Being informed of your rights as an owner is important when renting a property. On the education page you will find information helping you understand renting in British Columbia.

You own a property and want to rent it, What do you do now? The process of renting a property can be complicated and time consuming. There are three stages to renting a property: before the tenancy, during the tenancy and the end of a tenancy and each stage has different challenges.  On this page you will find important information about managing each stage of the tenancy.   

The first stage is the tenant placement process, which is the most important part. Before searching for a tenant, Landlords should ensure the property is ready for rent, repairs are completed and all items in the property are working. Selecting a quality tenant is critical to having a successful tenancy. During the tenant placement process landlords can help eliminate many issues by performing due diligence and not rushing the process. Taking time in the beginning conducting work, personal reference and credit checks tell an important story about potential tenants. Rushing through this process can result in a placement that is not suitable for your rental property. Having said that, all the best intentions can still result in a tenant that is not a positive experience.

After you find a tenant, the rental process hasn’t stopped, but has moved to the second stage of managing the property and tenant. Payment of rent doesn’t always indicate a successful tenancy. After a tenant moves in many factors can change to impact the tenancy. It is important to reviewing the situation to ensure the tenancy is meeting your expectations. 

Stage three is ending the tenancy which has multiple steps, usually beginning with a tenant’s notice to vacate. A notice to vacate triggers the need to begin a new tenant placement process. It is imperative to inspect the unit with the tenant upon vacating the premises ensuring no damage has occurred, securing the premises and identifing needs for repair or upgrade before entering a new tenancy. Failing to complete the condition inspection report by either party delays the process of ending the tenancy.  A landlord who doesn’t have the experience or knowledge for ending a tenancy can find themselves paying a former tenant more than expected.