Frequently Asked Questions
1. What do I require to rent a property?
At Residential Leasing Group Inc., we require you to fill out and sign an application with the terms of the lease, and provide a cheque in the amount of the security deposit made out to our brokerage. The signed application gives us permission to perform a credit check and follow up with your employer and previous landlords. Once the application is approved, you are informed, your cheque is placed in the “In Trust” account, all advertising for the property is stopped, and it is agreed by both parties that the security deposit will be forfeited if you for any reason fail to occupy the premises.
2. What information do I require to apply for a property?
You will be asked to complete an application, which requires your name, date of birth and year, social insurance number, present address and contact phone numbers and email.
As well, you will be asked to supply previous landlord name(s) and contact number(s), current employer or supervisor name and contact information, bank information and vehicle information.
If you are moving from outside of Canada, you will be asked for a letter from your company confirming that you are employed by them and stating your start date.
The application is kept with your file under lock until the end of your lease term. We have an annual shred schedule and have secure storage for all confidential information on our premises.
3. What lease do you use?
We use a standard lease prepared by lawyers reflecting the rights of both tenants and owners as stipulated in the Real Estate Act.
4. What is a “fixed term” lease?
The landlord and tenant agree to a specific number of months or years and specific rental rates so the tenancy agreement has a specific start and lease end date.
5. How much can a landlord charge for a security deposit?
The Residential Tenancies Act limits the maximum amount a landlord may ask for as a security deposit to no more than the equivalent of one month's rent at the time the tenancy starts. The security deposit cannot be increased as rent increases.
6. Do I receive interest on my security deposit?
Yes, depending on bank rates. You can check the interest paid on security deposits at the official Alberta website at http://www.servicealberta.gov.ab.ca/1033.cfm
7. How do I get my security deposit back?
You have the right to get the full amount of your security deposit back, plus interest, within 10 days of moving out if you have done no damage beyond normal wear and tear, if the premises have been properly cleaned, and if no rent is owed. Otherwise the landlord can keep part or all of your security deposit to cover the costs of damage repair, cleaning or rent owed.
8. When can a landlord enter the premises I am renting?
If a tenant has given the landlord consent, either verbally or in writing, the landlord may enter the premises at any time. No notice is required.
The landlord may enter the residential premises without permission only if the landlord has given the tenant a written notice at least 24 hours before the time of entry. The notice has to be in writing, be signed by the landlord or agent and state the reason, date and time of entry.
The landlord can give notice to enter to do repairs or to inspect the state of repair of the premises, take necessary steps to control pests, show the premises to prospective purchasers or mortgagees, show the premises to prospective tenants after the landlord or tenant has given notice to end a tenancy or in the final month of a fixed-term tenancy.
The tenant does not have to be present when the landlord enters the premises since the landlord has the right to enter as long as proper notice has been provided.
The landlord may enter the premises without permission and without giving proper notice to the tenant if the landlord has reason to believe there is an emergency or when the landlord has reason to believe that the tenant has abandoned the premises.
9. Why should I use a licensed brokerage?
For your own protection, check to establish you are dealing with a reputable source for your rental. In Alberta, any person or company that provides property management services on behalf of another must be authorized by the Real Estate Council of Alberta (RECA) unless an exemption from the requirements of the Real Estate Act exists.
The legal entity or company through which property management services are provided is known as a real estate brokerage. Each brokerage has a registered broker, an individual who has specific responsibilities including ensuring adequate supervision of associate brokers and associates, proper management and control of documents and proper maintenance of trust accounts. Yearly industry audits of trust accounts ensure your money is protected.
To ensure that you are dealing with a licensed brokerage and licensed associates check the Real Estate Council of Alberta website at www.reca.ca. For instance, search the brokerage “Residential Leasing Group Inc.” or our broker “Ron Adam” or any of our licensed associates and you would see we have the “green light” go ahead from RECA.
10. What is the purpose of Real Estate Council of Alberta (RECA)?
Established in 1995, The Real Estate Council of Alberta (RECA) is an independent, non-government agency, responsible for regulating real estate, property management and the related industries of mortgage brokers and appraisal professionals. RECA is mandated to protect consumers and to provide services that enhance and improve the industry and the business of industry members.
If you have any questions that we haven't answered here, feel free to contact us.