Applying for an Apartment |
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When you apply for an apartment, the landlord may ask you for references, information about past landlords, permission to do a credit check, and for a co-signer. Have information about your rental history and income ready, and contacts for references. If you get the apartment, the landlord may ask you to pay last month's rent up front and to sign a lease.
Many landlords now ask for a deposit when people fill in the application for an apartment. If you get the apartment, the deposit becomes part of your payment for first month's or last month's rent. If you do not get the apartment, the landlord must return the deposit.
If a landlord asks you for a deposit when you apply for an apartment, make sure you get a receipt, and ask for your deposit back right away if you do not get the apartment. If you have trouble getting your deposit back, contact the Legal Centre.
Do a careful walk-through of the apartment, and ask about any repairs before you sign a lease. Make a list of any damages, have the landlord initial it and attach the list to the lease.
Last Month's Rent |
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Your landlord can ask you to pay last month's rent before you move in. Make sure you get a receipt for your last month's rent and ask your landlord for a rent receipt each month. Your landlord must supply a receipt for any rent payment, rent deposit, or other charge, if you ask for one.
Your landlord cannot require you to pay illegal deposits. Check with the Legal Centre if you think you have paid an illegal deposit or charge.
If your rent increases in the future, your landlord may ask you to pay more for your last month’s rent deposit, so it matches your new rent. Your landlord must pay you interest each year on your last month’s rent deposit. The province sets the amount of interest each year. For 2008, the interest rate is 1.4%.
If you do not have enough money for last month's rent, you can try to make payment arrangements with the landlord. If the landlord won’t accept payment arrangements, you may be able to get assistance through one of the following sources:
If you are on Ontario Works or ODSP, you may be eligible for the Community Start Up and Maintenance Benefit (CSUMB), or for Discretionary Benefits. If you receive Ontario Works, ask your worker about the Community Start Up and Discretionary Benefits. If you receive ODSP, ask your worker about Community Start up. If you don't have any Community Start Up left, you can call Ontario Works to ask about Discretionary Benefits. If you have used up all your benefits, you may be eligible for some help with last month's rent from the Housing Resource Centre.
If you are not on social assistance, you may be eligible for assistance through Ontario Works Emergency Assistance or the National Child Benefit Fund, or through the Housing Resource Centre.
See the Emergency Assistance section for more information.
Utilities and Security Deposits |
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Before you rent a new place, call Peterborough Utilities Services, Hydro One or Enbridge to find out the average monthly cost of hydro or gas. We see many people who can afford their rent but can't afford their utilities. Call before you rent: make sure you don't get a shock when you open your first bill.
Under Ontario Energy Board (OEB) regulations, hydro companies are allowed to charge consumers a security deposit equal to 2.5 times the average monthly consumption over the past year. If the average monthly hydro bill for your home was $150, the hydro company can charge you a deposit of $375.
Hydro companies may charge a deposit; they do not have to do so. Companies must return your deposit to you if you maintain a good payment history for 12months (no hand-delivered notices, NSF payments or house visits).
Natural gas companies may charge security deposists as well. The Ontario Energy Board does not regulate these deposits.
You may be charged a deposit if you are a new customer, or if you do not maintain a good payment history. According to OEB guidelines, hydro companies must allow you to pay your deposit over a minimum of four months if you ask them. However, you can be charged the deposit in full if you don't meet the payment arrangements for these installments.
Companies must return your deposit to you if you maintain a good payment history for 12 months (no hand-delivered notices, NSF payments or house visits). Natural gas companies may charge security deposits as well. The Ontario Energy Board does not regulate these deposits.
Contact the Peterborough Community Legal Centre, or go to CLEO or ACTO for more information on tenants’ rights and responsibilities.
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