allowed by Landlords
A landlord is not allowed to:
- Lock tenants out of the rental unit without an eviction order and the Sheriff to enforce it;
- Use the rent deposit to pay for repairs to damages or other costs;
- Enter the rental unit without 24 hours written notice (except in an emergency situation);
- Turn off or interfere with services such as heat, water or electricity;
- Take a tenant’s personal property if they don’t pay rent;
- Insist that a tenant pays rent with post-dated checks or direct deposit;
- Refuse to rent because of pets, children, age, gender, religion or cultural background.
Tenant’s Rights
A tenant has the right to:
- Security that tenancy will not be terminated early or unfairly;
- Enjoyment of the rental unit without interference from the landlord or other tenants;
- Peace of mind knowing that their privacy will be respected (ie. the landlord cannot enter the unit without 24 hours written notice.
Tenant’s Responsibilities
A tenant is responsible for:
- Paying the rent on time;
- Keeping the rental unit clean;
- Monitoring guests to make sure they do not damage the property or disturb other tenants;
- Repairing any damage caused by the tenant or guests;
- Living up to the tenancy agreement and the Residential Tenancies Laws/Acts.
Not Allowed by Tenants
A tenant is not allowed to:
- Withhold rent until the landlord makes repairs;
- Keep pets that endanger or disturb other people;
- Engage in illegal activities in the rental unit or on the property;
- Change the locks on the rental unit without the landlord’s permission.
About the Author: Juan Koss is an entrepreneur, online marketer and senior editor at essay writing service – DoMyWriting . He loves his job because it gives him the opportunity to inspire others and share your thoughts with like-minded people.