British Columbia Frequently Asked Questions

At Boardwalk, we strive to work with our Resident Members (RM) a.k.a., Tenants. Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions received from former Resident Members regarding outstanding balances and the moving out process.

How do I make payment towards an outstanding balance after I have moved out?

There are various payment options available to assist former Resident Members.

Payment can be made:

• Via online banking
  (Lease number is your account number; Payee is Boardwalk Rental Communities/Boardwalk Equities)
•  By mailing a cheque or money order to the Boardwalk Head Office
  (located at Suite 200, 1501 Street SW Calgary, AB T2R 0W1 Attn: Recovery and Defaults)
•  In person by attending the regional office or site office that oversaw the tenancy
•  Calling the Recovery and Default department (1-877-706-6864) to process payment on a Visa or Mastercard.

I have a balance owing, but do not have the funds to pay off the balance all at once. What options do I have?

At Boardwalk we always try our best to work with our Resident Members. We offer monthly repayment plans to assist former Resident Members in clearing their balance. Additionally, when a repayment plan is set up with Boardwalk and payments are made, we turn off the interest that is applied on outstanding balances. We highly recommend setting up a Boardwalk repayment plan as soon as you move out to avoid unnecessary charges and interest.

Does my balance owed to Boardwalk affect my credit negatively?

If you have a repayment plan set up with Boardwalk and are making payments, the outstanding balance will not be reflected with the credit bureau. However, if your file has been sent to collections, the balance may have a negative effect on your credit and if there is a legal judgment against any balance owing, this may also reflect on your credit report.

When can I expect my Statement of Account and/or return of my Security Deposit after I have moved out?

In British Columbia, once the Landlord has received the Tenant’s forwarding address in writing, they have 15 days to return the deposit(s) with any interest owed to the Tenant. The Landlord may also ask the Tenant to agree in writing to any deductions and return the difference to the Tenant. If the Tenant disagrees with any proposed deductions from their deposit(s), the Landlord can apply for dispute resolution at the Residential Tenancy Branch to keep all or some of the deposit(s).

Rights to the Security Deposit and/or Pet Deposit forfeited?

In British Columbia, if the Tenant fails to participate in either of the move-in or move-out condition inspection (or have a representative participate on their behalf), or fails to provide the Landlord with their forwarding address in writing within one year of when the tenancy ends, their rights to the Security Deposit and/or Pet Deposit are forfeited.

How is interest calculated for my Security Deposit and/or Pet Deposit?

When a tenancy ends, there may be interest payable on the Tenant's security or pet damage deposit(s). Before returning the deposit(s), the Landlord will calculate the interest owing on the full amount of the security or pet damage deposit. The Landlord must factor in any interest owed when returning some or all of the deposit.
Interest is calculated based on the rate set at the beginning of each year by the Government of British Columbia. Interest is compounded on the anniversary of the date the deposit was received by the Landlord.
The Residential Tenancy Branch has published a Deposit Interest Calculator to help Landlords and Tenants calculate the amount of interest owed on deposit(s) and can be found on the Government of British Columbia website.

Can my Security Deposit be considered my last month’s rent?

In British Columbia, a Security Deposit is not considered last month’s rent. A Tenant has to pay the rent in the final month of their tenancy.

What condition am I expected to leave the rental unit in?

The expectations of a Tenant when vacating are as follows:

• Thoroughly clean the unit and fix any damage done (besides wear and tear).
• Remove all belongings.
• Give the landlord all the keys or other means of access that are in the possession or control of the tenant and that allow access to and within the residential property.
• Participate in the move-out condition inspection (or have a representative participate on your behalf).
• Sign and date the completed move-out condition inspection report.

A Move-Out Checklist is usually printed and provided when a move out has been entered into our system by the site team. However, all Resident Members can request for this checklist at the site office.

Are there fees associated with damage and/or uncleanliness of a vacated rental unit?

In British Columbia, after the move out inspection is complete, the Landlord may charge for maintenance/cleaning/damage repair that are beyond normal wear and tear. This amount could be more than the deposit. If the Tenant disagrees with any proposed charges or deductions

from their deposit(s), the Landlord can apply for dispute resolution at the Residential Tenancy Branch to keep all or some of the deposit(s), and for damages.

On the back of the Move-In Inspection, there is a pricing guide provided as a reference for the amounts that may be charged for cleaning and/or damages. A Resident Member can also request for a copy of the price guide at the site office.

I have already moved out, why am I still receiving utility bills?

As utilities are charged after consumption, utility providers remit bills in regular intervals after consumption. Sometimes a delay occurs with utility service providers issuing bills. Utility bills received after the move out date are typically for the last months of tenancy and any unpaid amounts. Usage dates on bills will indicate the time frame for the charges. It is a Resident Member’s obligation to ensure their utility bills are paid in full and Boardwalk does not have any control over bills issued directly by a utility service provider.

What is “Miscellaneous Charge” on the Statement of Account?

This can include charges such as Late Fees, NSF Fees, Utility Administration Fees, Sub-metered power charges, utilities, online service fees for credit card transactions through YUHU.

What is “Revenue Loss Due to Late Notice” on the Statement of Account?

This is the charge resulting from the Tenant not providing proper written notice to the Landlord to terminate a tenancy. In British Columbia, there is a legislative requirement for Tenants to give proper written notice to the Landlord to terminate a tenancy. Please refer to the Residential Tenancies Act of British Columbia to ensure the proper notice is provided.

Why does my Statement of Account show my last month’s rent charge even though I have already paid it?

The Statement of Account is a summary of all charges and payments in the final month of tenancy, which would include the charge for the final month’s rent.

Need more help? If you were not able to find the answer to your question or have further inquiries regarding an outstanding balance, please contact the Recovery and Default team at 1-877-706-6864.