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{{Tenant Survival Guide TOC}}
''Do'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 trust your instincts. If a tenancy agreement that you do not understand or have not fully readpotential landlord asks for illegal personal information, think twice about filling out an application.
===Understand your agreement=Budgeting for rental housing==When searching for rental housing, it is important to calculate how much money you can afford to pay each month. Your basic rent is an obvious expense, but there are still other monthly and one-time expenses to consider.
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===Utilities===
===Guide dogs=Searching for rental housing==If you have an assistance animal covered by the [http://canlii.ca/t/842g ''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''.
===Breaking a leaseRental scams===
===If you get Viewing a new landlord=rental unit==
===Changing agreementsHow to make a good first impression===If your landlord gives you a new agreement when you are already living in a place, you don't have to sign it if you have a month-to-month tenancy or a lease that goes month-to-month at the end of the term of the lease. However, you would have to sign a new agreement if you have a fixed-term lease that ends on a certain date with the stipulation that you have to move out at the end of the term. It's best to avoid fixed-term agreements with a move out date because the landlord may change the terms or raise the rent if you want to sign a new agreement and stay.
===Security deposit and pet damage depositWhat to bring===
===Changing your mindWhat to ask===
===Application deposits=Personal information==
===Paying rentInformation landlords can ''always'' ask===
====When you pay rent====*Pay by cheque or money order if you Information landlords can.*The law requires that the landlord give you a receipt if you pay in cash, but you need to make sure you get it. If you pay cash and don't get a receipt, you have no proof that you paid rent to the landlord.*If the landlord won't sign a receipt, ask a friend or neighbour watch you count the money over to the landlord. They can be your witness if the landlord says you didnsometimes't pay.*Keep your receipts and cancelled cheques in a safe place. You might need them later.*If you refuse to move in because the place is dirty or needs repairs, you may lose your money. If you gave the landlord a security deposit of one half month's rent, you may have to pay more. The landlord can take you to dispute resolution to get the rent.ask===
===Always make sureExceptions===
==Legislation and links==