| Just Starting? Get Informed
- Information for Landlords
When searching for tenants in Kingston, can you exclude people
with children? When a tenant is in your premises but is not
paying rent, can you evict? How do you evict a tenant? To
run your business effectively, you should learn the relevant
rules and regulations in the province or territory where you
rent as well as local Kingston regulations. Regardless of how
you acquire the knowledge, getting informed helps you respond
appropriately if and when challenging issues arise.
- Understand the Tenancy Legislation that Affects You
- What to Research
- Keeping Records
- Understand the Tenancy Legislation that Affects You
Each province and territory has its own legislation. While
similarities often exist between jurisdictions, some surprising
differences are worth noting.
For example, while you can collect a security deposit in
most places, you cannot do so in Ontario or Quebec. In Ontario,
you can collect only a rent deposit and the landlord cannot
use the money collected to cover damages to the rental premises.
In Quebec, landlords cannot ask for any kind of deposit. In
Alberta, unless there is an agreement in writing interest
on the security deposit is paid annually.
In most places, a breach of a lease over an issue not addressed
directly in the provincial/territorial legislation, such as
owning a pet when the lease stipulates pets are not allowed,
is not grounds for eviction. In a handful of provinces, however,
this breach would be grounds for eviction.
Legislation is not fixed: it changes over time. Rules are
not absolute: the court or Tribunal's interpretation of the
legislation determines what each rule really means to landlords
and tenants. Click here for
some general rules
Another option is to spend a few hours with a legal expert
to discover what you need to know in order to run your business
without violating rights or laws. If you decide to do this,
invest in a few hours of consultation with an expert in landlord
and tenant issues in the province or territory where you rent.
This is a specialized area of law, so don't settle for a lawyer
who primarily focuses on other areas of law. Ask for a referral
to a specialist.
Privacy Laws
New privacy legislation in Canada may affect the way that
you collect and keep information on prospective tenants. Be
sure to check that your list of candidate questions is in
compliance with these new laws. For example, you must now
tell your tenants why you are collecting this information
and what you plan to do with it.
Research Relevant Bylaws
Kingston has many bylaws that are specific to the city. Get
informed. Does the building you are renting comply with local
and provincial bylaws? What about building codes?
In addition to the guidelines set by provincial or territorial
legislation, you must also comply with provincial and municipal
bylaws. These bylaws stipulate guidelines and standards for
fire and building safety. Municipal bylaws also cover issues
like zoning and permits. To get started, contact the main
branch of your local municipality, which you can find in the
blue pages of your telephone book.
Research Current Market Pricing
Before you set the rent, find out what comparable units
in the area rent for by checking sources where landlords advertise.
Some provinces keep rent registry databases with rent information
for units over the past several years. CMHC also produces
annual local Rental Market Reports for a fee.
Keeping Records
By law, you are required to keep records and receipts for
all financial transactions relating to your business. If you
are not familiar with business bookkeeping, consult with an
accountant. You'll need to learn how capital assets differ
from expenses, and will need assistance setting up a Chart
of Accounts - the ledger used to track income, expenses and
other financial information - for your business.
In addition, it's important to document and track the condition
of the rental premises. When a tenant moves in, complete an
initial inspection of the premises and have both parties sign
and keep a copy of the inspection worksheet. In some jurisdictions
this is required by law and there is a standardized form to
use.
Kingston Apartment Rental Guide
Kingston Living is Kingston's premier online
resource for everything about your home. We provide comprehensive
Kingston real estate and rental listings, for home buyers, home
owners, and renters. We also have a comprehensive home services
directory for your home shopping and renovation needs. Our
Kingston home directory consists of the following categories:
apartment
rentals, financing,
home
& garden, home
renovation, home
services, insurance,
lawyers,
moving
& relocation, and real
estate services.
What would you like to do next?
|
| Real Estate
Links | Kingston Apartments | Kingston Hotels