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Difference between revisions of "Entering a Tenancy"
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{{Tenant Survival Guide TOC}} | {{Tenant Survival Guide TOC}} | ||
'''Do''' make sure the plumbing, electrical and appliances work, and check for mold in bathrooms and around windows, in closets and under carpets. '''Don't''' sign a tenancy agreement that you do not understand or have fully read. | '''Do''' make sure the plumbing, electrical and appliances work, and check for mold in bathrooms and around windows, in closets and under carpets. '''Don't''' sign a tenancy agreement that you do not understand or have fully read. | ||
==Protect Yourself== | ==Protect Yourself== | ||
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There are some things a landlord can’t put in a tenancy agreement because they are illegal. For example, your agreement might say, “the landlord may enter your suite at any time.” This is illegal. The law sets strict limits on when your landlord can come in, and this cannot be changed by the tenancy agreement. Your landlord cannot make you agree to terms that give up your protections under the ''Residential Tenancy Act.'' | There are some things a landlord can’t put in a tenancy agreement because they are illegal. For example, your agreement might say, “the landlord may enter your suite at any time.” This is illegal. The law sets strict limits on when your landlord can come in, and this cannot be changed by the tenancy agreement. Your landlord cannot make you agree to terms that give up your protections under the ''Residential Tenancy Act.'' | ||
== Pets == | == Pets == | ||
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===Guide dogs=== | ===Guide dogs=== | ||
If you have an assistance animal covered by the [http://canlii.ca/en/bc/laws/stat/rsbc-1996-c-177/latest/rsbc-1996-c-177.html?searchUrlHash=AAAAAQAQZ3VpZGUgYW5pbWFsIGFjdAAAAAAB ''Guide Animal Act''] your landlord has to accept it. You must not be charged a pet deposit for an animal covered by the ''Guide Animal Act''. | If you have an assistance animal covered by the [http://canlii.ca/en/bc/laws/stat/rsbc-1996-c-177/latest/rsbc-1996-c-177.html?searchUrlHash=AAAAAQAQZ3VpZGUgYW5pbWFsIGFjdAAAAAAB ''Guide Animal Act''] your landlord has to accept it. You must not be charged a pet deposit for an animal covered by the ''Guide Animal Act''. | ||
== Leases (fixed-term tenancies) == | == Leases (fixed-term tenancies) == | ||
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Once you give the landlord a deposit, you have established a contract. If you decide not to move in, the landlord can make you pay the month’s rent, unless another tenant moves in. If you didn’t move in because there was a serious risk to your health or safety, you will need proof. For example, take photographs of the problem or ask a health inspector to come to the place. If you need repairs right away, you can take the landlord to dispute resolution. | Once you give the landlord a deposit, you have established a contract. If you decide not to move in, the landlord can make you pay the month’s rent, unless another tenant moves in. If you didn’t move in because there was a serious risk to your health or safety, you will need proof. For example, take photographs of the problem or ask a health inspector to come to the place. If you need repairs right away, you can take the landlord to dispute resolution. | ||
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== Condition when you move in == | == Condition when you move in == | ||
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*the agreement says the same things you and your landlord agreed to when you spoke (if you don’t put it in writing, it is not part of the agreement, | *the agreement says the same things you and your landlord agreed to when you spoke (if you don’t put it in writing, it is not part of the agreement, | ||
*you get a copy of the agreement right away (in case you need proof). | *you get a copy of the agreement right away (in case you need proof). | ||
==Legislation and links== | ==Legislation and links== | ||
