Many people confuse the terms “renter” and “rentee” owing to their similar nomenclature. A renter is someone who pays the mortgage to have something else, such as a house, whereas a rentee is a technical term for anyone who rents. In reality, relocating can be expensive. If you are about to rent a property, it is essential to know your rights and responsibilities as a renter.
You can choose the best accommodation per your requirement if you have adequate information about renting a property in Canada.
But, it is important to select a suitable and safe rental property to avoid incurring additional costs. In other words, insurance coverage can help prevent renter vs rentee altercations from occurring, and help protect your valuables.
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Renters and Insurance Coverage
When it comes to the rentee vs renter relationship, both parties need to follow certain rules set by their provinces. Each province has its rental legislation; in Alberta, for example, the Residential Tenancies Act applies.
The renter is backed by renters insurance. Under many circumstances, a landlord’s insurance simply covers the structure. The tenant might even have to incur the additional burden of damage to their personal belongings if they do not have renters insurance.
Renters insurance can help you repair your property in a range of methods after it has been damaged or stolen. It could also give coverage in the event of an accident at your home. The annual premiums for most policies are minimal. Here are some additional benefits of insurance coverage for renters:
- It is inexpensive.
- It can cover personal property losses.
- It also ensures liability coverage.
- It also provides extra living expenditure.
The Rentee and Their Laws
The owner of the house or building where you live is your rentee (also referred to as a landlord). However, a property manager or superintendent may collect rent and administer the building if you rent in a large facility, such as a condo or apartment complex in the country.
Once you’ve found your new living space, you need to sign a lease with your landlord. You can reside in a home for which you pay rent if you have a lease. When you sign the papers, you provide the landlord with your information. Signing a lease authorizes the landlord to collect personal information and use it solely to rent the property.
The landlords are subject to the country’s Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA). It is a federal privacy law that governs Canada’s private sector. Most of the leases include the name of the renter, contact number, rental period, the due date of rent, monthly rent, and so on.
Apart from signing a lease, a rentee (landlord) can ask you some important questions like:
- Where do you work, and how much do you earn in a month?
- The name of your previous landlords for additional references.
- Do you have any pets?
- How many members will live in the house?
- Sometimes, the rentee can also ask for a credit check
Responsibilities of the Renter (Tenant)
It is also essential to know the responsibilities of the renter. However, these responsibilities may differ in several provinces and territories. As a renter, you should obey the laws and rules of lease or tenancy agreement.
The primary responsibility of a renter is to pay full rent on time. It is also important to inform your landlord if you are not able to pay rent on time. If you fail to pay rent on time, it may lead to eviction. In such a case, the landlord can take legal action against you.
It is your responsibility to keep the property clean and in good condition. You need to maintain cleanliness and hygiene while on the property. If there are any damages or leaks before moving in, don’t forget to notify your landlord. This will help the landlord repair these damages on time.
Another important thing is to vacate the property after the completion of the lease. Make sure to inform your landlord by providing notice when lease termination is near, and you do not want to renew the same. Even if you do want to renew the agreement, make sure you communicate your intent to the landlord within a reasonable time.
Here are some things that a renter or tenant can’t do without the landlord’s prior permission:
- Renovate the house/property.
- Change the locks
- Assign the lease to another party
Responsibilities of the Landlord (Rentee)
Along with the renter, the landlord also has numerous responsibilities. The most common responsibilities are collecting rent, providing receipts of rent and lease copy, keeping the property in a good shape, etc.
Also, the landlord has to provide all essential facilities to the tenant – supplying cold and hot water, electricity, kitchen appliances, electrical fixtures, and other essential utilities. Here are some additional responsibilities of the landlord:
- Ensure that the property adheres to safety guidelines.
- Ensure the house’s safety from household pests such as mice, cockroaches, silverfish, etc.
- In the situation of non-payment of rent, the landlord can accompany the legal procedure.
- Ensure the maintenance of some common areas such as yards and hallways.
Rights for Increasing in Rent as a Renter
The landlord can increase the rent only when the lease period is over, and the agreement is due for renewal. This can be done under the rental increase guidelines within the province. The renter is authorized to get notice 90 days prior to the rent increase.
However, a landlord may increase the rent during the lease term by applying to the board. This situation can happen if there is an increment in taxes, utilities, and other operating costs.
Endnote
We hope this article has helped you understand the difference between rentee vs renter.
While looking for a rental home, you’ll notice that some postings are straightforward while others are not. Hence, make sure to collect all the necessary details. You must learn about your responsibilities and rights as a renter, as well as the landlords. If you are thinking of renting a property in Canada, ensure to know the Canadian laws and Residential Tenancies Act. If you are stuck, it pays to take the advice of an experienced insurance professional.