Just the Facts: Becoming a Tenant
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When you need a place to live and are looking for a place to rent, there are practical considerations to think about: e.g. location, price, size, sharing the place with others, type of building, and so on.
Some choices that you make may have legal implications. Thinking ahead and understanding the law may save you time and money. You may want to make a list of the things that are important to you.
What do you need to keep in mind before you start? |
There are some practical issues to consider when renting a place to live.Practical Issues
There are several different parts of the law that affect renting a place to live.Laws on Renting
Responsibilities of the landlord – the landlord is the owner of the property. The term ‘landlord’ also refers to other people who act on the behalf of the owner, such as property manager or the building manager. The landlord has responsibilities (obligations) that are stated by the law.The Landlord
You have responsibilities (obligations) as a tenant and these are also stated by the law.The Tenant
There are parts of the law that protect the rights of a tenant. Rights
Different types of rental property are covered by different laws. Different Types
You can rent for a fixed period of time you agree upon with the landlord ahead of time (such as one year) or you can rent indefinitely (and pay regularly, e.g., weekly, monthly, etc.) until you give notice that the tenancy is ended. How you are renting will determine the kind of tenancy (fixed term or periodic) you have. There are different legal requirements for different kinds of tenancy.Residential Tenancy
Make sure everything you need is in your rental agreement/lease.Lease or Residential Tenancy Agreement
Rent – the amount of money you pay the landlord, usually at regular agreed intervals. Rent
Security deposits – something (usually an amount of money) that you give to the landlord at the start of a tenancy on the understanding that it will be returned if you keep certain conditions. Deposits
A landlord may ask for payments in the lease that are one-time, non-refundable payments. The lease may also include terms that impose financial penalties on a tenant if certain events take place. Fees
Inspection reports – reports on the condition of the rental premise completed by you with your landlord after the place has been inspected. There are two reports to be completed: one, right after you have moved in and one within a week after you have moved out. Inspections
Services that can help you in landlord and tenant disputes. Services
January 2007