FEATURE: ILLUSTRATION BY MARIANA YATSUDA IKUTA As law-abiding and polite as Canadians might be, there are a few bad apples out there who attempt to scam renters. Vancouver is no exception. In fact, given how hot the Vancouver rental market is, it is no surprise that you'll discover that rental scams exist. Finding a place to rent in Vancouver is difficult enough and the last thing you want to deal ...

As we celebrate the new year, many of you may be about to renegotiate a lease imminently or, at least, sometime in the coming year. 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 (2.5% in BC). However, if you present your case ...

Unsure 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 ...

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? Well, before moving in, be sure to conduct your own inspection preferably alongside a property manager or landlord. Make note of things that aren’t functioning properly, taking ...

What are tenants responsible for? Renters often get a bad rap – a reputation as messy, careless and disrespectful to properties. This is really unfortunate given the majority of renters who do treat their rental home like it was their own. Maintaining a property is the shared responsibility of both landlords and tenants. Landlords must ensure it is clean, safe and livable before new tenants move in but once in, the best ...

Have you ever wondered how your credit score is calculated? What magic combo of numbers inform the total? For most people, it is a profound mystery and yet the score associated with your name impacts your ability to secure a credit card or loan, finance your home, rent an apartment, buy a car or even get a job. In a nutshell, it can shape the course of your life so ...

Besides 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 ...