Be a Money Superhero
Join the Guardians of the Galaxy in this exciting new comic about the importance of saving money and teaching kids about wants and needs.
Renters Rights
Both you and your landlord have rights and responsibilities to fulfil as part of your lease:
Your Responsibilities
Before we talk about what the landlord is responsible for, let's take a look at your responsibilities:
- Keep the apartment clean.
- Put out garbage in proper containers.
- Use electrical and plumbing fixtures properly.
- Follow local housing, health and safety rules.
- Do not damage the landlord's property or disturb neighbours.
- Make sure guests do not destroy the landlord's property or disturb other residents.
- Use appliances with care.
- Notify the landlord when repairs are needed.
Landlord's Responsibilities
Renting is a two-way street. Since you are required to keep up your end of the bargain, the landlord has certain responsibilities, as well:
- Obey all health and safety laws and regulations.
- Make all repairs needed to maintain the property in good condition.
- Keep all common areas safe, clean and in good repair.
- Maintain all electrical, plumbing, heating and air conditioning fixtures and applications that the landlord provides or is required to provide.
- Provide and maintain garbage bins.
- Supply running and hot water.
- Give notice to a tenant before trying to enter his or her apartment and enter only at reasonable times unless there is an emergency.
- Do not abuse the right to enter.
Prohibited Actions
There are certain actions your landlord is not allowed to take, no matter what the situation. A landlord cannot shut off utilities, take anything that belongs to a tenant, change the locks or otherwise lock a tenant out of his or her apartment to force the tenant to pay rent or leave the apartment. A landlord also cannot raise the rent or threaten to evict a tenant for taking legal action against the landlord. A landlord is not permitted to abuse the right to enter the apartment, meaning that the landlord is not allowed to harass a tenant with repeated visits.
