Ask a Lawyer: Landlord/Tenant Law

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Payment before lease agreement

Alex (Edmonton)

Hello. A potential landlord is asking for first month's rent to be submitted via e-transfer along with my application to be a tenant. Is there any law to protect me if the landlord tries to keep my money after declining my application ?

0 8 months ago

Andrew Green (Fort McMurray)

The landlord cannot charge fees for applications. It sounds like this might be what is happening here. A damage deposit is not required if there is no lease or agreement to rent.

Of course, this doesn't help much in a tight rental market. By not providing the deposit, you will likely not be offered a lease. However, you can discuss this with the landlord or make a complaint to consumer affairs about the landlord:
https://www.alberta.ca/file-consumer-complaint

Further details about any agreement the landlord has around the application process or if you signed a lease it could be allowed. That would need to be reviewed.


0 7 months ago

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