Landlord & Tenant Frequently Asked Questions

http://www.rto.gov.bc.ca/documents/Guides/ACT_English.pdf us this web site to

answer the following questions.

What is a security deposit?

A sum of money held in trust both as an initial part-payment in a purchasing
process or, in the course of a rental agreement to ensure the cost of repair in
relation to any damage explicitly specified in the lease and that did in fact occur.
Must a landlord provide a receipt for a security deposit?
A landlord must give the tenant a written receipt stating the amount of the deposit.
Does a landlord have to pay interest on a security deposit?
The landlord must pay interest on security deposit for the entire period the landlord
has had the deposit.
How much can be charged for a security deposit?
Cant be more than half of one months rent.
How much time does a landlord have to return a security deposit after the
tenant moves out?
Landlord has 15 days to return the security deposit after the tenant move out.
What is a rental agreement?
Can be oral or written and is a legal binding contract between the parties.
What are the types of rental agreements?
Week to week, month to month, and 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?
The landlord must give a copy of the signed rental agreement.
Must a landlord give a tenant a copy of the Residential Tenancies Act?
The landlord must provide a copy to the tenant.

What is a Rental Premises Condition Report form?

Shows 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?
The act applies to a verbal rental agreement.
Can a landlord request post-dated cheques for rent payments?
The landlord can request post-dated cheques.
Are there residential premises not covered by the Act?
There are certain premises not covered by the act.
Does the Act apply to business/commercial rental agreements?
The act does not apply to business/commercial rental agreements.
Is a tenant responsible to have insurance on his/her personal belongings?
A tenant is responsible to carry insurance on his/her belongings.
When a rented premises is sold to a new owner, does the rental
agreement continue?
The rental agreement continues when the place is sold to a new owner.
What happens to a security deposit when there is a change in ownership?
The new owner will be responsible for the security deposit if there is one when there
is a change in ownership.
Can a landlord charge a fee for late payment of rent?
The landlord can charge $5.00 for the first day its late and $2.00 for each additional
day the rent is not paid up to $75.00.
Can a landlord charge a fee if a tenant's rent cheque is returned because
of non-sufficient funds (N.S.F.) in the tenant's account?
If a rent cheque is returned a landlord may charge a fee not greater than $25.00
Can a tenant withhold rent because a landlord is not maintaining the
premises?
Not paying the rent may result in the landlord serving a short termination notice.
Can a landlord terminate a rental agreement when the tenant does not
pay rent?

A landlord can give a short termination notice when the rent isnt paid.
Can a landlord increase rent by giving a verbal notice to the tenant?
A landlord must give the tenant a written notice to increase the rent.
Can a landlord increase rent anytime?
A landlord cant increase the rent anytime.
Is a tenant responsible for damages to the residential premises?
Tenants are responsible for any damages where the tenant or one if the tenants
guests created the damages.
What can a landlord do if a tenant has not repaired damages?
Can request in writing a tenant to repair damages if a tenant has yet to.
Can a termination notice be verbal?
Must be in writing.
Where can I get a copy of the Residential Tenancies Act?
At the government service center.
If a landlord gives a tenant a Termination Notice in writing, is the tenant
required to give a written notice of his departure?
All notices of termination by landlord will require a written notice from a tenant
when he/she is leaving.