The terms of a tenancy agreement can be changed by mutual agreement, but only up to a certain limit. For example, tenants and landlords are not allowed to change any of the standard terms, listed in the Schedule of the Residential Tenancy Regulation, or attempt to “contract out” of the Residential Tenancy Act.
If you and your landlord both want to change something related to your tenancy, feel free to amend your existing agreement. For example, you can cross out a term, write down the new one, add the date, and both initial the change. Alternatively, you can amend a tenancy agreement by signing an addendum that outlines the agreed-upon change. Either way, make sure you receive a copy of the revised tenancy agreement or new addendum, and take photos so you can back it up digitally.
Exceptions
The Residential Tenancy Act does list some exceptions to the rules about mutually changing terms in a tenancy agreement. For example, a landlord can raise the rent once per year by the allowable percentage, without the tenant’s permission.
Resources
- TRAC Webpage – Tenancy Agreements
- TRAC Webpage – Rent Increases
- TRAC Template Letter – Change to Tenancy Agreement
- RTA section 14(3) – Changes to tenancy agreement
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