RedE Rent

03/30/2023

In what is meant to be a way to speed up the process and cut down on hearing wait times, PEI is looking to move some tenancy processes to “paper-only.”

The issue? Some parties involved, especially tenants for whom this may be their first hearing, could be at a disadvantage in presenting their case.

When it comes to housing, government tends to be of the position that there is often more grey area than simply “the facts speak for themself.”

Advocates for tenants' rights are concerned about the P.E.I. Rental Office's plan to consider changing the way it conducts some hearings.

03/29/2023

Amherst has been (somewhat) quietly expanding rapidly, and we’re all for it!

https://rede.rent/zhi

Amherst town council gave a thumbs-down to a big proposed residential development and a thumbs-up to two large commercial developments during its regular ...

03/27/2023

We appreciate this isn’t exactly what everyone wants to hear, but landlords didn’t create the housing crisis; they want out too.

https://rede.rent/tjv

Instead of scrutinizing what private landlords are doing and how much they raise rents we need to focus on what government is doing — and not doing.

03/25/2023

It’s sounding like $100-million “Straitville” is coming to Port Hastings.
Time will tell if anyone challenges the name 🤷 but so far the student and worker housing project seems to have the community feeling pretty optimistic.

https://rede.rent/r4p

A depiction of the buildings at Straitville, Port Hastings. A $100-million student and worker housing project called Straitville is planned for Port ...

03/24/2023

Earlier this week, it was announced that "yes" the rent cap IS staying for at least two additional years (until 2026), but it will be increasing to 5%.

It is important that tenants understand their rights. There has been a lot of discussion of a "loophole."

Here's how that shakes out:
In response to the rent cap, many landlords are now offering fixed-term leases (this is, unfortunately, a predictable symptom of rent caps and how they have been implemented).

At the end of a fixed term, the landlord can end the lease without having to give a reason (this isn't the loophole, but it's important tenants understand this so that they can have a discussion with their landlord well in advance of the end of their "term")

"Loophole": Once the tenant moves out, the landlord can increase the rent as much as they want.

While the above "loophole" is, in fact, possible, tenants need to know that if they are staying at the same rental, the landlord STILL HAS TO FOLLOW THE RENT CAP RULES. Even if you sign a totally new lease for your current rental, it's considered an update or renewal, and your increase needs to be within the cap.

We understand that navigating this "loophole" is much easier said than done. The market is tough, and many tenants are afraid that if they don't agree to go along with what the landlord says, they could be displaced or even homeless.

Most landlords aren't actually evil or money hungry, though. They'll gladly work with a good tenant to make an arrangement that is best for everyone. If you're on a fixed-term lease, we recommend chatting with your landlord or property manager well in advance of your end date. If they don't want to renew or they apply unfair pressure..start making your plans to leave or challenge them with the tenancy board.

It's not always easy, but knowing the rules, your rights and making a plan will help ensure you're able to rent better in Nova Scotia.

With the province's temporary two per cent rent cap set to expire in December, many Nova Scotians are seeking clarity. Both landlords and tenants are wondering what's to come, but the province won't say much.

03/22/2023

**RENT CAP UPDATE!!***

In what seems to be structured as a compromise between tenants and landlords, the rent cap will be set at 5% starting January 1st 2024. The temporary rental increase cap will be extended (by two years) to December 31, 2025.

The reaction seems mixed, but "in theory", this buys time to improve the housing supply. 🤞
and may indicate the government is trying to find a "sweet spot" for a more permanent policy.

https://nslegislature.ca/legislative-business/bills-statutes/bills/assembly-64-session-1

02/04/2023

Minister Colton LeBlanc says 'all options are on the table' with regard to rent control.

02/03/2023

Effective today the Residential Tenancies Program has been updated to offer more options for landlords with regard to management and lease negotiations.

At first blush, these new terms appear to maintain a strong focus on tenants' rights and rent control while also allowing Landlords more flexibility and confidence in maintaining their business.

News releases from the Government of Nova Scotia

03/25/2022

While this is not a great look at all, for the person who created this listing, it's vitally important we keep in mind that quietly using bias to sort applications is even more prevalent and insidious.

If you have any questions or concerns about screening tenants, don't hesitate to reach out to us, and we'll gladly chat about how to

An ad that says applicants to rent a St. John's room must be white is a particularly egregious example of obstacles faced by racialized people seeking places to live, says Newfoundland and Labrador Human Rights Commission executive director Carey Majid.

03/24/2022

We've not run into many "bidding war for a rental" stories in HRM, yet, but with the current demand we're not beyond counting it out.

It's not something we would consider as a practice, but it does certainly add to the discussion around generating and supporting appropriate housing in the city and province.

With house prices surging in several parts of Canada during the pandemic, tenants and real estate agents say bidding wars are now emerging in some parts of the Ontario rental market.

03/22/2022

What do we think of the short-term rental rules in PEI? This is a model many cities are looking at. Does it solve "the problem," or is enforced registration (and taxation?) of vacation rentals the better option?

After more than two years of debate and public meetings, Charlottetown City council is moving forward with rules for short-term rentals.

03/18/2022

The thing about landlords in the rental market is, we need them...
Rent control is a fantastic concept, but sadly the "science" doesn't support it.
Many controlled markets have seen a steep decline, meaning the housing situation becomes tighter as rent fails to keep up with costs and landlords look to create new opportunities elsewhere.

A new survey shows that almost 60 percent of multifamily firms indicate they are reducing or avoiding investment in rent-controlled markets,