Landlords in British Columbia have many rights and responsibilities. It’s important to be aware of the rules and regulations surrounding rental properties, as well as ways to protect yourself legally when it comes to renting out your property. Here are some tips for how you can protect yourself as a landlord in BC.
Know Your Rights and Responsibilities
The first step towards protecting yourself is being aware of all the rights and responsibilities that come with being a landlord in BC. You should be familiar with your tenancy agreement, ensure you are compliant with local bylaws, and know what you can and cannot do when it comes to your duties as a landlord. This includes knowing which repairs or maintenance tasks you are responsible for, understanding your tenant’s rights regarding rent increases, etc.
Screen Your Tenants Carefully
It’s important to thoroughly screen any potential tenants who are interested in renting your property. Ask for references from previous landlords, proof of income, credit checks, etc., so that you can get an idea of whether or not they will be reliable tenants who pay their rent on time and take care of the property while they are living there.
Keep Records & Document Everything
You should always keep records of all transactions related to the rental property—from tenant applications to rent payments to maintenance requests—so that you have evidence if any disputes arise. Be sure to document key events such as when your tenant moves into the unit or when repairs were completed; this will help protect you if any legal issues arise later on down the road.
Being a landlord in British Columbia requires understanding the laws that apply to rental properties and taking steps to protect yourself legally when renting out your property. Knowing your rights and responsibilities is key, as is carefully screening prospective tenants and keeping records of all transactions related to your rental unit. By taking these steps, landlords can help ensure that they stay on the right side of the law and minimize risk associated with renting out their property.
Landlords in BC have access to online training through our provincial government site. See: I Rent It Right for more information on this course.
When landlords need legal help in Southcentral BC, they turn to our attorneys at the Law Firm of Bell Jacoe & Company. Based in Summerland BC, we have served our clients since 1990. Our experienced lawyers provide help with real estate, wills and estate, powers of attorney, injury, divorce, general litigation, commercial law, and more.