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Tenancy Application Forms
Landlords may wish to have prospective tenants fill out an application form. However, they must not charge anything for accepting an application form, processing the application, investigating the applicant’s suitability as a tenant or accepting the applicant as a tenant.
Requesting a Security Deposit
It is important to keep in mind that the amount of a security deposit cannot exceed the equivalent of one half (½) of one month’s rent payable under the tenancy agreement. In case of overpay, the tenant may deduct the difference from their rent or may otherwise seek recovery. Any agreement whereby the landlord automatically keeps all or part of the security deposit at the end of the tenancy is unenforceable.
Pet Policies for Landlords and Tenants
Landlords have the right to impose restrictions on the size, type, or number of pets that tenants can keep, or they may choose to prohibit pets altogether. This right is granted unless the pet is recognized as a guide or service dog. Additionally, landlords may establish specific rules regarding pet ownership within the rental unit.
Pet Damage Deposit Requirements
If a landlord permits pets, they may require a pet damage deposit from the tenant. This deposit can be requested either at the start of the tenancy or, if the tenant acquires a pet during the lease, when the landlord grants permission for the pet to stay on the property. It is important to note that landlords cannot require more than one pet deposit, irrespective of the number of pets the tenant is allowed to keep.
If a condition inspection was not conducted at move-in, and the landlord permits the tenant to have a pet after the tenancy has begun, both the landlord and tenant must inspect the rental unit’s condition.
Maximum Pet Damage Deposit Allowance
Similar to a security deposit, the pet damage deposit cannot exceed the equivalent of half (½) of one month’s rent as stated in the tenancy agreement. If the tenant overpays, they may deduct the excess amount from their rent or seek recovery by other means. Any clause in the rental agreement that permits the landlord to automatically retain all or part of the pet deposit at the end of the tenancy is considered unenforceable.