Check the licence
In Alberta, a company that manages rental property for other people for a fee generally needs a licence from the Real Estate Council of Alberta (RECA). Ask the company and the individual you'll deal with for their licence details and confirm them with the Real Estate Council of Alberta, and read RECA's licence types. A listing in our directory goes live only after the firm gives us its RECA licence number and we confirm it.
Questions to ask
- Which areas do you serve, and how many properties does each manager handle?
- What's included: advertising, showings, screening, leases, inspections, rent collection, repairs, evictions, bookkeeping?
- How do you screen tenants, and how do you keep it consistent with the Alberta Human Rights Act?
- How are rent and deposits held? Ask about trust accounts and how often you're paid.
- How are repairs approved? Is there a spending limit, and do you mark up contractor invoices?
- How will you report to me, and how quickly do you respond to tenants?
Fees and the contract
- Get every fee in writing: management fee, leasing or placement fee, renewal fee, and any other charges.
- Check the length of the agreement, how to end it and any cancellation fee.
- Ask what happens to the tenant files, keys and deposit if you leave.
- Ask for references from current owners.
Our property-manager directory is opening soon. Featured listings will be paid placements and always labelled.
General information only, not legal advice. The Residential Tenancies Act and its regulations are the final word; check the official sources above or get legal advice for your situation.