What is a security deposit?

A landlord can request a deposit that will be held in trust as security against damage to the rental unit.
In other words, to ensure that rent will be paid and other responsibilities of the lease performed.

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?
No a landlord does not have to pay interested on a security deposit. Also, even If the landlord increases
the rent, the deposit can't be increased.

How much can be charged for a security deposit?

The landlord may charge up to half the amount of the rent the tenant is paying. No more than half but
can be fewer than half the amount. However, landlords usually collect half rent amount.

What is a Rental Premises Condition Report form? 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? Yes the act does apply to a
verbal rental agreement.

Can a landlord request postdated cheques for rent payments? Yes the landlord can request postdated
cheques

Are there residential premises not covered by the Act? Yes there are certain premises not covered &y
the act

Does the Act apply to business/commercial rental agreements?

No, the act does not apply to business and commercial rental agreements

Is a tenant responsible to have insurance on his/her personal belongings? Yes a tenant is responsible
to carry insurance on his or her belongings

When a rented premises is sold to a new owner, does the rental agreement continue? Yes 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? Yes the landlord can charge 2.00 for the first day
it is late and 5.00 for each additional day the rent is not paid up to a maximum of 75.00.

Can a landlord charge a fee if a tenant's rent cheque is returned because of nonsufficient 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? No, 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? Yes a landlord can
give a short termination notice when the rent is not paid

Can a landlord increase rent by giving a verbal notice to the tenant? No a landlord must give the
tenant a written notice to increase the rent.

Can a landlord increase rent anytime? No a landlord cannot increase the rent anytime

Is a tenant responsible for damages to the residential premises? A tenant is responsible for any
damages where the tenant or one of the tenants guests created 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 if a tenant has yet to

Can a termination notice be verbal? No a termination notice must in writing

Where can I get a copy of the Residential Tenancies Act? You can get an copy of the residential
tenancies act at the government service center for 5.25

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 landlord will require a written notice from a
tenant when he or she is leaving.