What are the important criteria used to qualify for renting a home?

Generally, we consider the following factors:

• Satisfactory credit history

• No past rental evictions

• Established history of credit since a past bankruptcy

• Employment verification

• Present and former landlord references

All properties are offered subject to the Tenancy Act which makes it illegal to advertise any preference, limitation, or discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, country of national origin, handicap, or familial status.

Can I rent a home if I have bad credit?

Under certain circumstances, we may consider you as a tenant if you have had recent hardships but are still able to prove that you can pay your rent on time.

How should I make my monthly payment?

Rents are due at our office on the first of each month. The office is located at the back southwest corner of the building at 237 College Ave. East, and is open Monday to Friday 9:00 to 5:00….OR you can drop off a cheque or money order into our safety deposit slot during non-business hours at that same location.

How much does it cost to move into a rental home?

First month’s rent, plus a security deposit equal to one full month’s rent. We may consider a payment plan regarding the security deposit, depending on the situation. Just ask us!

We will not be moving for a few months, so how can I learn what homes will be available in the future?

Tenants are required to give one calendar's month's notice of their intentions to move, so we seldom know beyond a month in advance which specific homes are going to be available for rent. You may want to bookmark our site and visit often as the time gets closer for you to select a rental home.

There are some homes that I want to see. How do I arrange to see them?

Many homes are occupied and appointments will be needed to see the inside of the property. You may drive by the property however, the current occupant is advised not to allow any prospective tenant access to their home without an appointment being made by our leasing staff.

Which utilities and other costs am I responsible for?

Usually when you rent a home, you are responsible for the power, heat energy and water (and do the landscaping). When renting a suite (apartment, duplex, or 4-plex), usually all of the above is either included or you pay just the power. All tenants pay their own cable, telephone, and personal possessions insurance.

Are you flexible on when the rent is due?

Unfortunately, we cannot accommodate late rent payments. Just like any other business, we rely on cash flow to stay in business and help provide you with a home.

What if I can’t make the rent payment on time?

Our lease agreements allow a 5 day grace period beyond the first of the month. If you do not believe you’ll have enough to pay the rent within the 5 day grace period, you should contact friends or family to arrange for a loan. Also, we cannot accept partial payments. You must contact the office to make arrangements on the 1st of the month and there will be a late fee charge.

What if I want to move out?

Consult your lease for instructions. Generally, you must provide a written notice at least one calender month notice in advance. If you decide to move out before your initial one year lease is fulfilled, you will still be responsible for all rents to fulfill your one year obligation.

Will I get my deposit back when I move out?

Yes, as long as the house is in the same condition as when you leased it, except for normal wear. We will refund your deposit within 7 business days of your last paid day of rent.

Do I need to clean the house when I move out?

Yes, we expect you to leave the house in the same condition you leased it.

What if I have a problem with a neighbor?

Just like any tenant or homeowner in the community, you will be responsible for handling situations that are not our responsibility.

The web page says “no pets.” How can I find out if you will reconsider your rules?

At the time of submitting an application for tenancy, you may request any exception that you want the owner to consider. Sometimes, but not always, we may reconsider our requirements after reviewing your pet’s verifiable history, and we may increase the rental rate for each additional pet. Pet restrictions do not apply to assistive living animals.

What other pet policies are there?

We will not approve an occupancy for the following breeds of dogs:

• Rottweilers

• Pit-bulls

• Dobermans

• Chows

You will be required to sign a statement attesting to the fact that your pet has no history nor any known incident of showing a threatening posture towards people.

Are all rental agreements alike?

No. The two most common kinds of rental agreements are “lease” and “month-to-month.”

A lease is for a definite period of time, generally six months to one year. Unless you break the terms of the lease, we cannot raise your rent unless the lease says otherwise. We also cannot ask you to move until the lease is up.

A month-to-month rental agreement is not for a set period of time. It continues until you decide to move or we ask you to leave. If you pay your rent monthly, you must give us one calendar month written notice that you are moving. If we want you to leave or decide to raise your rent, we must inform you, in writing with the proper notice, one calendar month ahead of time. However, you and Regency Property Management may agree in writing to a shorter notice. Moreover, if you break the rules, perhaps by using the home for illegal purposes or creating a nuisance, we can give you a three day notice to vacate.

Should I get renter’s insurance?

YES! You are not covered for losses to your personal property as a result of fire, theft or most other risks by the landlord’s insurance.

What happens when my lease runs out?

Read your lease carefully. It will say what you must do. Generally if you have a one-year lease, but no automatic-renewal clause and we accept your rent after the lease is up, the agreement is automatically renewed, but only on a month-to-month basis.

Who should make repairs in my home?

You should, if you, your family or a friend cause the damage. For example, if your child cracks a window, you must replace the glass. Or, you can ask us to make the repair but you must be prepared to pay for it.

The best time to ask for repairs or improvements is before you move in, but after the lease is signed. Walk through the home with the manager and ask to have certain things fixed.

Can Regency Property Management come into my home without asking me?

Yes, but only in emergencies. For example, perhaps water overflows a bathtub in the apartment above yours. We can check your apartment for water damage, even if you are not at home. If you plan to move, we have the right to show the apartment or house to other people with 2 hours notice, as per the Residential Tenancies Act.

We can enter your apartment or house for certain other reasons, too, but only after giving you a 24-hour notice and only during normal business hours. For example, if you plan to move, we have a right to show the apartment or house to other people. Or, we might want to bring in an electrician to check the wiring.

What are Regency Property Management and Real Estate’s rights?

We have a right to expect you to follow the rules of your rental agreement. For example, you certainly should pay your rent on time and keep the house clean and in good condition. You should also respect the rights of your neighbors. In return, we will respect your rights and provide your family with a great home.

What are my rights?

You have the right to a decent place to live for the rent you pay. The law says that your home must be livable. If the home is not livable through no fault of your own, you can move.

According to the law, for a place to be unlivable or “untenantable,” the problem must be substantial and may involve a lack of:

• Acceptable Heat

• Waterproofing and weather proofing such as unbroken windows

• Plumbing that is in good working order

• Enough hot and cold running water to bathe and clean

• Electrical lighting that is in good working order

• Clean grounds and building, without a build-up of trash, at the time you move in

• Floors, stairs and railings that are in good repair

Do you have customer service?

Of course! Our friendly and knowledgeable customer services reps are available to answer your questions 24/7/365.