Yeah well...
I spent quite a bit of time yesterday corresponding with a concerned tenant - not my tenant. He was wondering about landlord's right to enter a rented property.
Property Rentals are guided by the BC Rental Tenancy Act. The Act is designed to protect the interests of both the owner/landlord and the tenant, in a balanced and unbiased manner.
Big White is a little unusual, rental periods seldom last longer than 6 months for seasonal staff and (and this is a big and) seasonal staff have a reputation for being hard on property, noisy, disrespectful, late paying, leaving early... etc. etc.
Most are great, but... One person can create a lot of damage so landlords are sensitive and try to protect themselves.
So for tenants-
- Try and ensure all expectations are managed from the beginning.
- Find out what the landlords expectations are regarding access.*
- Always ask for receipt of payment or pay electronically.
- Ask where the damage deposit is held - a reputable company will hold it in a separate account.
- Do a walkthrough with the landlord - take pics and point out any damages. Follow up with an email to your landlord noting the damage and including the pics.
- Ask for a inventory list, check it.
- Ask for a contact number for emergencies.
- Stay in contact with your landlord.
- Inform him of any issues.
- Inform him/her if you have friends coming to stay - this is a courtesy.
- Respect the Property
- Don't create friction with neighbours
- Don't have parties every night.
- Don't be continuously noisy.
- Don't have a mess outside the property.
- Don't damage the property.
- Return the property in the condition you rented it - cleaned.
- Don't leave all the heaters on, fireplace on, fridge open and all the windows open.
- Respect the agreement.
- Pay your rent on time - don't wait for the landlord to ask. His/her mortgage gets paid regardless, his strata fees, his utilities etc etc.
- Don't have 8 people in a place designed and agreed for four.
Wear and tear is expected, items break down, your landlord should replace or repair broken appliances. If the 12 year old fridge stops working - it is probably not your fault... unless you chucked it off the balcony.
If you follow these guidelines you should have few problems.
*Note: It is illegal for a landlord to enter a property without 30 days max to 24 hours minimum notice. Notifying any of the tenants counts as notice, access written into the agreement on specific periods is notice.
Sólido Properties Ltd owns, manages, rents and operates property at Big White Ski Resort.
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