When you're nearing the end of your lease, you have a few options as a renter. One of those options is renegotiating your lease with your current landlord. This is a daunting exercise for many but it doesn't have to be if you prepare and develop a strategy. Chances are your landlord will take the opportunity to raise the rent by the allowable amount (1.5% for BC in 2022). However, ...
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Who doesn’t appreciate the passive income a rental property provides? Every month, like clockwork, you receive a payment from your tenant. It can serve you very well right through retirement. However, there are a number of other considerations that may encourage you to sell your rental property. We’ve provided a list of some key reasons to weigh up if you should sell, or continue to rent. Are you good at your ...
Read More[Updated October 2021] Top 10 Ways To Increase The Rental Value Of Your Investment
The most effective way to generate the best return on your investment rental property is by increasing the rental value. especially in competitive rental markets like Vancouver. Deciding where best to spend your money, however, is always a challenge. The fact is that certain renovations are more likely to reap better rewards than others. Here we’ve outlined 10 of the most effective ways to boost the rental value of your investment. ...
Read MoreUnsure about handing extra money over to your new landlord? Here we've outlined the basics with respect to security and pet deposits in the province of British Columbia. These rules are sometimes revised so the ultimate source should always be the Residential Tenancy Branch. Security Deposit A security deposit often called a damage deposit is paid to the landlord before a tenancy begins and protects the landlord from unforeseen damage caused by a ...
Read MoreVancouver’s New Airbnb Rules In April 2018, Vancouver City Hall began to regulate the popular home sharing platform, Airbnb, by introducing a new set of Airbnb rules. In response to disgruntled citizens wary of sharing their buildings with a revolving door of Airbnb guests and by others desperate for rental housing in a city where occupancy rates are nearing 100%. In addition, many Vancouverites feel Airbnb is responsible for further inflating ...
Read MoreUPDATED: JULY 15, 2020 Rental Repairs and Maintenance Responsibilities You’ve signed a lease on a new apartment and you’re excited about your new digs…but what if things don’t work according to plan? The electrical outlet that will power your beloved Nespresso machine is dead or the sink perpetually drips? What to do? It's important to set yourself up for success before any of these instances become an issue. Before moving in, be sure ...
Read More[Updated October 2021] The Complete List of Landlord and Tenant Responsibilities
Property Maintenance Responsibilities - Landlords vs Tenants Renters often get a bad rap — a reputation for being messy, careless and disrespectful to rental properties. However, this is not necessarily the case. Instead, this often stems from unclear responsibilities and confusion over who is responsible for what. First and foremost, the upkeep of a rental property is shared between both parties. Keeping up with your duties as assigned is key to ...
Read MoreSure it's easy to say ‘no pets’ when listing your property for rent. But is it necessary? Provided pets are allowed by your strata by-laws, you may be missing out on exceptionally good tenants by stipulating ‘no pets’. Moreover, here in Vancouver, pet-friendly rentals are difficult to find so if you do allow them, you can likely exact a higher rental rate and a pet deposit. Be Open to Pets Rather than ...
Read MoreFurnishing a rental property is a considerable expense. Should you spend the money, or let your tenants furnish the unit themselves? We're liv.rent and we're here to make facilitate a smoother rental process from start-to-finish, for both landlords and tenants. If you're on the fence about whether you should rent your unit furnished or unfurnished, this guide will hopefully help make your decision a little easier. What is a furnished apartment? Furnished ...
Read MoreBesides the obvious – a front door, running water and electricity – there are some other things a prospective renter should look for. We’ve compiled a list of important considerations that are often overlooked: Storage This is so important and yet so often forgotten when you fall in love with a unit. Unless you have few hobbies and live the life of an ascetic monk, chances are you’ll need space to store ...
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