While most of us focus on how much we will pay monthly, knowing your rights is essential to avoid unnecessary drama and conflict.
A lease agreement can be oral or in writing – it is preferable to have a written agreement.
Let’s look at some of these rights –
1. Your deposit must be held in an interest-bearing account.
2. The deposit covers any damages you may cause to the property. To secure the return of your deposit and interest – insist on a joint incoming and outgoing inspection between yourself and the landlord.
3. Your deposit after any reduction to cover damages must be refunded within seven days, together with interest.
4. You have the right to be provided with a property this is fit for its intended purpose.
5. You may cancel the lease before the fixed period ends – watch out for any penalty provision for early termination.
6. If you have a dispute with your landlord, lodge a claim at the Rental Housing Tribunal.
7. You have the right not to have the landlord enter the property without prior notice and approval.
8. You have a right concerning utility payment to insist on inspecting the landlord’s utility account.
9. You have the right to stay in the property until the lease expires, whether there is a change in ownership.
