When you move into your new apartment you may want to revive your rooms with a fresh coat of paint. Even if it is just a coat of crisp white paint, it can make your apartment look brighter and new. Depending on the current conditions of the walls when you move in, your landlord may take on the responsibility of […]

By now, you know there are a lot of questions to answer when planning a household move. This article will help you answer the question of whether you should move yourself or hire the services of a professional mover. Like most questions of a personal nature, the answer will vary tremendously from one person to the next based on a […]

Land Transfer Taxes (LTT) are provincial taxes levied on the exchange of real estate, and are the responsibility of the purchaser. Usually the LTT is a percentage of the property value.  All provinces have a land transfer tax except Alberta and Saskatchewan (who instead levy a much smaller fee). Note that Ontario, Toronto, B.C. and PEI there are LTT rebates […]

You thought about Hydro, but what about Fido? You are on top of your move! Change of addresses sent, utilities notified, truck rented. But what about your furry sidekick? (or scaly, or slippery, or feathered?) By now, you’ve already checked the municipal by-laws, as well as any apartment / condo rules, to ensure your pet will be welcomed in your new home, […]

Leases are a binding contract between a tenant and a landlord and breaking a lease is a breach of this contract. Despite this breach, you may find yourself with a valid reason for needing to break your lease – such as moving to another city. If you are in this situation, we want to help you try to avoid – […]

Do I need to sign a lease or tenancy agreement? No. However, if a written lease exists, it must include elements of a prescribed lease outlined in the regulations. Without a lease, the landlord-tenant relationship is still guided by the standard terms of the prescribed lease. A written-agreement form is available online by the Government of Nova Scotia: http://www.gov.ns.ca/snsmr/pdf/ans-residential-tenancies-standard-form-lease.pdf Types […]

Do I need to sign a lease or tenancy agreement? No. A tenancy agreement may be written, verbal, or implied. A written tenancy agreement is recommended, but the law does not require it. Most landlords use written agreements. Types of rental periods, which determine how long you can stay in the apartment: Periodic Lease: the rental period can relate to […]

If you are leaving home for the first time to go to school, you might be trying to decide if living in the school’s residence is for you or if you are going to look for an apartment. There are some significant differences that you should consider before making the choice that is right for you. Here are the main advantages and disadvantages of life in residence vs having an apartment.

Do I need to sign a lease or tenancy agreement? This depends on the choice of rental period, which can be periodic, fixed, or any other term. Periodic lease: one is not required to sign a lease or tenancy agreement. A fixed term lease of more than 3 months: must be in writing. If the rental agreement is written, the […]

Do I need to sign a lease or tenancy agreement? No.  However, if you (the tenant) choose to present a signed agreement to the landlord, he or she must sign it and return it within 21 days.  The 21-day period begins when you sign the agreement, and you may withhold payment until the agreement is signed and returned to you. […]