Simply having a tenancy agreement can encourage effective communication between tenants and landlords. By signing a contract that clearly outlines the rules and expectations for the tenancy, as well as the standard terms required by law, you and your landlord can improve your chances of maintaining a stable and problem-free tenancy.
While verbal tenancies are covered by the Residential Tenancy Act, it is still safest to have a written agreement with your landlord. If your landlord ever tries to change the terms of your tenancy, it may be difficult to prove what was originally agreed to without a copy of your agreement. If you currently have a verbal tenancy, you can suggest to your landlord that you both sign the Residential Tenancy Branch’s standard agreement.
Tenancy agreements is a topic that was covered in greater detail in Renting It Right: Finding a Home. If you have not yet taken that course, you may want to review that section before moving on – especially if you are currently searching for housing and could be signing an agreement in the near future.
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