Is a lease agreement needed, and what should it contain?

Do I need a lease agreement and what should it contain: a guide for Ukrainians in Calgary

Finding a place to live in a new country is an important step for successful adaptation. For Ukrainians arriving in Calgary, understanding the local rental rules and the importance of a lease is essential for a safe and comfortable stay. In this article, we will take a closer look at the issue of a lease agreement in Calgary: its necessity, key components and features that newcomers should pay attention to.

What is a lease agreement and why is it required

A lease agreement (Residential Tenancy Agreement or Lease Agreement) is a legal document that formalizes the relationship between the tenant and the landlord. In Alberta, such an agreement is governed by the Residential Tenancies Act, which protects the rights of all parties.

A lease is not just a formality, but an important legal document that protects your rights as a tenant. It specifies the amount of rent you are to pay, the date of payment, the term of the lease, and other important agreements between you and the landlord. Without a formal agreement, you may face unpredictable changes in your living conditions, unreasonable rent increases, or even sudden eviction.

In Calgary, as in the rest of Alberta, the form of a lease agreement is not strictly regulated by law, so landlords and tenants are free to use the form that best suits their needs. However, it is worth noting that the agreement cannot deprive either party of rights under the law.

Key components of a lease agreement

Understanding the key elements of a lease agreement will help you avoid potential problems in the future. A standard lease agreement in Calgary should contain the following information:

1. Personal data and contact information

The agreement should include the full names of the tenants and the landlord, as well as their contact information. This is important for official communication and to resolve any issues that may arise during the lease.

2. Description of the property and lease term

The document must clearly indicate the address of the leased property, the type of housing (apartment, house, room), and the start and end dates of the lease. It is especially important to pay attention to whether the lease is fixed for a certain period of time or automatically renewed.

3. Financial terms and conditions

One of the most important sections of the lease agreement concerns financial aspects:

  • The amount of the monthly rent
  • The date by which the rent is to be paid
  • Acceptable payment methods
  • The amount of the deposit (security deposit)
  • Terms of deposit return
  • Penalties for late payments

As of 2023-2025, the average cost of rent in Calgary is approximately:

  • 1-bedroom apartment: $1300-$1500
  • 2-bedroom apartment: $1700-$1950
  • Townhouse: $1750-$2000
  • Detached house: $1850-$2800

4. Utilities and responsibility for them

The lease should clearly define who is responsible for paying for utilities. In some cases, the tenant pays for electricity, internet, and heating, while in others, some services may be included in the rent. Typically, the monthly cost of electricity is about $50, and the cost of internet is about $70.

5. House rules and restrictions

This section outlines the house rules, which may include:

  • Animal policy
  • Smoking policy
  • Restrictions on alterations and repairs to the property
  • Rules for guests or additional residents
  • Noise regulations

6. Terms of termination and renewal of the agreement

It is important to understand how you can terminate the lease, what notice period you need to give, and what the consequences of early termination may be. It is also worth paying attention to the terms of renewal of the agreement and possible changes in the rental price after the end of the initial term.

What to pay special attention to in a lease agreement

Check the property before signing

Before signing the lease, it is recommended that you carefully check the condition of the property. Document any existing damage with photos and make sure it is listed in the contract to avoid being blamed for it in the future.

Homeowner's Association (HOA) rules

If you are renting a property in a complex with a homeowners' association, familiarize yourself with their rules. These rules may include restrictions on the use of common areas, parking, balcony storage, etc.

Security measures

Make sure that the contract specifies the safety measures of the premises, such as smoke detectors, fire exits, and who is responsible for their maintenance.

The “no lie” rule in the rental application

Never provide false information in the rental application or when communicating with the landlord. This can lead to termination of the contract or other legal consequences.

Specifics for newly arrived Ukrainians

Lack of credit history and references

For newly arrived Ukrainians, one of the main problems can be the lack of credit history in Canada and references from previous landlords. In this case:

  • Be prepared to provide proof of funds (bank statement, hiding personal data that is not related to finances)
  • Offer to pay a larger deposit (within legal restrictions)
  • Provide letters of recommendation from your employer or sponsors
  • Consider using a guarantor with a good credit rating

Financial preparedness

When planning a budget for renting a home, keep in mind that in addition to the monthly rent, you may need funds for:

  • A deposit (usually the amount of one month's rent)
  • Possibly first and last month's rent
  • Renters insurance (approximately $20 per month)
  • Utilities
  • Internet
  • One-time moving expenses

Legal support of the lease agreement

In Alberta, a lease agreement can be either standardized or customized. Standard forms can be obtained for a small fee from organizations that deal with rental issues, such as the Landlord and Tenant Advisory Councils, the Calgary Residential Rental Association, or the Alberta Homeowners Association.

It is important to understand that even if the agreement is not in a standardized form, it must still be subject to the Alberta Residential Tenancy Act and cannot limit the rights granted by the Act.

Conclusion

A lease agreement is a mandatory document when renting a home in Calgary, which protects the rights of both the tenant and the landlord. Careful reading of all the clauses of the agreement before signing it will help to avoid misunderstandings and problems in the future.

For Ukrainians who have just arrived in Calgary, it is especially important to understand the local rules and regulations of the lease. Despite possible initial difficulties due to the lack of credit history and references, the right approach to finding housing and preparing the necessary documents significantly increases the chances of a successful lease.

Before signing the contract, do not hesitate to ask questions of the landlord and, if necessary, consult a lawyer or a rental specialist, especially if any clauses of the contract seem unclear.