Many apartment-seekers may not realize the nuances of staying in a rented property versus one that they own.
Many apartment-seekers may not realize the nuances of staying in a rented property versus one that they own. While purchasing a home may give you a lot of freedom on what you can do with it, renting one is also very convenient. Renting, however, has many obligations that you must adhere to during the period of your lease.
If you are staying in a rented property, you should know that you have the right to enjoy unencumbered access to your unit. That is, you should be able to enter and leave your apartment at any time during the period of your lease. You have the right to have uninterrupted basic utilities like heating, water, and electricity. You are also entitled to request for immediate repairs to ensure the unit remains inhabitable. To be able to enjoy all of these rights, of course, you must faithfully adhere to the terms and conditions of your contract.
Conversely, the landlord also has rights and responsibilities to ensure that tenants comply with the agreements of their lease. Owners have a duty to safeguard their tenants as well as protect the common interests of all those staying in their property. They must ensure tenants pay their rent on time, that they are not conducting illegal activities on the premises, and that they follow the communal house rules and guidelines. To uphold these conditions, they are entitled to enter individual units at any time, given a few circumstances.
In this article, you will find several facts regarding their right of entry and what should know as a tenant regarding these conditions:
If the owner intends to enter your unit, property management will notify you with a written letter through your mailbox, or any official message service you have designated during the contract agreement. They will indicate the reason that prompted them to schedule a visit, as well as alert you to any violations you may have.
Under Canadian law, even if you are not home, landlords do have the legal authority to access your rented property anytime from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM. They will only do so, however, after the 24-hour notice period. It may be a welcome arrangement if you need repairs and maintenance conducted. Among other reasons, landlords may access your unit to show it to potential mortgage lenders, insurers, or someone who will be interested in purchasing the property. You can avoid unnecessary inconveniences in your schedule by agreeing to a set time and date for your landlord to access the space.
If you have decided to end your lease, property management may begin marketing your unit to new potential renters. Once you are issued a termination notice, the landlord may schedule a viewing at his convenience. This benefits the landlord by minimizing the downtime between your egress and the ingress of a new occupant. You can prepare the unit by securing your valuables, or moving your belongings to your new apartment during this period.
Landlords have the right to access the unit provided they fall under the previously mentioned circumstances. As a tenant, you must know that you cannot stop the landlord from entering, especially if they are carrying out their duties in ensuring that the property is safe and habitable. If you would like to avoid being bothered by a visit, make sure that you have remained faithful to the conditions of your lease, and that you are not in danger of any violations. You can also pre-arrange the visit with property management so that the schedule works to your advantage.
All of these rules are only necessary for tenants who have grossly neglected their responsibilities. Generally, property managers and landlords would prefer to maintain a harmonious relationship with their tenants. They are more likely to want to discuss or negotiate on terms with you or your leasing agent rather than resort to these legal curing methods. If you keep a good relationship with your landlord, you will not need to worry about surprise visits from the owner.
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