What Rights Do You Hold As A Tenant In Edmonton and Calgary?
A rental agreement is a bond between the property owner and the resident that determines the terms and period of tenancy. In Edmonton and Calgary, Residential Tenancies Act (RTA) is the legislation accountable for regulating the process of rental leases. This Act applies to everyone who lives in a house, duplex, apartment or mobile home. Even the occupants of hotels and motels, living for duration of more than six months are also protected under this Act. This law regulates disputes between you and your landowner and decides the security deposit for your home. Other important legislations that effect a tenancy agreement are Alberta Human Rights Act, Personal Information Act and Alberta Building Code
As a tenant, you have so many rights that you might not be aware of. Mainstreet Equity Corp., a renowned name in the apartment rental market, helps renters residing in Edmonton and Calgary by making them aware of their rights.
1. Residential Tenancy Agreement
This agreement is signed between the tenant and the landlord regarding the cost, fixed term and responsibilities of both the tenant and the landlord. The renter can withhold payment of rent till he/ she doesn’t receive a printed copy of the tenancy agreement.
2. Security Deposit
The property owner may ask the renter for a security deposit as a compensation for damages. The RTA limits the amount of security deposit from exceeding the rental fee for one month. This deposit cannot be raised with the increase of rent. Moreover, the interest gained on this security amount must be payable to the renter based on rates set by Service Alberta.
3. Rent Hikes
No landlord can raise the rent for the dwelling, until the period of tenancy does not expire, as settled in the residential tenancy agreement. Rental fee cannot be increased for renovations that are done after signing the tenancy agreement.
4. Entering Premises
No property owner can go in the apartment of the renter unless:
• He asks for the permission
• There is an emergency (such as a fire)
• The tenant has abandoned the apartment
• Sends a legal notice 24 hours before arriving the apartment
A tenant can file a complaint, if the landlord enters his/ her apartment premises without the above mentioned reasons.
5. Residential Tenancy Dispute Resolution Service (RTDRS)
This service is for those tenants who have concerns related to a termination without notice, security deposit, lack of utilities, maintenance issues and other disagreements. They may call RTDRS for an alternative solution.
6. Locked Out
In no situation can any renter be locked out of the apartment within the residency period, as agreed upon in the rental agreement. In case, the landlord changes the locks, the new key must be handed over to the renter.
7. Legal Notice before Eviction
A property owner can only evict a renter under the patronage of the conditions laid down by the Residential Tenancies Ministerial Regulation. The eviction notice may be 1 day or 14 days long as per the complaints presented by the proprietor. The renter may defy this decision in the RTDRS.
The provinces Edmonton and Calgary have made sure to safeguard their residents from exploitation during their occupancy period. Signing a tenancy lease is critical for tenants to live peacefully. If you find your rights as a tenant violated in some or the other way, avail legal help.
To have an enduring rental agreement, you can contact Mainstreet Equity Corp. We want you to know your rights and live in these cities with full gratification. We offer Edmonton Apartments and Calgary Apartments for Rent and also make sure that none of your tenancy rights are violated during your stay in these beautiful Canadian cities.
