Finding a nice place to rent is a challenge. Especially in cities like Prince George where the rental market is competitive and choices are limited. It’s tempting to grab the first nice place that comes along without putting any research or forethought into the choice in a desperate attempt to secure the rental. But doing just a quick bit of digging and asking the right questions can help renters avoid problems down the road.
Here are a few common mistakes to avoid when renting:
Not knowing your rights as a tenant
The most important thing to research and understand before renting is your rights and responsibilities as a tenant. It may seem like a lot to unpack, especially if you are just looking for a nice place to rest your head at night, but there are a lot of great resources online that break down the info into digestible pieces. The Tenant Resource and Advisory Centre (TRAC) has published a free Tenant Survival Guide. It's easy to read and is intended to give tenants a basic understanding of residential tenancy law in British Columbia and what it means to them. They also offer a free online course called Renting it Right, designed to help first-time renters. The B.C. government also has a list of tips for landlords and renters which provides a lot of information and resources.
Rental contracts are not the most exciting things to read, but they're necessary if you're signing your name on it. (via Unsplash/Rawpixel)Renting sight unseen
This one is rather obvious, but something a lot of people do, especially if they are relocating to a new city and need to find a place quickly. Photos online might make the place look fantastic, but renters should first check that things like plumbing, electrical and appliances actually work. Tenants should also check for mould in bathrooms, around windows, in closets and under carpets. Renting sight unseen is a huge risk because a thorough inspection like this is simply not possible. Always make sure to visit the suite in person before signing a rental agreement.
Not taking pictures of the place before you move in
This is something that a lot of first-time renters simply overlook. While this is a good idea for both a landlord and tenant, renters should make sure they take their own photos to document the state of the suite upon moving in. If there is a disagreement regarding the damage deposit in the future, renters will have the evidence as to the condition of the suite when they moved in, as it is easy to lose track of what damage might have already been there, and what was caused by tenants.
Signing your rental agreement without thoroughly reading it
It is important that you understand what you are agreeing to before signing anything. While it’s tempting to gloss over the legalese in these type of documents, it’s important to read every word carefully. Tenants should also make sure they get a copy of the lease and store it in a safe place. It is important to have everything in writing. Tenants should also make sure they have their landlord's name, address and phone number and the contact information for any property managers.
Not getting tenant insurance
The landlord’s insurance policy doesn’t cover a tenant’s personal property, and depending on the circumstance, your landlord is not required to pay for your belongings. Floods, fires, water-line backups and thefts are threats to your personal property. Many insurance companies and banks offer tenant insurance, but not all provide the same coverage. This does enable you to shop around and pick a policy that is best for you at a price that works for you. However, if you decide that the extra cost of monthly tenant insurance is too high, be aware that you’re on your own should disaster strike your rental suite.
Not finding out if it’s an illegal suite
It may be a good deal, but is it legal? If a secondary suite is illegal, the suite may be shut down by the municipality. If this happens, the tenant could have to move with as little as one month's notice. In Prince George, secondary suites are only permitted in single-detached housing and only within certain zones. The City of Prince George has a Guide to Secondary Suites, which you can reference if you are unsure of a particular rental.
Not being aware of rental scams
Before you even begin your rental search it’s important to be aware of common rental scams. A good rule of thumb is to never send any money to a landlord you haven’t met. The RCMP provides information on common rental scams. The Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre also publishes a lot of information on new and reoccurring online scams.
Not trusting your gut
If something sounds too good to be true, it probably is. TRAC notes that is important to trust your instincts.
“Do trust your instincts — if your first meeting with a potential landlord is not good, it's likely you'll have problems with that person and should not rent from them.”
