Check the rental agreement
Question & Answer
How much rent can a landlord charge?If you are renting a new place, make sure the written rental agreement lists what’s included in your rent. For example:
- energy, such as electricity or gas
- cable
- parking
- locker or storage space
- laundry room
- gym
- cleaning services
Before you sign, make sure the written agreement accurately says what you and the landlord are agreeing to.
It is usually best to have a written agreement. But if there is no written agreement, speak to your landlord to make sure you both have the same understanding of what you are agreeing to and what is included in your rent.
If you are renting in a , for example, a , there must be a written rental agreement that lists the costs of any services not included in your rent. And the landlord must give you an information package before you sign a rental agreement.
Standard Lease
Most landlords have to use the government’s standard lease form if the was signed on or after April 30, 2018. If your landlord won’t give you a standard lease, there may be steps you can take.
On the standard lease form, make sure that sections 2, 5, and 6 correctly show what is and isn’t included in your rent.
