First-time landlords

It’s important to understand your rights and responsibilities as a landlord so that you have a positive renting experience. We encourage you to use the information provided on this website as a guide. Get started by learning about these key topics:

• Landlord rights
• Landlord responsibilities
• Tenant rights
• Tenant responsibilities
• The standard lease
• Inspections
• Security deposits
• Repairs, maintenance, and cleaning

Renting accommodations is a business, whether it's a room in a rooming house, a basement apartment, or multiple units in a large apartment complex. Become a successful landlord by:

• Developing relationships with your tenants, property managers and service providers
• Learning about the laws and responsibilities surrounding being a landlord
• Using sound business practices such as supplying accurate, up-to-date information to your tenants and responding to your tenants’ requests quickly

Thoroughly check prospective tenants before you rent. Establish a fair procedure for screening and be sure to follow it the same way with every potential tenant. Ask potential tenants to provide references from past or current landlords.

It is important to understand that the laws within the Residential Tenancies Act apply to you as soon as you choose to be a landlord of a residential rental unit.

The Residential Tenancies Act is the Act outlines the rights and obligations of landlords and tenants and other matters relating to residential rental agreements. To view the Act:

 The Residential Tenancies Act

The Human Rights Act offers protections to tenants and potential tenants: protection against denial of accommodation and protection against unfair terms and conditions of occupancy. To learn more:

Renting: no discrimination allowed

These tips will help you earn and keep the respect of your tenants:

• Screen all prospective tenants in the same way so that it is fair and transparent.
• Set reasonable rules. All rules should be clearly written down in the lease.
• Keep your property well-maintained and respond to repair requests quickly.
• Show your tenants respect and kindness and they will be more likely to do the same.
• Respect your tenants’ privacy. Don't enter the rental without good reason or without giving proper notice.
• Everyone wants to feel safe. Provide a secure rental property with adequate lighting.

Become a member of our e-Landlord program which offers additional online submissions giving you access to services 24-7 from the comfort of your home.

 e-Landlord service

If you have a problem with a tenant, there are steps you can follow and services available to help you solve it. To learn more:

Solve a problem