Rent: The Teacher's Resource

Objectives

Students will learn the proper procedures for moving out of a rental property.

Curriculum Links

• LIFE15 (e) Research checklists for moving that could be used by landlords and renters that outline the rights and responsibilities of each party and support smooth transitions.
• LIFE15 (g) Investigate services and supports in the community (e.g.,Public Legal Education Association, Office of Residential Tenancies) that help resolve housing disputes.
• LIFE15 (h) Role play scenarios that demonstrate how to successfully resolve potential issues and challenges (e.g., loud neighbours, broken appliances, nonresponsive landlord) related to seeking, obtaining, maintaining and ending a variety of living arrangements.

Procedure

1. Lead classroom reading of “Moving Out.”
KEY QUESTIONS
• What do you think is “reasonable” wear and tear?
• What are some of the risks of subletting a rental property?
• On what day must a one-month notice be given?
• Can a landlord withhold returning a security deposit without the consent of the tenant?

2. Break students into role-play groups. Create a scenario that could lead to an eviction. Guiding ideas for the role play can include:
• What are the renter’s rights in this situation?
• What are the landlord’s rights in this situation?
• Is an eviction the only option? What other ways can the landlord and tenant come to a satisfactory resolution of the problem?

Further Exploration

3. In extreme and unusual situations, the landlord and tenant may have a dispute about which they cannot come to a resolution. Many of these disputes can be resolved by the Office of Residential Tenancies. Look here for more information on how to begin a dispute process with the Office of Residential Tenancies.