What are the tenant's rights and responsibilities throughout the lease?

When you sign a lease agreement with the landlord, you are ratifying a legally binding contract in which both parties (landlord and occupant) agree to certain terms. When you rent a space, what are your responsibilities? Don't forget to find out what your rights are so that you can assert them if you feel you are not getting the full benefit of them.

Don't be late with your payments

The most important thing you can do as a tenant is to never miss a payment. As stated in the rental agreement, monthly rent payments are mandatory. Landlords may also ask for a security deposit in addition to the first month's rent, to account for any back rent or damage costs. The maximum allowed is three months' rent. There are several ways to pay for a rental guarantee, but you must present it no later than the day of signing (bank guarantee, government assistance, rental guarantee insurance, etc.).

Then, each month, you will have to pay both the rent and the related expenses. Only expenses incurred "for you", such as utilities, repairs to technical equipment, replacement of filters, landscaping, general maintenance, can be passed on to the charges. Charges can be paid either as a lump sum or as a percentage of the total cost. It is entirely possible to change the procedure during the course of the lease.

Renting: Having a place to live

Stocking up on furniture and equipment when you register! When you move into your new home, if you notice any serious problems that will prevent you from living there comfortably, you must inform your landlord immediately. Your landlord has an obligation to provide you with a safe and healthy place to call home.

If you do not feel safe in your home, you have the right to ask for repairs so you can live there again.

Tenants are responsible for making small repairs and informing the landlord of larger problems

During the term of your lease, you are responsible for routine maintenance and any minor repairs that may occur to the property. You cannot convert a residential property to a commercial property, for example, without breaking the lease. However, some light decorating is allowed as long as the unit is returned to the same condition as when you moved in.

You are required to inform the landlord as soon as you become aware of a situation that is not within your control. Landlords are responsible for coordinating repair services and dealing with serious problems that arise (except in special cases, such as when deterioration is due to poor maintenance). If you do not report problems to your landlord, he or she may accuse you of being negligent.

Finally, don't forget that from the moment you move into your new apartment, it is your responsibility to systematically take out rental risk insurance. In the event of a lawsuit, forgetting something crucial could cost you dearly. Remember, even minor damage will require an explanation and major damage will result in a deduction from the security deposit for the duration of the lease.