Everything Tenants Should Know About Renting in Calgary

Renting in Calgary is exciting, but it may become troublesome if you don’t pay attention to certain matters! Now we guess certain concerns strike your mind. The headaches of paperwork, legal terms, and responsibilities! Finding secure and affordable rental property in Calgary? The hidden clauses in your rental agreement? Sudden increase in the rent or refusing to release the deposit? And it doesn’t stop there. To save yourselves from complications, you need the expert assistance of a tenant-focused property management company. We help you properly review your Calgary rental agreement. Now you know the relevance of understanding the renting process. At Green Casa, our mission is to help our tenants avoid pitfalls. So let’s explore more

Understanding Tenant Rights in Calgary

Tenants have legal protection, and the main law that governs landlord-tenant relationships in Alberta is the Residential Tenancies Act (RTA), which outlines the rights and obligations of tenants. Let’s find out what legal protections tenants have under the law:

Security Deposit Limits: Landlords can collect a damage deposit of up to one month’s rent. It must be returned with interest after the lease ends. May subtract allowable deductions from the amount. 

Rent Increase Rules: Before any rent increase, it is a must to provide a proper notice in case of a periodic lease. As for fixed-term leases, landlords can’t raise rent during the term.  

Right to Privacy: Except in emergencies, if a landlord wants to enter their tenant-occupied rental unit, they must provide at least 24 hours’ written notice. 

Maintenance and Repairs: Keeping the rental properties in Calgary safe, habitable, and properly maintained is the legal responsibility of landlords.

Tenant Responsibilities: As a tenant, you must pay rent on time. It is your responsibility to keep the property reasonably clean and avoid causing damage.  

Eviction Protections: Tenants cannot be evicted without proper cause. Landlords must follow legal procedures and should provide a valid notice in case of eviction.

How to Find the Right Rental Property in Calgary

Here is a simple guide for you to make use of when you are searching for or viewing Calgary apartment rentals:

Set Your Budget First: Keep in mind your utilities, parking, and internet. Now, decide on the rent you can afford. 

Choose the Right Location: Consider the proximity to work, schools, the city, and more.

Use Reliable Platforms: Use trusted websites to search for reliable and affordable rentals in Calgary. 

Check Rental Listing Carefully: Look for red flags. Try not to fall for scams.

Schedule Viewings: Before signing the lease, make sure you properly check the property and are satisfied with its cleanliness, safety, and condition. 

Ask the Right Questions: Clarify your concerns, including rent details, utilities included, lease terms, parking, pet policies, and maintenance responsibilities. 

Compare Multiple Options: Make sure you visit several properties to understand the Calgary housing market rental rates. Pick the best fit. 

Verify Not to Fall For Fraud: Ensure you are dealing with the rightful owner or any established and licensed property management in Calgary to avoid fraud.

The Lease Agreement: Key Details to Review Before Signing

Lease Type & Duration: Note the start or end dates of the lease. Understand the difference between a fixed-term lease and a periodic lease. 

Rent Amount & Due Date: Check the monthly rent, due date, late fees, and accepted payment methods. 

Security Deposit: Make sure the deposit amount is within the limit and the rules for its return are clearly stated. 

Utilities & Additional Costs: For utilities such as heat, water, electricity, and internet, clarify which are included and for which you must pay separately. 

Rules & Restrictions: Check for policies on pets, smoking, and usage of common areas. 

Termination & Renewal Terms: Understand the lease terms. Check if it renews automatically. Confirm how much advance notice is legally required to leave. 

Landlord’s Right of Entry: Ensure it follows the law as per the tenant’s right to privacy.

Renting with Confidence: Tips and Best Practices for Tenants

• Know your budget.
• Understand your rights and responsibilities. 
• Document everything; keep copies of all agreements.
• Have clear communication with your landlord; keep records of conversations.
• Get renters insurance to protect yourself financially.
• Stay organized on payments, deadlines, and notices.
• Do a double-check when sending money.
• Plan well in case of moving out.

Moving In and Moving Out: What Tenants Need to Know

Move In: Essential Steps for Tenants

• Conduct a move-in inspection, walk through with your landlord, and note any existing damage or issues in writing.
• Document the property condition by taking dated photos or videos of walls, floors, appliances, and fixtures.
• Confirm utilities such as heat, water, electricity, or internet are set up in your name if required.
• Get copies of documents. Keep a signed lease, receipts for deposits/rent, and the inspection report. 

Moving Out: Essential Steps for Tenants

• Provide proper written notice to your landlord within the required time. 
• Deep clean the unit to maximize deposit return.
• Repair tenant damage before handing over the keys.
• Do a move-out inspection with the landlord, return the keys, and ask for your damage deposit return in writing.

Renting with Confidence: Tips and Best Practices for Tenants

• Know your budget.
• Understand your rights and responsibilities. 
• Document everything; keep copies of all agreements.
• Have clear communication with your landlord; keep records of conversations.
• Get renters insurance to protect yourself financially.
• Stay organized on payments, deadlines, and notices.
• Do a double-check when sending money.
• Plan well in case of moving out.

Handling Common Issues During a Lease

• Keep records in case of maintenance delays. You can escalate the matter to the Residential Tenancy Dispute Resolution Service (RTDRS) if unresolved. 
• Communicate with your landlord regarding payment problems and explore payment arrangements.
• In case of neighbour conflicts, involve the landlords or property manager if unresolved.
• Know your right to privacy; landlords must give 24 hours’ written notice to visit the rental unit. Of course, emergencies are exceptions.
• When dealing with disagreements about the lease, seek mediation or RTDRS help in case of disputes.
• During unexpected life changes, you might need to break a lease. Discuss options like subletting or lease assignment legally with the landlord’s consent.

Why Choose Green Casa for Your Rental Property Needs in Calgary

Green Casa offers the best property management in Calgary, making the renting process hassle-free for both landlord and tenant. We oversee a wide variety of rental units across Calgary. According to your budget, lifestyle, and family needs, you can opt for our diverse rental options. With us, you can rest assured. We are dedicated to making the renting process simple, transparent, and stress-free. You don’t have to manage the headaches of complex lease terms. We help you understand everything, help you with tips, and simplify the leasing processes. We make sure every maintenance request of yours is properly answered. With us, you don’t have to trouble yourself with anything; we ensure properties are well-maintained and landlords are reliable. Your privacy matters to us. Unless emergencies arise, we provide 24 hours’ notice if we want to visit your property for inspection. Green Casa offers you clear information on leases and tenant rights and responsibilities. We also update landlords with the latest changes in tenancy laws. We help tenants feel confident. Join Green Casa; we make renting in Calgary easy and safe.

Conclusion:

When choosing property for lease, tenants will have many concerns. Before signing a lease agreement, it is important to review the lease type, rent amount and due date, deposit details, utilities, rules/restrictions, termination/renewal terms, and the landlord’s right of entry. Consult a reliable, licensed property manager to make renting in Calgary stress-free. Green Casa offers the best tenant-focused property management in Calgary. We handle all your maintenance and repair requests promptly. Join Green Casa; we simplify the renting process, ensuring both comfort and confidence.