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.

1. What is a security deposit?

A security deposit is any money that a landlord takes from a tenant other than the
advance payment. It serves to protect the landlord if the tenant breaks or violates
the terms of lease.
2. Must a landlord provide a receipt for a security deposit?
The landlord must give a written receipt stating the amount of the deposit
3. Does a landlord have to pay interest on a security deposit?
Yes, they have to pay the interest on the deposit for the entire period the landlord
has the deposit
4. How much can be charged for a security deposit?
A security deposit cannot be more than half of one months rent
5. How much time does a landlord have to return a security deposit after the
tenant moves out?
The landlord has 15 days to return the security deposit after the tenant moves out
6. What is a rental agreement?
A contract that the landlord and tenant has to sign that establishes the rules of the
tenancy
7. What are the types of rental agreements?
Month-to-month rental agreements, Fix to lease rental agreements and One-way
leases
8. Must a landlord give a copy of a signed rental agreement to the tenant?
Yes, they must give a signed copy of the rental agreement
9. Must a landlord give a tenant a copy of the Residential Tenancies Act?
Yes, they must give a signed copy of the Residential Tenancies Act
10.What is a Rental Premises Condition Report form?
A form that shows the condition of the residential premises at the beginning and
end of the rental agreement
11.Does the Residential Tenancies Act apply to a verbal rental agreement?
Yes, it applies to the verbal rental agreement
12.Can a landlord request post-dated cheques for rent payments?
Yes, they can request post-dated cheques but they cannot refuse other methods of
payment
13.Are there residential premises not covered by the Act?
Yes but they cannot refuse other methods of payment
14.Does the Act apply to business/commercial rental agreements?
No it does not apply
15.Is a tenant responsible to have insurance on his/her personal belongings?
Yes, the tenant is responsible to have insurance in their personal belongings

16.When a rented premises is sold to a new owner, does the rental agreement
continue?
Yes, the rental agreement continues to the new owner
17.What happens to a security deposit when there is a change in ownership?
The new owner will be responsible for the security deposit when there is a change in
ownership
18.Can a landlord charge a fee for late payment of rent?
The landlord can charge $5.00 on the first day if its late and $2.00 for each day the
rent is not paid up to $75.00.
19.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 the landlord may charge a fee no greater than $25.00.
20.Can a tenant withhold rent because a landlord is not maintaining the
premises?
Not paying the rent may result in the landlord giving a shot termination notice.
21.Can a landlord terminate a rental agreement when the tenant does not pay
rent?
The landlord can give a short termination notice to the tenant when the rent isnt
paid.
22.Can a landlord increase rent by giving a verbal notice to the tenant?
The landlord must give a written notice to increase rent.
23.Can a landlord increase rent anytime?
No, the landlord cant increase rent anytime.
24.Is a tenant responsible for damages to the residential premises?
Tenants are responsible for any damages where the tenant or one of the tenants
guests created the damage.
25.What can a landlord do if a tenant has not repaired damages?
The landlord can request in writing a tenant to repair damages if the tenant has yet
to.
26.Can a termination notice be verbal?
No, the termination notice must be written.
27.Where can I get a copy of the Residential Tenancies Act?
You can get an official copy of the act at the government service center.
28.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 the termination by landlord will require a written notice from the tenant
when he or she is leaving.