Rental contracts & Calgary house rent: Know what's in your Calgary rental contract
"With this rental contract, I thee rent." Just as marriage vows are sealed with a marriage contract, an agreement over a Calgary house rent becomes binding and legal when the landlord and the tenant sign a rental contract. A rental contract, also known as a lease or tenancy agreement, is a legal document that spells out the rights and responsibilities of the landlord and the tenant pertaining to the Calgary house rent. Rental contracts help the tenant and landlord navigate the tricky terrain of getting a Calgary house rent by stating in specific terms what each party expects the other to do and not do.
Rental contracts protect the interests of the landlord and the tenant by ensuring both parties receive what's due them and fulfill their respective obligations. As a tenant who signs the rental contract, you are legally bound to abide by the terms of the lease as stated in the rental contract. Serious violations of the terms of the rental contract may constitute a breach of the rental contract. Therefore, it is strongly advised that you carefully review the terms of your rental contract before signing your name on the document.
Information stated in Calgary Alberta rental contracts concerning Calgary house rent
Rental contracts, whether they are for Calgary apartment rentals, Calgary homes for rent, or Calgary condos, should indicate the following basic information: the type of tenancy, the term of the lease, the rent and the items that may or may not be included in the rent, and the landlord's rules regarding rent increases, pets, and repairs.
Tenancy of a Calgary house rent may fall under one of two types: the fixed-term tenancy and the periodic tenancy. Rental contracts for a fixed-term tenancy begin and end on specific dates, which must be stated in the agreement. On the other hand, rental contracts for a periodic tenancy only indicate a start date; such rental contracts may be terminated by either the landlord or the tenant by giving prior notice. The standard term for a rental contract is 12 months, but may be extended as per you and your landlord's agreement. Rental contracts must specify the amount of Calgary rent and when it is due, which is typically on the first day of each month. With some Calgary house rent, the Calgary rent may include utilities such as heating, gas, electricity, and cable TV. Rental contracts should indicate whether or not utilities are included in the Calgary rent.
Calgary rent for fixed-tenancy rental contracts is fixed during the entire term of the lease, while Calgary rent under a periodic tenancy agreement may be raised by the landlord during the tenancy. Although there are no restrictions on the amount by which the landlord may increase the Calgary rent under a periodic tenancy agreement, the law specifies that the Calgary rent may be raised only to a maximum of two times a year. If you vacate the Calgary house rent before your rental contract is due to expire, you will be held responsible for any loss of Calgary rent to your landlord. Subletting offers a manageable solution to this rental contract quandary. When you sublet your Calgary house rent, you are having another person take over your existing lease. You must get the landlord's approval for the person you intend to sublet to. Repairs on Calgary house rent are primarily the landlord's responsibility, although there may be limits to what kinds of damage would fall under the landlord's obligations. Rental contracts should establish who would be responsible for any damage to the Calgary house rent, furniture, or appliances if such damage is caused by tenant action or behavior. If the landlord allows pets to live in the Calgary house rent, the rental contracts must include details of what pets are allowed.
Examining the rental contract for your Calgary house rent
Let the tenant beware: Rental contracts are legal and binding, therefore, you must give serious thought to the terms of the rental contract before signing it. In no way should the Calgary house rent rules infringe on tenant rights specified in the Residential Tenancies Act. The landlord is required by law to give the tenant a copy of the rental contract within 21 days after the tenant signs and returns the document to the landlord.
Go through each item in the rental contract carefully, and clear up any statement that may cause misunderstanding or ambiguity. If the rental contract allows increases in the Calgary rent, the rental contract must specify the date of the increase. Rental contracts must also include provisions for possible pre-termination of the lease. If some parts of the rental contract is unclear to you, ask a friend or a legal counselor to explain them to you. Sometimes, both you and the landlord may agree to change some provisions of the rental contract. When this happens, make sure changes and revisions to the rental contract are put in writing. You should not be coerced to sign the rental contract. Sign your name on the rental contract only after you have clearly understood the terms of the rental contract and if you are completely satisfied with them.