Using the Right Forms & Notices The Right Way

As a landlord, one of the most important aspects of renting out your property is ensuring that you use the proper legal leasing forms and notices. While it may seem like a hassle or an unnecessary step, using the correct forms and notices is critical to protecting yourself, your property and your tenants. In this article, we’ll discuss why it’s so important to use the right forms and notices, and how to do so effectively.

First and foremost, using the proper legal leasing forms and notices is essential for ensuring that your lease agreement is legally binding and enforceable.

In Alberta, there are specific forms and notices that are required by law for residential tenancies, such as the Inspection Report and a variety of notices.  While a Residential Tenancy Agreement can be in a written or oral (verbal) format, or implied, it is always better to use a written tenancy agreement. This written agreement clearly describes  the terms and conditions of the tenancy, including the rent amount, the duration of the tenancy and the responsibilities of both the landlord and the tenant.

If you fail to use the proper legal leasing forms and notices, your lease agreement or certain parts of it may be deemed invalid or unenforceable, making it very difficult for you to successfully take action against your tenant if they fail to fulfill their obligations. This can result in lost income, damage to your property and even legal trouble, including increasing costs.

Using the proper notices ensures that you’re not having to re-issue a notice, especially when you’re responding to something time sensitive.

In addition to protecting yourself and your property, using the proper legal leasing forms and notices is also important for protecting your tenant’s rights. For example, the Residential Tenancies Act of Alberta (RTA) includes provisions that protect tenants from unfair rent increases, eviction without cause and discrimination based on factors such as race, religion or gender. By using the proper forms, you can ensure that you are adhering to these regulations and treating your tenants fairly. Ensure your business and you personally are protected every step of the way.

So, how can you ensure that you are using the right forms and notices in the right way? First, it’s important to familiarize yourself with the regulations governing residential tenancies in Alberta. The RTA outlines the rules and procedures that landlords must follow when renting out their properties, including the use of specific forms and notices.

Next, you’ll want to ensure that you are using the most up-to-date forms and notices. The Calgary Residential Rental Association carries all the leasing forms and notices required by the RTA in paper copies, and CRRA Members receive exclusive access to digital forms; we ensure the forms and notices carried in office and online are updated and compliant with what is required in Alberta.

Finally, it’s important to use the forms and notices correctly. This means providing your tenants with the required forms at the appropriate times, such as when the tenancy agreement and the Inspection Reports are signed, and ensuring that all of the necessary information is filled out completely and accurately. It’s also a good idea to keep a copy of all forms and notices on file, in case they are needed in the future.

In conclusion, using the proper legal leasing forms and notices is essential for landlords and the Calgary Residential Rental Association (CRRA) has already done the hard work for you. Being a member gives you access to all the essential legal documents you need to run your business. Working with the CRRA, you can protect yourself, your property and your tenants, and ensure that your lease agreement is legally binding and enforceable. The CRRA ensures that you are compliant with all regulations governing residential tenancies, and provides you with the most up-to-date forms and notices.