Whether you are looking to rent your first place or just moving into a new spot, there are a lot of unforeseen issues you may run into. Unfortunately, we don’t live in a perfect world so things don’t always go as planned.
If it’s issues with roommates, make sure you keep a open channel of communication, large problems that are avoided can lead to even larger issues. Odds are, most of the problems with roommates can be solved but you may run into problems with your landlord. To insure you are treated fairly, hop on a web browser and read up on your rights as a tenant.
Perhaps you fall in love with a place and overlook the place yourself but the landlord fails to inform you of minor damages that have occurred. Not all responsibility falls on the landlord but the landlord is responsible to keep rental units in safe, habitable condition and follow the health and housing laws.
If there is damage that your landlord refuses to repair or keeps putting off, a HRM by-law enforcer can be called to inspect it and then order the landlord to complete any necessary repairs.
Maybe you just got your dream job but you realize you are going to have to move before the lease is up so you decide to sub-let. Know that your landlord is not allowed to deny you the right to sub-let but they do have a say in who you select.
Even while sub-letting, a lot of responsibility still lies in your hands because sub-letting is implying that you are going to return to the rented unit before the lease is up. It would be a good idea to have the sub-letter sign a lease or provide money to cover the damage deposit. This will give you formal documentation to take to the Residential Tenancies Board if problems arise.
Also, know what is covered under your landlords homeowners insurance policy and what things would require renters insurance!