What is a security deposit?

A security deposit is an amount of money kept in trust or as an initial part-payment

in a purchasing process

Must a landlord provide a receipt for a security deposit?

A landlord shall give the tenant a written receipt stating the amount of the
deposit, the date of payment, and the premises to which it applies. The
security deposit is not an asset of the landlord, but must be held in trust by
the landlord

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

When a security deposit is refunded to a tenant, a landlord shall also pay

interest on the security deposit for the entire period the landlord has had the
security deposit.

How much can be charged for a security deposit?

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

How much time does a landlord have to return a security deposit

after the tenant moves out?
The landlord shall return the security deposit to the tenant within 15 days after the
tenant vacates, unless the landlord has a claim for all or a portion of the security
deposit.

What is a rental agreement?

The Residential Tenancies Act refers to a landlord and tenant relationship as
a rental agreement.

What are the types of rental agreement?

week-to-week;
month-to-month;
A fixed term of not less than 6 months and not more than 12 months.

Must a landlord give a copy of a signed rental agreement to the

tenant?
Yes, the landlord shall give the tenant a duplicate copy of the Rental
Agreement

Must a landlord give a tenant a copy of the Residential Tenancies

Act?

Yes, Under Section 5 and 6 of the Residential Tenancies Act, a landlord has to
provide a copy of the Act, without cost, to the tenant, upon entering into a
rental agreement.

What is a rental premises condition report form?

The Rental Premises Condition Report is completed, signed and dated by the
tenant and landlord to show the condition of the residential premises at the
beginning and end of the rental agreement.

Does the residential tenancies act apply to a verbal rental

agreement?
Yes, the Act applies to a verbal rental agreement.

Can a landlord request postdated cheques for rent payments?

Yes, the landlord can request postdated cheques.

Are there residential promises not covered by the act?

There are some premises that are not included in the Act.

Does the act apply to the business/commercial rental

agreements?
No it doesnt.

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

belongings?
Yes, the tenant in responsible to have insurance on their belongings.

When a rented premises is sold to a new owner, does the rental

agreement continue?
It continues as if there were no change in the ownership.

What happened to a security deposit when here is a change in

ownership?
The new owner is responsible for it.

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

Yes, the landlord can charge $5.00 for the first day the rent is late and $2.00
for each additional day the rent is not paid up to a maximum of $75.00.

Can a landlord charge a fee is a tenants rent cheque is returned

because of sufficient funds (N.S.F) in the tenants account?
They can charge a fee no greater than $25

Can a tenant withhold rent because a landlord is not maintaining

the premises?
Not paying the rent may result in the landlord giving a short termination
notice.

Can a landlord terminate a rental agreement when the tenant

does not pay rent?
They can give out a short termination notice.

Can a landlord increase rent by giving a verbal notice to the

tenant?
The Landlord has to give the tenant a written notice to increase the rent.

Can a landlord increase rent anytime?

A landlord cannot increase the rent during any fixed term rental agreement or
during the first 12 months of a week to week or month to month rental agreement.

Is a tenant responsible for damages to the residential premises?

A tenant is responsible to repair damages where the tenant or one of the tenant's
guests or visitors caused the damages.

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

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

Can a termination notice be verbal?

It must be a written notice.

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

Official copies of the Act can be purchased for $5.25 (including tax) at our Locations
and at the Government Service Centres.

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 a landlord will also require a written notice from a
tenant when he is leaving, otherwise rent is payable to effective date of termination.