Nine tips for renters struggling in Vancouver's tough housing market
Credit to Author: Evan Duggan| Date: Thu, 28 Nov 2019 15:00:43 +0000
Finding a rental home in the Vancouver region can be a fraught experience full of disappointment.
While there may be some anecdotal softening of the rental market, given the arrival of new purpose-built rental homes and various interventions in housing policy by government, finding a rental home in the region has not yet become significantly easier, said Robert Patterson, a legal advocate for the Tenant Resource and Advisory Centre (TRAC).
“The market is still very competitive,” he said. “Especially for certain kinds of renters. So, people who have pets, people who may have children. Landlords aren’t supposed to discriminate against people for having children, and yet it can make things more difficult.”
Patterson shared nine tips to help prospective renters find their next rental home.
“Think realistically about what you’re going to need in a rental unit,” Patterson said. “What are the real limitations? What are your needs? And what are your wants?”
You don’t want to get locked into a tenancy agreement that doesn’t work for you.
While touring units and meeting landlords, make sure you’re well dressed and present yourself as a serious renter, he said. Bring a notepad and take notes to keep details straight and come with a list of questions you need answered — especially if you’re touring several units.
Once you’ve found the place you know you want and reach an agreement with the landlord, then pay a security deposit.
“Generally, as soon as you pay a security deposit, that usually is legally sufficient to create a tenancy,” Patterson said. But if you provide a deposit for a place you don’t end up taking, it’s unlikely you’ll get your deposit back.
It should raise an alarm if a landlord starts asking for additional fees, Patterson said. It’s illegal to request additional application fees, for instance.
If the landlord says they are only interested in renting to people of a certain race or sexual orientation, for example, then that’s not only illegal, it’s a sign they’re untrustworthy as a landlord, he said.
It’s up to you to know exactly what your rent will include. Be careful not to assume your base rent includes additional amenities like parking or storage, which could end up as additional costs. “That’s really important,” Patterson said.
Once you’ve found your home, make sure you arrange your moving vehicle and/or moving company, and set aside a budget and schedule for those arrangements. Also ensure your move-out date and move-in dates line up well.
Once your tenancy begins, your landlord is legally obligated to provide you with a printed copy of your lease agreement. “Read all of the terms of the tenancy agreement,” Patterson said. Know exactly what you’re agreeing to.
Always do a walk-through of the property before you move in any of your belongings. Your landlord is also legally required to provide a condition inspection report, Patterson said.
For extra protection, it’s a good idea to record a video walk-through on your phone to record any damage. That will help you to avoid disputes with the landlord at the end of your tenancy when it’s time to get your damage deposit.
If you are going to be living with one or more roommates, it’s wise to also draw up a separate roommate agreement. (TRAC has a template for these on their website.)
The agreement should cover issues like expenses, chores and how a tenancy should be ended, all of which can quickly become thorny issues if not properly tended, Patterson said.