Things Your Landlord Doesn’t Want You To Know

Renting in Canada involves a balance between landlords and tenants, and while most landlords are fair and transparent, there are a few things they may not always highlight. As a renter, it’s important to understand your rights and responsibilities, ensuring a smooth experience for both parties. In this liv.rent blog, we’ll cover some essential tips for renters in British Columbia, Quebec, Alberta and Ontario, while providing helpful resources to make sure you’re informed about your rental rights across these provinces.

Best places to find rental resources

Understanding rental laws is crucial for protecting your rights as a tenant. Fortunately, there are plenty of resources available to help you stay informed about provincial regulations and tenant protections in Canada. Here are some of the best places to educate yourself on rental laws:

1. Provincial Government websites: Each province in Canada has its own set of rental laws. The government websites for British Columbia, Quebec, Alberta and Ontario provide comprehensive guides and resources for tenants and landlords.
2. Tenant advocacy groups: Organizations like the Tenant Resource & Advisory Centre (TRAC) in B.C. and the Federation of Metro Tenants’ Associations (FMTA) in Ontario offer free advice and support to renters.
3. Legal aid services: Many provinces offer legal aid services specifically for housing issues, helping you understand your rights and, if needed, offering legal support.
4. Online educational portals: Websites such as Steps to Justice (Ontario) or Éducaloi (Quebec) offer user-friendly guides that explain tenant and landlord rights in plain language.
5. liv.rent blog: liv.rent’s blog has a section dedicated to renters that offers up-to-date articles and insights on tenant rights, providing renters with easy-to-understand information about rental laws across Canada.

Things Your Landlord Doesn’t Want You To Know – B.C.

Knowing your rights as a renter in British Columbia can empower you and help you navigate potential challenges with your landlord. Here are some important things your landlord may not want you to know:

1. Rental increases are regulated: In B.C., landlords can only increase rent once a year and must provide written notice at least three months in advance. The increase is also capped at a certain percentage in 2024 it was 3.5% and in 2025 it’s 3%, this figure is set annually by the provincial government.
2. You have the right to a written lease: While verbal agreements can be binding, it’s a requirement that a landlord prepare a written lease for every tenancy. Even if a landlord doesn’t prepare one, the standard terms of a tenancy agreement still apply. Paying a security deposit establishes a tenancy, even if there is no written tenancy agreement and if the tenant never moves in.
3. Security deposits are limited: The maximum security deposit a landlord can charge is half a month’s rent. Additionally, landlords must return the deposit within 15 days of the end of your tenancy, along with any interest earned during your tenancy.
4. You can challenge evictions: If your landlord gives you an eviction notice, you have the right to challenge it through the Residential Tenancy Branch. You can dispute the eviction if you believe it’s unjust or if proper procedures were not followed.
5. Repairs are the landlord’s responsibility: Landlords in B.C. are required to maintain the property and ensure it meets health and safety standards. If you encounter maintenance issues, they are obligated to address them in a timely manner.
6. You have the right to privacy: Landlords must give you proper notice (typically 24 hours) before entering your rental unit, except in emergencies. This protects your right to privacy in your home.
7. You can transfer your tenancy: If you need to move out, you may be able to transfer your lease to someone else with your landlord’s consent. This can help you avoid breaking your lease and incurring penalties.

Things Your Landlord Doesn’t Want You To Know – Alberta

Understanding your rights as a renter in Alberta is essential for a positive rental experience. Here are some important things your landlord may not want you to know:

1. Maximum rent increases: In Alberta, there are no rent control laws; however, landlords must provide at least three months’ written notice before increasing rent. This allows you to plan ahead for any changes.
2. Security deposit limits: Landlords can charge a security deposit equal to no more than one month’s rent. Additionally, they must return the deposit along with any accrued interest within 10 days of your tenancy ending.
3. Right to quiet enjoyment: You have the right to enjoy your home without interference. Landlords must respect your privacy and can only enter your unit for specific reasons, such as repairs, with proper notice, at a minimum of 24 hours. A landlord can also only enter your home between 8:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m.
4. Notice for eviction: If a landlord wants to evict you, they must provide proper notice depending on the reason for eviction. In most cases, a landlord must give 14 days’ notice, while non-payment of rent requires only a 24-hour notice.
5. Rent receipts: If you pay your rent in cash, you have the right to request a receipt. This documentation can be important if any disputes arise regarding payment.

Things Your Landlords Don’t Want You To Know – Ontario

Being informed about your rights as a renter in Ontario is vital for ensuring a smooth rental experience. Here are some important things your landlord may not want you to know:

1. Rent control guidelines: In Ontario, rent increases are regulated by the province. Landlords can only raise rent once every 12 months and must provide at least 90 days’ written notice. The increase is capped at a specific percentage set by the government each year. The rent increase cap for 2025 is 2.5%.
2. Security deposit restrictions: Ontario law prohibits landlords from charging a security deposit. However, they can request the first and last month’s rent upfront. This means you should never pay an additional deposit beyond this amount.
3. Right to repairs and maintenance: Landlords are legally obligated to maintain the rental property in a good state of repair. If you encounter issues like plumbing problems or heating failures, you have the right to request repairs, and landlords must act promptly.
4. The eviction process: If your landlord intends to evict you, they must follow a legal process and provide proper notice, which can vary depending on the reason. For non-payment of rent, the notice period is typically 14 days.
5. Tenant support organizations: Ontario has numerous resources, such as the Landlord and Tenant Board and the Advocacy Centre for Tenants Ontario, that provide information and assistance regarding tenants’ rights and responsibilities, empowering renters to advocate for themselves.

Things Your Landlord Doesn’t Want You To Know – Quebec

Being aware of your rights as a renter in Quebec can provide peace of mind in the event of any rental disputes. Here are some of the top things your landlord doesn’t want you to know:

1. Regulated rent increases: In Quebec, landlords must follow the guidelines set by the Régie du logement (Rental Board) regarding rent increases. They cannot raise your rent without providing a notice of at least three months, and you have the right to dispute excessive increases.
2. Security deposit rules: Unlike many other provinces, Quebec does not allow landlords to collect security deposits for residential leases. This means you should not have to pay any upfront fees beyond your first month’s rent.
3. Tenant rights to repairs: Landlords are required to maintain their rental properties in good condition and ensure they meet safety standards. If repairs are needed, you have the right to request them, and landlords must respond promptly. You can find the full list of responsibilities here.
4. Eviction notices: If your landlord wishes to evict you, they must provide a written notice that specifies the reason for the eviction and adhere to the required notice period, which can range from 10 days to three months, depending on the situation.
5. Renewal of lease: If you have a fixed-term lease, it automatically becomes a month-to-month lease after its expiration unless either party provides a notice of non-renewal. This gives you the option to continue renting without signing a new lease.
6. Tenant support resources: Quebec has various organizations, such as the Coalition des Associations de Locataires du Québec, that offer support and information on tenants’ rights. These resources can help you navigate rental issues and advocate for yourself.

liv.rent tips and resources for renters

Along with being proactive in your rental search by asking the right questions, there are a few other strategies we recommend to ensure your safety and help you find the ideal rental home. With liv.rent’s features, you can streamline your search and application process, saving time and reducing much of the uncertainty that often comes with browsing listings and dealing with landlords. Here are three of our top tips:

Tip #1: Know your requirements

Make a list of what matters to you — pricing, location, amenities, lease duration, pet policy, etc. Then filter your search on liv.rent with the identified parameters. This will drastically cut down the time you will spend looking for listings. Then once you have found your dream rental you can apply with our multi-step verification processes.

Tip #2: Search when it’s cold

If you have a choice, consider looking in the winter months October to February. Fewer people are looking to rent during the holidays and when it’s cold outside. This can greatly help your chances of securing a rental in more competitive rental markets like Toronto or Vancouver.

Tip #3: Do your research

Find out the average rent in your target area with our monthly rent reports. It’ll arm you with the necessary info to negotiate your rent. You can go one step further and scope out the neighbourhood on foot to get a better idea of what services & amenities are nearby

Tip #4: Know where to go in the event of a dispute

Rental disputes often cause stress for both renters and landlords, but knowing where to seek help can ease the burden. Each province handles these disputes differently, so it’s important to understand the process where you live. You can find out all you need to know for rental disputes in B.C., Ontario, Alberta and Quebec.

FAQ: What your landlord doesn’t want you to know

Can a tenant refuse showing in B.C.?

A tenant is entitled to refuse entry if the landlord has not complied with the conditions set out in the Residential Tenancy Act (RTA), such as providing proper notice. A tenant may refuse entry that’s unreasonable or unlawful. Unreasonable entry could mean all-day showings every Saturday for several weeks

Is a text message considered written notice in Canada?

Under the terms of the Residential Tenancies Act, a text message is not considered legal written notice in Canada.

Can I put a camera outside my apartment door in Ontario?

Cameras of any description must be installed on the property. The city of Toronto outlines the regulations around camera placement here.

How quickly can a landlord evict a tenant in Ontario?

Eviction is not a speedy process, it can take anywhere from 85 – 138 days to evict a tenant after an eviction notice in Ontario.

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