Newcomers need to be familiar with Land Lord and Tenant act

Having chosen to move and settle in Canada, one needs to either rent or own a property. In cases where people do not have friends or relatives to guide them, expert advice can be provided by Real Estate agents or paralegals. To own ones home Is the most ideal situation but for newcomers it may pose a problem since they do not know if this is where they will finally settle.New job opportunities may come up and they are not familiar with certain locations. Moreover a major investment like a house involves commitment which, when one is not settled can become more of a burden than an asset. In cases like this renting is a more viable option When one is new to the country and needs to find an apartment, it is a good idea to know your rights and responsibilities. Although a credit history or check is required, no one can discriminate on basis of color, sex, religion or any disability. Remember not to sign any documents without first understanding them. A rental lease is a common document which has the starting and ending dates, payment schedule like monthly rent, obligations, rights and responsibilities along with sub leasing, pet clauses and non smoking clauses too. Keeping the property in good shape and allowing the landlord to enter with prior notice is common too. The Landlord and Tenant act sets out the criteria that is followed by both parties, tenants and owners of properties. It stipulates the rights and responsibilities of the tenants, landlords and the process by which to enforce them should a need arise.
Since new immigrants or students lack the credit history or references, real estate brokers help by providing monetary assurances from banks where the prospective tenant has accounts and proof of funds is provided. If one does not have a letter of employment, friends or relatives offer their basements as a rental home or become guarantors on a lease. Understand too that if no tenancy exists in writing the tenants still have rights and it is best to read and understand the land lord and tenant act.When a person first moves in a rental property the landlord must provide a brochure from the Land lord and tenant Board called information for new tenants. This is a guideline for following the legal rights and responsibilities. There is also a website so make sure you read it. All information can be read and understood as it is available on line. These guidelines will enable any prospective tenant to become aware of their rights.
Once a property has been selected and the lease duration determined, the first and last month's rent becomes obligatory. In most provinces in Canada the landlord will always give interest annually on the money held and applied to the last month's rent. A rent increase cannot be implemented unless the landlord gives 90 days prior notice in writing of the intention to do so. Make sure to respond in writing since no response is considered as an acceptance to the increase.
If notice of termination has to be given then it must be 60 days prior to the last date of the tenancy. In such cases a landlord may bring prospective renters to view the property at mutually agreeable timings All annual leases become month to month tenancies but still require 60 days written notices once they are NOT renewed after the annual duration. Having all notices in writing is a good idea and wonderful practice since they come in handy in case of a dispute. Landlords cannot increase rents wilfully but for a new tenancy and new tenant they can request any amounts so become familiar with the going rates in the area one is looking to lease. The tenant protection act sets out all the criteria and should be read by any prospective new tenant. For more information refer to the Landlord and Tenant acts in the province one is residing in.