Hi, hoping to get some advice on renting in Calgary.

We arrived a few weeks ago from the U.K. and have found a rental property. The rental process compared to the U.K. seems so different, not to mention the inflated costs of renting right now!

As I said, we have found a rental property which we’re happy with however, we have requested some minor changes of just refreshing some areas which are overdue a coat of paint. This has been agreed and we have received the lease (which we haven’t signed yet as awaiting a second viewing) but the lease is crazy compared to U.K. rental agreements. I understand tenancy laws are of course going to differ here but some of the points laid out in the lease seem unreasonable. Is this standard practice here? I should also mention that the rental is through a property management company.

There’s probably too many clauses to list here but I just wondered if anyone could offer advice on rental agreements here. Is it common for the agreement to differ significantly from U.K. agreements? There seems to be a lot more financial responsibility on tenants here.

Thanks.

Rentals, if the landlord is not living in the property, are governed by the Residential Tenancies Act. If the landlord is living in the property (basement suite, for example) the Act doesn't apply. It can be found here: SA 2004, c R-17.1 | Residential Tenancies Act | CanLII

Anything stated in the Act cannot be changed by the agreement, if it does, the Act overrules it. Other than that, pretty much anything goes.

Can you provide any examples of what you find offensive?

My 2c worth, as someone involved with property rentals.
The biggest difference between the UK and Alberta is that you have NO security of tenure. If the L/L decides he doesn't want to renew your lease at the end of its terms (usually 12 months, but some premium properties go up to 18 months) then you have no recourse, and will have to move. Rent cannot be raised during the term of the lease, hence the shorter terms to allow the L/L to increase it - there is NO rent control in the AB private market. That all said, the RTDRS (Residential Tenancy Dispute Resolution Service - a Court of Arbitration) works very swiftly and decisively, but is often very pro-landlord, and will rule in a tenant's favour if it is shown that the L/L is in breach of the RTA.

I honestly would never dare to consider any changes to a rental property. I personally see a rental property as somebody else's property and only a temporary choice to me.
I also don't know if the suggestion of any changes to a rental property would go down too well in the UK, - landlords wherever don't like the idea.