Frequently Asked Questions

We sometimes offer special incentive for long-term tenancies at some of our properties. For the third year at one of our properties, we may reduce rent by up to 5%, and on the fourth year sometimes another 5%. This can often mean a savings of $1,500 per year or more!

We understand plans change, and that projecting the future is often a difficult task.

As there are numerous costs involved with renting out a property (such as rekeying, advertising, cleaning, repairs), we prefer to reduce these costs and sign longer-term tenancies only. Tenancy terms ensure we stay in the green - and we want our tenants to as well!

Normally, tenants would have to give the landlord 2 month's notice to end a tenancy early. The landlord would then attempt to find new replacement tenants. Until the new tenants move in, REGARDLESS of the number of months, tenants would still be responsible for rent. This can be incredibly challenging in a tough market. We don't feel this is fair to tenants, so we offer the following options:

• OPTION 1: Transfer a tenancy. We'll happily allow tenants to find replacement tenants for the day they move out. Avoid paying a penny! All prospective tenants must first pass our approval process. Existing tenants are responsible for all costs in finding the new ones in this case.
• OPTION 2: Give us 2 month's notice, and pay a one-month's rent after the desired move out date. This will help cover our costs to find new tenants in an expedited fashion. We'll do all the work of advertising the property, finding replacement tenants, and release the tenants of any obligation for subsequent months rent. Tenants may NOT use their damage deposit or pet deposit to pay for this. See BC Law under "liquidated damages" for more information on this.
• OPTION 3: Sublet a tenancy. Subletting a unit means that the tenant moves out of their unit for a specific period of time but the tenant plans to move back into the unit before the end of the tenancy. The person who moves in is known as a subtenant. They are responsible to pay the rent to the original tenant who then pays it to the landlord. A landlord cannot refuse the idea of subletting the unit, but they can refuse to allow the tenant to sublet to a specific person if they have a good reason.

Utilities are not included for any of our properties. Setup and payment for these services are the responsibility of the tenant.

Rent can be remitted via money order, cheque, Interac online transfer, direct deposit, or in-person cash payments (must be 3 month's in advance). We are happy to provide official receipts if tenants require them for record keeping.

• Tenants view the property.
• Tenants apply for the property.
• Both of us sign a tenancy agreement.
• Tenants provide the damage deposit and pet deposit (if applicable)
• We'll clean and repair the property as necessary.
• We'll rekey the locks if required.
• Both of us do a walk-through inspection on move-in day.
• We'll address any pressing issues with the property.
• Tenants pay the first month's rent.
• Tenants move in!

We offer tenants the option to lock-in to a fixed term where rent will not increase. All of our fixed term tenancies will not be subjected to annual rent increases. When a fixed term ends, a new rental amount may be set in a dollar value reflective of the current market conditions. Should we plan to change the rental amount after a fixed term ends, and the tenants plan to stay and sign a new lease, we will inform them three months prior to that lease ending.

As per all of our tenancy agreements, rent will increase by $150 monthly per additional occupant not listed on the Tenancy Agreement. Guests staying longer than two weeks are classified as additional occupants.

At the beginning of a tenancy only (prior to the move-in date) we will cover the costs of rekeying the locks on the property. Should tenants wish to change the locks after this time, they will be responsible for the costs and service of having this done. Tenants must also provide us with a copy of the new key(s) and obtain permission prior to doing so.

All of our tenants are responsible for snow clearing, grass cutting, and general yard maintenance at their own expense. Tools to perform these tasks are not provided by Koingo Estates.

At the beginning of a tenancy, we will ensure all light bulbs have been replaced if necessary. After this time, it is the responsibility of the tenant.

If any repairs need to be done to the property, Koingo Estates must be informed and we will arrange to execute and pay for the repair. Repairs tenants execute on their own accord without written consent will not be reimbursed. There are a few exceptions to this rule (ie. emergency repairs). Please review the Residential Tenancy Act.

For legal reasons, we will serve an Eviction Notice if tenants are more than one day late on rent. This does not necessarily mean that they must evict the unit. This is notice that they have 10 days to remit or vacate. If late has been continually late for three months or more, we will enforce the eviction after 30 days even if payment is made at a later date. Promptness is absolutely paramount.

Both damage and pet deposits are each one half month's rent.

Yard maintenance is the responsibility of the tenant; however, we can arrange (at the tenant's expense) to have the garden and lawn groomed. Snow removal is also included in this.

We have partnered with various other businesses in town and can offer window washing, housekeeping, and laundry services at a substantially reduced rate. Enquire for more information.

All major repairs; home safety and damage inspections every 90 days; one-time lock rekeying; major appliances (stove, fridge, washer, dryer); winterization and Spring sprinkler startup; water.

Tenants are responsible for all other expenses. This includes heat, electricity, alarms, and so forth.

We expect normal wear and tear in all of our properties as a simple sign of age. However, if excessive damage was done it will come out of the damage deposit. Some examples of this are: broken doors or windows, large carpet stains, dented or damaged laminate flooring, smoke damage, pet damage, and so forth.

Should damage to a rental unit exceed the deposit, we will pursue further legal action in BC Small Claims Court.

Regardless of the duration of the tenancy or condition of carpets, all tenants are responsible for professional carpet cleaning services.

In addition, tenants must leave the rental unit in a condition comparable to when the tenancy began. This includes the state of cleanliness and yard-work. A professional cleaning company will be hired at the tenant's expense if there is work to be done to bring the unit back into shape. Baseboards, walls, windows, counters, cupboards, bathrooms, and appliances should all be spotless when tenants move out.