Tenant Frequently Asked Questions

We accept rent payments via Pre-Authorized Debit (PAD) or post-dated cheques. Under the Residential Tenancy Act, rent is due on the first day of each month unless otherwise agreed in writing. If paying by cheque, we recommend sending 6 or 12 post-dated cheques to the office.

Upon the Landlord’s acceptance of your tenancy, you’ll receive a welcome package from your Property Manager. A “move-in” condition inspection walk through will be done between you and the Landlord or Landlord’s agent before you move in.

In a month-to-month (periodic) tenancy, you must provide a minimum of one full calendar month’s written notice. For fixed-term leases, you must fulfill the term unless an exception applies under the Residential Tenancy Act. 

The building caretaker or Property Manager will arrange for a move out condition inspection. This inspection is to take place after you have fully vacated the premises and all required cleaning has been completed. At this time, you are required to return all sets of keys provided to you at the beginning of the tenancy.

You may access a list of general cleaning responsibilities as per the Residential Tenancy Act guideline here.

As per the Residential Tenancy Act:

1. Security Deposit: up to 50% of one month’s rent

2. Pet Deposit: an additional 50% of one month’s rent (if applicable)

Deposits must be paid before possession.

Inspections are typically conducted quarterly, but frequency may vary based on the property. Tenants will receive proper written notice (minimum 24 hours) before any entry, as required by the Residential Tenancy Act.

Pets are only permitted if your tenancy agreement allows it or if the Landlord provides written consent. A pet deposit is required in either case.

A fixed-term lease is legally binding. It can only be ended early with mutual agreement or under specific circumstances defined in the Residential Tenancy Act.

Tenant insurance is designed to protect your belonging and you as a tenant in the event of theft, floods, fires, etc. Tenants are responsible for getting their own insurance coverage and ensuring that there is adequate insurance to cover any possibilities.

It is highly advisable and strongly recommended that Tenants have tenant insurance. However, if you select the option not to purchase it in your Tenancy Agreement, you must be aware that in the event of a fire, flood, etc., the Landlord is not responsible or liable for your personal belongings inside the rental unit.

For emergencies (e.g., flood, no heat, major leaks), call our 24/7 emergency line: 604-736-5611. 

For fire or safety issues, call 911 first, then notify our office.

For single-family homes: You’ll need to contact a locksmith at your own cost. You may not change the lock in any way. If a new lock is required, you will need prior written consent from your Landlord and a copy must be provided to your Landlord/Property Manager.

For apartments/condos: If you are locked out of your condo/apartment outside of business hours, please call your onsite caretaker or 24/7 concierge for access into the building. If someone from our office is required to let you in after business hours, please note that there is a fee for this service, and will be responsible for paying all associated costs with the locksmith to get into your suite.

All non-urgent repairs must be reported to your Property Manager. They will seek Landlord approval before work begins. For repairs that affect health or safety, landlords are obligated to act within a reasonable timeframe under the Residential Tenancy Act.

Residential Tenancy Act – The provincial law outlining landlord and tenant rights and responsibilities in BC. 

Residential Tenancy Branch – Official government site for tenancy forms, policies, and dispute resolution.