The Rental Agreement

The standard language of rental agreements varies from province to province. But no matter where you live, it’s a good idea to make sure your rental agreement answers these questions:

• When is the rent due?
• Which utilities, if any, does your rent include? (Before you sign, try to learn from the landlord or a previous tenant how much you’ll have to pay for utilities that aren’t included. Such additional expenses may put the rental out of your budget.)
• How much of a deposit is required? Are first and last month’s rent required as well?
• When can the landlord enter the premises?
• Are pets or smoking allowed? Some provinces do allow restrictions on these two items and the landlord may be entitled to evict you if you breach the agreement. Click here for links to laws relating to residential rentals in each of the provinces and territories.
• Is parking available? Is it included in the rent? If not, how much extra will it cost?
• Are there other extra costs to be aware of?
• What’s the duration of the lease? Can it be renewed? What are the policies around subletting or ending the lease early?
• Is a damage deposit required? What constitutes normal wear and tear? (It is important, prior to moving, to record in writing all damage you observe in the unit, and provide your landlord with a copy of this record.) See Rental Inspection Checklist.
• When will the rent increase? How much can it increase?
• What, if any, changes to the premises are allowed? Are there restrictions on painting and paint colours?
• What maintenance is the landlord responsible for? What maintenance are you responsible for?
• Is regular insect and rodent control and maintenance included in the rental agreement?

More questions you may wish to ask:

• Is there additional accommodation for overnight visitors and guests? (Some apartments have extra rooms you may rent for guests.)
• (For apartment buildings) Are meeting rooms available for parties and events? What are the costs and policies regarding these rooms?
• Is Internet service available? Is high-speed available? What is the policy for installing extra cable, phone jacks, etc.?
• What type of security systems are in place?
• What additional storage space is available? Is it secure? What is the cost?
• How should we contact each other in case of emergency?
• Do the lease conditions change if additional people (roommates, partners, spouses) move into the rental unit during the lease term?

Above all—protect yourself by signing a lease.

Without a signed, written lease, you and your landlord have no record of each other’s rights and responsibilities. If a dispute should arise, your protection may be limited.

If you and your landlord agree to changes or amendments to your lease, make sure you get the changes in writing to prevent future disputes.