Here is the list of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about rent:

• Do I have to pay all twelve months in advance?

No, you pay month by month. Usually the landlord will ask for the first month’s rent up front, when you sign the lease.

• Where and how do I have to pay my rent?

Some people pay cash face to face (you need to make sure to get a receipt) and some by cheques (your bank statement will serve as a receipt). The method of payment should be clearly stated on the lease.

• Can the landlord request post-dated cheques for rent payments?

Yes, landlords can. Most rental property companies request post-dates cheques written by the tenant for a date in the future. The cheques received by the landlord or the rental property companies cannot be cashed until that day.

• Does the tenant have a right to reasonably delay paying rent?

No, the tenant must pay on time on the first day of the month unless otherwise stated on the lease.

• Can a landlord charge a fee for the late of rent payment?

Yes, the landlord can charge $5.00 for one day late, and $2.00 for each additional day the rent is not paid up to a maximum of $75.00.

• Can a landlord charge a fee if a tenant’s rent cheque is returned because of non-sufficient funds (N.S.F) in the tenant’s account?

If a rent cheque is returned N.S.F., a landlord may charge a fee not greater than $25.00.

• Can a landlord increase rent anytime?

No, a landlord cannot increase the rent during any fixed term rental agreement, or during the first 12 months of a weekly of monthly rental agreement. Also, the landlord cannot increase the rent more than once in a 12 month period thereafter.

• What do I do when I receive a rent increase notice?

When you received a rent increase notice, you must let the landlord know that you agree to the increase or not.

• Can a landlord increase rent by giving a verbal notice to me?

No, a landlord must give the tenant a written notice 3 months in advance to increase the rent. The notice of increase must be signed by the landlord, identify the rental unit and state the amount of the increase.