Prospective Renters
Before You Apply:
Before You Apply: You’ve found your next home and you’re ready to apply—or are you? We want to increase your chances at securing the rental you want. Read our top 10 questions for prospective renters to make applying for a rental that much smoother.
Documents required when applying include:
- Photo ID (driver’s license or passport)
- Contact information of all past landlords and employers:
- Names
- Phone numbers
- Addresses
- Emails
Documents that may be requested when applying include:
- Letter of Guarantee
- Employer letter on letterhead stating:
- Job title
- Length of employment
- Salary and expected bonus
- Start date if you haven’t started the job
- If you’re self-employed, you’ll need a document from a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) stating your income from last year
- Copies of pay stubs
- Copies of bank statements
- Copies of tax return
- Copies of last T5
Does a credit check run by Killam Apartmnt REIT affect my credit score?
Whenever a business or individual pulls your credit report, an inquiry appears on your credit history. This inquiry shows who pulled the report and when it was pulled. Most property managers and landlords who perform credit screenings conduct a “soft” inquiry. A soft inquiry has no impact on your credit rating. Thus, you can incur as many soft inquiries as necessary without hurting your credit score.
What is a Letter of Guarantee?
A Letter of Guarantee is a financial and legal agreement obligating a third party to pay any outstanding rent arrears and/or damages to a suite if the resident is unable to pay the amount due. A Letter of Guarantee is often used if a prospective resident does not meet Devon’s resident screening requirements and, therefore, a guarantor may be required. For example, if you have bad credit or if you have no rental history, a guarantor might help you qualify.
How long is my tenancy agreement (lease) for?
Devon’s residents enter into a one-year tenancy agreement, which automatically reverts to a month-to-month tenancy.
Devon strongly advises all residents to purchase tenant insurance—this is for the resident’s benefit. Devon has partnered with Coast Capital Insurance to provide preferential pricing for tenant insurance. For more information about Coast Capital Insurance tenant insurance, please contact Coast Capital Insurance:
Toll Free: +1.888.517.7171
Email: devonproperties@coastcapitalinsurance.com
Website: www.coastcapitalsavings.com/personal/insurance
Do you have any furnished units?
No, Devon does not provide furnished rental units. However, select apartment buildings have furnished guest suites available for short-term rental by residents of these buildings.
Is parking included in the monthly rent fee? What if I have two vehicles?
No, parking is not included in the monthly rent payment. Each Devon apartment building has different monthly parking fees.
Each rental unit is typically assigned one parking spot. If a resident has the need for additional parking spots, the building manager can work with the resident to satisfy their parking needs.
What is your pet policy? Are pets allowed? If so, is there a fee?
Each Devon apartment building is unique and the pet policy varies from building to building. That said, only a select number of Devon buildings allow pets and an associated pet deposit is required at the time of application or at the time of acquiring a pet.
How much will I pay in up-front costs when I sign the lease?
Devon requires the following up-front payments when signing a new lease:
- Security deposit (equal to one half month’s rent)
- Pet deposit (if applicable)
Current Renters
Now That You’re a Tenant:
You’ve moved into your new home and you have questions, from paying your rent to managing maintenance requests. Read our top 10 questions for current residents and make everyday life that much simpler.
You can pay your rent using our Pre-Authorized-Payments (PAP) system. This is where money is automatically withdrawn from your provided bank account when rent is due. This is our preferred method for rent collection.
One of your most important obligations as a tenant is to pay your full rent on time. With Devon Properties, rent is due on the first day of the month. You are required to pay rent on time even if the day it’s due falls on a holiday or your bank is closed.
What happens if I pay my rent late?
All residents must pay their rent on time. If the rent is unpaid, the landlord will issue a late payment charge and a notice to end tenancy to the tenant, which may take effect not earlier than 10 days after the date the tenant receives the notice.
The late payment charge, along with the unpaid rent, will stay on your tenant account until you provide Devon with certified funds (e.g. cash, certified cheque or RentMoola) to cover the outstanding balance. All late payment charges become a permanent part of your tenant history, so should be avoided.
Can I sublet/Airbnb my unit when I go away?
If a resident wishes to sublet their apartment, they must contact the Devon Building Manager and arrange to complete the required paperwork. The “subletter” will complete a small portion of the standard resident screening process. Please note, the legal registered tenants on the lease are still 100% responsible for any unpaid rent and issues that may arise with the “subletter” occupying their unit.
What happens if there’s a maintenance issue in the apartment?
Devon’s policy is to provide a first-class accommodation that is enjoyable for all residents. If there are any outstanding maintenance issues in your suite, please contact your building manager directly by email or phone (provided in your move-in package and available on our website). In the unlikely event these issues are not taken care of in a timely manner, please call our office at 250.595.7000 or email maintenance@devonproperties.com.
Devon will provide and maintain the residential property in a reasonable state of decoration and repair, suitable for occupation by a resident. The resident must also take the necessary steps to repair damage to the residential property caused by the actions or neglect of the resident.
What happens if I break my lease?
If a resident breaks their lease a liquidated damage charge will be added to their account, as per the lease agreement.
Will I get a chance to inspect my suite before I move in? What about before I move out?
The Devon building manager and the new resident must inspect the condition of the rental unit together upon the resident taking possession. This inspection will include completing a written move-in inspection together. A similar written inspection shall take place at the end of the tenancy. These inspections are required by the Residential Tenancy Act.
Am I allowed to decorate the apartment without penalty?
Decorations visible from the exterior of a building must not be used without the landlord’s prior written consent. The resident will not hang or store anything in or on the windows, balconies or other areas of the building, suite or residential property which would interfere with the uniform appearance of the property. The resident will not make or cause any structural alteration to the rental unit or residential property. Painting, papering or decorating of the rental unit or residential property will be done only with Devon’s prior written consent and with Devon’s approved colours.
If the above is not followed, Devon has the right to claim against the resident for any damage to a residential property.
Are there building quiet hours?
The tenant must not cause or allow loud conversation or noise to disturb the quiet enjoyment of another occupant of the residential property or other person at any time.
In particular, building quiet hours are between 10:00pm and 9:00am and must be strictly adhered to. It is important to note that any noise that disturbs other residents is not permitted at any time.
Are utilities included? If so, which ones?
Your tenancy agreement indicates which utilities are included. These may include heat and hot water, or other similar utilities. In most cases electricity is not included and therefore setting up and maintaining payments to BC Hydro is solely a tenant responsibility.