Read This Before You Sign a Lease

Most landlords treat their rentals as a business and know that they need happy customers (renters) to be profitable over the long term. As such, there are a variety of terms and conditions you may be able to negotiate to sweeten the deal. Here are a few examples.

• Lowering the rent in exchange for a long-term commitment.
• Allowing an exception for a small pet.
• Requiring less money upfront.
• Agreeing to maintain landscaping and/or repair the property in exchange for some concession by the landlord.
• Negotiating a rent-to-own agreement.

Just because something is stated in a lease, doesn’t mean it’s legal or enforceable. Once you have a personal legal plan, your lawyer can review the lease agreement, provide legal advice and, if appropriate, make a call to the landlord on your behalf.

The first place to look for your rights and responsibilities as a tenant is by reviewing the lease agreement itself. That said, there are certain rights and responsibilities under Provincial and Federal law that tenants should be aware of before they sign a lease.

Renter Rights

• The right to a habitable residence that is safe.
• Landlords cannot reject a rental application based on race, colour, religion, age, sex, family status, or mental or physical disability.
• Landlords must make reasonable accommodations for people with disabilities, such as installing a ramp.

Renter Responsibilities

• Renters must pay rent, which may include taxes and utilities.
• Renters cannot use the property for illegal purposes.
• Unless agreed to in writing, tenants cannot make structural changes or damage the property.

Having a personal plan from LegalShield allows you to pick up the phone and call your lawyer any time you have a question about your rights or responsibilities as a renter.

Even if you feel like the rental fee and the basic terms and conditions of the lease agreement seem fair, there are a few other questions you may want to ask before you commit.

• Who manages the property? Do they live nearby?
• Who do I contact for maintenance problems and how quickly are they resolved?
• How should I reach out in case of an emergency at the property?
• Do I need to get renters insurance?
• Will the locks be changed before I move in?

It’s not uncommon to sign a lease for a year-long term. It’s best to take an extra moment or two at the beginning to make sure this is the right rental for your needs. We’ve has created a tenant lease checklist to guide you through the process.