here are my tenant tips... any others?

[Icedawn]

here's some stuff that I find people don't usually know about that's quite useful.. any other tips from people that are particularly useful/relevant to all the tenants out there?

1. there's a max % rent can be increased every year
http://www.ltb.gov.on.ca/en/Key_Information/116975.html

2. landlords are required to pay interest on rent deposits
http://www.ltb.gov.on.ca/en/Key_Information/STEL02_111479.html

3. landlords can request at most 1 month rent deposit, and no security deposit
http://www.ltb.gov.on.ca/en/Key_Information/STEL02_111479.html

4. landlords have to give at least 90 days written notice of any rent increase. This one is often not followed.
http://www.ltb.gov.on.ca/en/Key_Information/STEL02_111478.html

5. No pet clauses are not enforceable
http://www.e-laws.gov.on.ca/DBLaws/Statutes/French/06r17_f.htm#14.

6. Any agreement to leave by a certain date prior to or as a condition of entering the contract is unenforceable.
http://www.e-laws.gov.on.ca/DBLaws/Statutes/French/06r17_f.htm#37.(5)

7. After the termination of an initial fixed term lease (ex. a year), you have a right to continue on a month-to-month basis. This is particularly great for students who are otherwise forced to rent on a year long basis.
http://www.ltb.gov.on.ca/en/Key_Information/STEL02_111677.html

[guyarchangel]

from my 1st tenant/apartment renting experience (obvious or not):

- pay close attention to the landlord when he/she does the initial condition report, only sign it when you absolutely agree (you might not end up with the same landlord when you move out!)
- e.g. carpets are reasonably clean, norm wear and tear conditions, paint is in good condition, no leaking pipes, working blinds, or get written agreement that things will be fixed in a certain amount of time, etc.

- also, it's a good idea to take photographs/videotape the condition of the apartment before you sign the condition report and move in (and later when everything is moved out and cleaned).

- let the landlord know immediately (document if possible) that something is broken, leaking or missing, if not you might end up paying for it from your damage deposit when the time comes to move out (I got charged a ridiculous amount for blinds that I didn't break or missing key I didn't get, which later got reversed in a court ruling).

- Icedawn lists of tips is a great start esp. for first time or even experienced tenants ;) Know your rights as a tenant, your Residential Tenancies branch is there to protect and help you (I know cause I've gone to court twice and won).

[ZenOps]

Wow, you guys have maximum rent increases... For some crazy reason I didn't think you did.

Here in Calgary a local TV station just did a mini-docudrama on a guy who was paying $950/month who got jacked up to $2600/month.

Free market reigns over here, no plans to ever change it.

[Icedawn]

Wow, you guys have maximum rent increases... For some crazy reason I didn't think you did.

Here in Calgary a local TV station just did a mini-docudrama on a guy who was paying $950/month who got jacked up to $2600/month.

Free market reigns over here, no plans to ever change it.

nah, you guys don't have free market... your rent control is just less stringent. from my memory, I think its based on frequency of increase instead of size of increase.

[gutter44]

Please be advised that the Landlord's building insurance WILL NOT cover your contents. It is advisable to take out a tenant's insurance package. This will cover your contents, allow you temporary living expenses, etc.