How to Be a Great Tenant and Build a Positive Rental History in Ottawa, Ontario.

Building a positive rental history isn’t just about keeping your current landlord happy—it’s an investment in your future as a renter. In Ottawa’s competitive rental market, having a strong track record can make securing your next home much easier. Here are actionable tips tailored for tenants in Ottawa to help you establish and maintain a stellar rental reputation.

1. Communicate Clearly and Proactively

Good communication fosters trust and prevents misunderstandings. Here’s how to stand out as a responsible tenant:

  • Report Maintenance Issues Promptly: For example, if you notice a dripping faucet or drafty windows during Ottawa’s harsh winters, report these issues to your landlord or property manager. Early reporting can prevent bigger problems and show you care for the property.
  • Request Changes the Right Way: If you need to make changes like painting a wall or installing a fixture, always get written permission. Respect the property owner’s policies, even if they seem minor.
  • Be Accessible: Respond to your landlord’s calls, texts, or emails promptly, especially for time-sensitive matters like inspections or repairs.

2. Pay Rent on Time

Timely rent payments are one of the most important factors landlords consider when evaluating tenant reliability.

  • Set Reminders: Use your phone or email calendar to set up recurring reminders. Many Ottawa landlords now accept e-transfers, making on-time payments easier.
  • Use Direct Payment Options: For larger property management companies, consider automatic withdrawals to ensure timely payments.
  • Notify in Case of Emergencies: If you anticipate difficulty paying rent (e.g., job loss), communicate with your landlord in advance. They may offer flexibility or payment plans under certain conditions.

3. Take Care of the Property

Ottawa landlords value tenants who treat their rental homes as if they were their own.

  • Follow Ottawa’s Waste Disposal Rules: Improper sorting of waste, recycling, or compost can result in city fines that may be passed to tenants. Review Ottawa’s waste disposal guidelines here.
  • Prevent Winter Damage: In Ottawa, winter can be tough on properties. Avoid letting pipes freeze by maintaining minimum heating levels, and keep sidewalks clear of snow (if it’s your responsibility).
  • Fix Small Issues: If you’re able to safely fix minor problems (like replacing lightbulbs or tightening a loose screw), it’s appreciated and builds goodwill.

4. Be a Good Neighbor

Living harmoniously with neighbors reflects positively on you and reduces complaints to landlords.

  • Respect Quiet Hours: Many Ottawa rental properties, especially apartments, enforce quiet hours. Be mindful of noise during evenings and weekends.
  • Share Common Spaces Responsibly: Whether it’s a laundry room or backyard, leave shared areas clean and tidy.
  • Foster Friendly Relations: Building a rapport with neighbors can help in resolving minor conflicts directly, without involving your landlord.

5. Know and Exercise Your Rights and Responsibilities

In Ontario, the Residential Tenancies Act (RTA) governs the relationship between landlords and tenants. Understanding the RTA ensures you know your rights and obligations.

  • Security Deposits: In Ontario, landlords can only charge the first and last month’s rent as a deposit. Any other deposit request (e.g., key deposit) may not be enforceable.
  • Rent Increases: Familiarize yourself with Ontario’s rent increase guidelines. Landlords must provide 90 days’ written notice and follow the provincial rent increase cap.
  • Maintenance Requests: If a landlord fails to address critical maintenance issues, you can file a complaint with the Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB).

You can learn more about your rights as a tenant in Ontario through the Landlord and Tenant Board website.

6. Document Everything

Maintaining a paper trail is crucial for protecting yourself and proving your reliability.

  • Use Written Communication: Keep all important interactions, like repair requests or changes to your lease, documented via email or text.
  • Take Photos: At the start and end of your lease, take detailed photos of the property to document its condition.
  • Save Proof of Payments: Retain e-transfer confirmations or rent receipts in case of disputes.

7. Be Cooperative During Move-Out

When it’s time to leave, how you handle the move-out process can greatly impact your rental history.

  • Provide Proper Notice: In Ontario, tenants must give at least 60 days’ written notice before moving out.
  • Follow Move-Out Guidelines: Clean the property thoroughly, patch minor nail holes, and return all keys to avoid deductions from your last month’s rent deposit.
  • Request a Walk-Through: Schedule a final inspection with your landlord to ensure there are no surprises after you’ve moved out.

Additional Tips for Ottawa Renters

  • Join Ottawa’s Housing Networks: Participate in local housing groups on Facebook or community forums to learn about tenant experiences, share advice, and find resources.
  • Leverage Tenant Support Services: If you’re facing issues, organizations like ACORN Ottawa offer resources and support for renters.
  • Explore Rental Assistance Programs: If you’re in financial need, the City of Ottawa offers housing assistance services that may help.

Final Thoughts

Being a great tenant is about respect, responsibility, and reliability. Whether it’s paying rent on time, keeping the property in good shape, or fostering open communication, these efforts contribute to a strong rental history. Ottawa’s rental market is competitive, and building a reputation as a trustworthy tenant can open doors to better rental opportunities in the future.

By following these steps, you’ll not only have a smoother experience in your current home but also ensure a positive reference for wherever life takes you next!