A rent increase is something that concerns every renter in the province. Rest assured, your landlord can only raise rents by an amount dictated by the Residential Tenancy Branch of BC (RTB).   In this unprecedented year of rent freezes due to the COVID-19 pandemic, determining the right allowable increase can be trickier than in previous years. In the table below we have outlined whether the 2020 allowable increase of 2.6% applies ...

How to avoid rental scams? 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's no surprise apartment rental frauds exist. In fact, 43% of renters throughout North America have encountered fake ads. In most cases, the scammer is trying get money from a prospective ...

When you're nearing the end of your lease, you have a few options as 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 (2.6% for BC in 2020). However, if ...

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 ...

UPDATED: 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 ...

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 can stem from confusion over who is responsible for what. First and foremost, the upkeep of a rental property applies to both parties - landlords and tenants alike. Thus, playing your part is key to enjoying your ...