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FAQ


We believe that a knowledgeable tenant is better prepared and has a more satisfying tenant experience. Below you'll find answers to many of the most frequently asked questions we receive. If you have any questions that have not been answered on this website, please fill out the Feedback form in Tenant Services or email us and a Prime Property Management representative will respond to your inquiry as soon as possible.

This document will refer to the Residential Tenancies Act  as the Act and Service Alberta as the Board. Prime Property Management acts as the property landlord's representative therefore, in the answers below the use of the term landlord is interchangeable with the term Prime Property Management.

How do I get to the Prime Property Management Office?

Prime Property Management's office is located at 10015 102 Street, Grande Prairie, AB T8V 2V5.

Our office hours are Monday to Friday, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, closed for lunch from noon to one.

How do I set up an appointment to view one of Prime Property Management’s available rental units?

Please email us at leasing@gpprime.net and indicate which apartment(s) or home(s) you are interested in seeing and your availability.

If you do not have access to email, you may call the office at 780-831-1037 to set up your appointment, stop by our office located at 10015 102 Street or TEXT 780-933-5563.

Where do I get an Application for Tenancy and how do I submit it once completed?

A Secure Application form can be downloaded and completed on this website and sent electronically to our Leasing Department. Click the "Apply Online" tab at the top of our homepage.

The application can also be emailed to you, faxed to you, by request, or picked up at the Prime Property Management office. Once you have completed your application, please submit by emailing to leasing@gpprime.net, by faxing to 1-780-538-1740, or by dropping off at the office.

Applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis, so please submit it as soon as possible to secure the home that you are interested in.

What methods of payment will Prime Property Management accept for the Security Deposit?

Security deposit's will only be accepted in the form of a certified cheque or money order made payable to Prime Property Management, or by debit in office.

We also accept electronic funds transfer. Please ask for instruction if this is the method you choose.

We will not accept personal cheques or cash payments for security deposits.

I gave Prime Property a security deposit to secure a place, but changed my mind. How do I get my deposit back?

Your security deposit is not fully refundable in this circumstance. Prime Property Management charges a $800.00 cancellation fee as per your lease. When you submit your deposit, it is important that you are 100% sure that you would like to rent the place. 

Will I need a co-signer for my lease?

Prime Property Management may request that you have a co-signer (i.e. parent or guardian) to complete the leasing process. You will be advised of this requirement following the submission of your rental application.

Does everyone living in the rental unit have to sign the lease?

All persons living in the apartment of legal age must sign the lease, so that no one person can be held legally accountable for a shared apartment. The responsibility should be divided equally among your roommates, particularly if you are all paying equal shares in rent.

How long are the terms of the lease?

Unless an alternative agreement has been reached between the tenant(s) and Prime Property Management, all lease agreements are for a period of 6 months, with some properties requiring a 12 month lease.

My lease is/will be over and I am not renewing. What are my obligations?

You are required to notify Prime Property Management a minimum of 30 days prior to the expiration of your lease that you will be vacating the apartment. You will be required to clean your apartment and leave it in the same condition as noted on the Move In Inspection that you completed with our Leasing Department staff. Please remove all furniture, garbage, and personal belongings. Expect to be contacted a minimum of 1 week prior to the end of the month to make arrangements to book your Move Out Inspection. Alternatively you may contact a staff member in our Leasing Department to book your inspection at 780-831-1037.

Can the lease be broken?

All lease agreements are legal contracts that cannot be broken without the consent of both parties involved. Therefore, you cannot break your lease without first consulting Prime Property Management and obtaining our approval. See Subletting/Reassigning for further details on how to transfer the responsibility of a lease to another party.

Should you have any questions or concerns regarding your lease, please contact our Leasing Department at 780-831-1037 or via email at leasing@gpprime.net.

Am I allowed to have pets?

If you do own a pet, please make Prime Property Management aware of this in your application as not all properties are pet friendly.

If a pet is permitted, you will be responsible for cleaning up after your pet, indoors and out. If any damages are caused as a result of your pet, you will be held financially responsible for the required repairs.

Be aware that a tenant can be evicted for having a pet in their unit if:

  • The pet is making too much noise, damaging the unit or
  • The animal or species is considered to be inherently dangerous.

Can I sublet my rental unit?

Approval from Prime Property Management is required before rental units can be sublet for any period of time. The new tenant(s) will be required to submit an application to Prime Property Management, but the original tenant(s) remain(s) responsible for the apartment and payment of rent. Therefore, the new tenant(s) will pay rent to the original tenant(s), and the original tenant(s) will continue to pay Prime Property Management.

If you wish to live in the unit for the remainder of your lease, you have two options: (1) sublet or (2) reassignment. With reassignment, the original tenant(s) must still find suitable replacement tenant(s). However, in this case, the new tenant(s) must submit an application, have their application approved and sign the lease. Once this process is complete and the new tenant(s) approved, the original tenant(s) lease will be deleted from the lease. If any of the above conditions are not met, the original tenant(s) remain(s) legally bound to their lease.

What is the difference between subletting and reassigning a unit?

When a unit is sublet, the original tenant moves out for a specific period of time, but moves back into the unit before the lease term is up. The new tenant is referred to as a subtenant. The subtenant must pay rent to the original tenant who continues to pay the landlord. Prime Property Management allows subletting, but retains the right to deny subletting to any specific subtenant with reason.

When a unit is reassigned, the original tenant moves out of the unit permanently and is added to the lease agreement. All the terms of the original rental agreement (i.e. amount of rent, services included, etc.) remain the same.

What happens if a tenant sublets or reassigns their unit without Prime Property Management’s consent?

If a unit is sublet or reassigned without Prime Property Management's consent, it is considered unauthorized.

Can rent be withheld because my landlord isn’t properly maintaining a building or unit?

Prime Property Management prides itself on delivering prompt and efficient repair services to our valued tenants. Rest assured, addressing maintenance needs swiftly is a top priority for us. However, it's crucial to note that in compliance with the Act, rent payments must be made on time, regardless of any perceived delays in maintenance.

In the event that a tenant chooses to withhold rent, Prime Property Management retains the right to issue a Notice to End a Tenancy for Non-payment of Rent. To prevent such situations from arising, we urge tenants to submit service and repair requests to us as soon as they arise.

To streamline the process, our Maintenance Department is readily available to assist you. You can reach them at 780-831-1089 or via email at maintenance@gpprime.net. Additionally, tenants can conveniently submit maintenance requests using the online feature located on our website's homepage or through use of their Buildium portal.

Your cooperation in promptly reporting maintenance issues is greatly appreciated, and we remain committed to ensuring your comfort and satisfaction as residents of our properties.

Does Prime Property Management have to give notification of a rent increase?

Absolutely. Prime Property Management is committed to adhering to the regulations outlined in the Residential Tenancies Act, particularly concerning rent increases.

According to the Act, Prime Property Management is required to provide tenants with a written notice of any rent increase at least 90 days before the effective date of the increase. This notice must include clear details about the new rent amount and when it will come into effect.

It's important to note that rent cannot be increased unless at least 365 days have elapsed since the start of the tenancy or since the last rent increase, whichever occurred later. For further clarification and details regarding this matter, please refer to the Residential Tenancies Act.

Should a tenant find the proposed rent increase to be higher than anticipated or desired, the ample 90-day notice period provides them with sufficient time to give Prime Property Management proper notice of termination. This ensures that tenants have the opportunity to make informed decisions and plan accordingly before the rent increase takes effect.

For any questions or concerns regarding rent increases or tenancy matters, please don't hesitate to reach out to our team. We're here to assist you every step of the way.

How often can the rent be increased?

To clarify, Prime Property Management adheres strictly to the regulations stipulated in the Residential Tenancies Act concerning rent increases for our tenants.

According to the Act, rent for a new tenant cannot be increased until 365 days have passed since the commencement of their tenancy. Following this initial period, Prime Property Management is permitted to increase the rent once every 365 days thereafter.

This ensures that tenants have a predictable and stable rental environment while also allowing for periodic adjustments in accordance with market conditions and operational needs.

We are dedicated to upholding these regulations to ensure fairness and transparency in our rental practices. If you have any questions or require further clarification on this matter, please feel free to reach out to us.

Is rental insurance included in my rent?

No it is not. It's important to clarify the responsibilities regarding insurance coverage for tenants within our lease agreements.

As outlined in the lease agreement, it is the sole responsibility of the tenant to insure their own property against any potential damage or loss. Additionally, tenants are required to obtain a tenant's liability policy to protect themselves adequately.

Please be aware that Prime Property Management does not assume any responsibility for covering insurance costs or for any damages resulting from incidents such as fire, flood, or break-ins. It is essential for tenants to secure appropriate insurance coverage to safeguard their belongings and mitigate potential financial risks.

Should you have any questions or require further assistance regarding insurance matters, please do not hesitate to contact us. We are here to support you in understanding and fulfilling your obligations as a tenant.

When is rent due?

Unless alternative arrangements have been made between tenant(s) and Prime Property Management rent is due no later than the first day of every month. Tenants will owe Prime Property Management a monetary penalty for cheques or pre-authorized payments returned due to non-sufficient funds, in addition to the fees owed to their banking institution.

What methods of payment does Prime Property Management accept for monthly rent payments?

At Prime Property Management, we highly encourage tenants to set up pre-authorized payments at the time of their lease signing. Our team can assist you with setting up rental payments in your Buildium portal. This method streamlines the payment process, reducing the risk of late or missed payments and providing peace of mind for both tenants and management.

However, we understand that some tenants may prefer alternative payment methods. In such cases, payments must be received by the first day of each month. Acceptable forms of payment include debit in-office, certified cheques, money orders, or post-dated cheques.

Are monthly rent receipts available?

Rent receipts are provided to tenants automatically when rent is paid at our office and through your Buildium portal when pre-athorized payment is set up.

Unfortunately, due to limitations, we are unable to provide monthly rent receipts via email.  

Whom do I make rent cheques payable to?

Prime Property Management

Do I have to submit post-dated cheques?

Post-dated cheques are an option but not mandatory, however overdue rent payments can be avoided, and processing of all outstanding rents is much more efficient if post-dated cheques are submitted or pre-authorized payment is set up.

If you do not submit a series of post-dated cheques, you will still be responsible for making sure that your rent is paid by the first day of every month, without exception by pre-authorized debit from your bank account or by using the debit machine in office.

When is rent considered overdue?

At Prime Property Management, rent is considered overdue if it is not paid by the 1st of the month. For instance, if a rent payment is due on the 1st and is not received on that day, it is considered overdue.

To encourage timely payments and ensure fairness to all tenants, a late fee of $10.00 per day will be applied to all outstanding rent after the third working day of each month. This late fee helps cover administrative costs associated with managing late payments and encourages compliance with our rental policies.

We understand that unforeseen circumstances may arise, and we are always here to assist tenants in finding solutions to any difficulties they may encounter. Open communication is key, so if you anticipate any challenges in meeting your rent obligations, please don't hesitate to reach out to us as soon as possible.

What are the possible consequences of overdue rent payment(s)?

If rent is not paid on the date that it is due, a landlord can give the tenant(s) a Notice to End a Tenancy Early for Non-payment of Rent. This notice advises the tenant(s) who make monthly rent payments; they have 14 days to either: (1) pay overdue rent or (2) move out. If the overdue rent is not paid, and the tenant(s) won't move, Prime Property Management can make an application to the Residential Tenancy Dispute Resolution Service for an order to:

  • Require tenant(s) to pay the overdue rent, and/or;
  • Evict tenant(s) if they do not make the entire payment by a specified deadline.

If rent payments are frequently overdue, Prime Property Management may give a Notice to Terminate a Tenancy at the End of Term. 

How much notice does a tenant have to give if they want to move out?

Tenants are required to provide Prime Property Management with one full month's written notice of termination. The termination date specified in the notice must coincide with the last day of their rental period or lease agreement. It's essential to note that the 30-day notice to vacate does not apply during a lease term.

For example, if the tenancy is on a monthly basis, commencing on the first day of each month, and the tenant submits a notice on June 15th, the termination date would be July 31st.

We understand that navigating the termination process may raise questions or require clarification. Our Leasing Department is available to assist you with any inquiries you may have regarding providing timely notice or other tenancy matters. You can reach them at 780-831-1037 or via email at leasing@gpprime.net.

On what grounds can a tenant be evicted?

As part of our commitment to fostering a safe and respectful community, we would like to outline some instances where eviction may be necessary. While we strive to maintain positive relationships with all our tenants, certain circumstances may warrant eviction. Below is a brief list of examples:

  1. Failure to pay rent in full.
  2. Frequent late payment of rent.
  3. Significant damage to the rental property.
  4. Engagement in illegal activities on the premises.
  5. Compromising the safety of others within the community.
  6. Disturbance of the peace of other tenants or the landlord.
  7. Unauthorized occupants residing in the rental unit.
  8. Failure to report income in the case of subsidized housing.

Additionally, it's important to note that if an owner requires the unit for personal use, they must provide 90 days' notice to end a periodic tenancy.

Who is responsible for maintaining the unit?

As your landlord, it is our responsibility to maintain the unit and ensure that it is in a good state of repair. This includes addressing any structural issues, mechanical failures, or other maintenance concerns that may arise during your tenancy.

However, it is important to note that tenants also have responsibilities when it comes to the upkeep of the rental unit. While we handle major repairs and maintenance tasks, tenants are ultimately responsible for keeping the unit clean and in a condition that meets the standard of ordinary cleanliness. This standard is typically what most people consider normal for day-to-day living.

Additionally, tenants are responsible for repairing or covering the costs of any damage caused to the rental property by themselves, their guests, or any other individuals residing in the rental unit. This includes damages beyond normal wear and tear that result from negligence or misuse.

How do I put a request in for repairs?

We want to ensure that reporting maintenance issues is as easy and convenient as possible for you. Therefore, we offer multiple channels for submitting repair requests:

  1. In Person: You can submit a written request while visiting our office.
  2. Telephone: Call us at 780-831-1089 to report the issue directly to our Maintenance Department.
  3. Email: Send a detailed description of the problem to maintenance@gpprime.net.
  4. Online: Utilize the maintenance request feature on our website's homepage for quick and efficient reporting or through your Buildium portal.

When submitting a repair request, please provide sufficient detail for us to assess the problem accurately and assign the appropriate repair person without needing to visit your unit. Once we receive your request, a work order will be assigned immediately, and our Maintenance Coordinator will contact you to schedule the work.

In the event of an after-hours maintenance emergency, such as no heat, no hot water, or a flood in your suite, please call 780-538-2980 and press #8. Please reserve this number for genuine emergencies only.

For fire emergencies, please dial 911 immediately.

I have an emergency repair that requires immediate attention. What do I do?

During office hours (Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM), please call our office directly at 780-831-1089 if you experience urgent situations such as leaks, floods, or issues with heating, water, or electricity.

For AFTER HOURS maintenance emergencies, please call 780-538-2980 and press #8. This number is to be used strictly for genuine maintenance emergencies outside of regular office hours. Examples include situations where there is no heat, no hot water, or a flood in your suite.

In the event of a fire, please dial 911 immediately.

We urge you to use these emergency contact numbers responsibly, ensuring that they are reserved solely for situations requiring urgent attention. Your cooperation in this matter is greatly appreciated as it helps us respond promptly to emergencies and maintain the safety and comfort of all residents.

What do I do if there is a fire in my rental unit?

In the event of a fire emergency, your safety is our top priority. Please follow these steps to ensure your well-being:

  1. Get out safely: If you detect a fire or smoke, evacuate the premises immediately using the nearest exit. Do not delay in leaving the building.

  2. Call 911: Once you are safely outside, dial 911 to report the fire to the emergency services. Provide them with your location and any relevant details about the situation.

  3. Inform Prime Property Management: It's crucial to notify us as soon as possible about the fire incident. Please call our emergency line at 780-538-2980 and press #8. This number is specifically designated for maintenance emergencies, including fire incidents, outside of regular office hours.

I am locked out of my home. What do I do?

We understand that lockouts can happen, and we're here to assist you in regaining access to your apartment. Please follow these procedures if you find yourself locked out:

During office hours (Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, closed at noon for one hour), please try to contact your roommates to see if they can let you in. If you're unable to reach them, feel free to stop by our office located at 10015 102 Street. Our staff will provide you with a set of keys to copy, and we kindly ask that you return them within a few hours.

If you've been locked out after office hours, you'll need to contact a locksmith to assist you in gaining entry into your apartment. This would NOT be considered an afterhours emergency, so please do not call our emergency line. 

Please note that you will be responsible for covering all associated costs. These costs may range from $150 to $250 and above, depending on the circumstances.

For after-hours lockout assistance, we recommend Lang Locks at 780-532-0122 or Assue Locks 780-513-1355.

We understand that lockouts can be frustrating, and we appreciate your cooperation in following these procedures to ensure a swift resolution.

I've lost my keys. How do I get a new set?

In the event of a lockout, please take the following steps to regain access to your apartment:

  1. Contact Roommates: If you have roommates, make arrangements to obtain a copy of their key set. Please ensure that you have their permission to make a copy. You will be responsible for all associated costs.

  2. Visit Our Office: If you are unable to obtain a copy from your roommates, you can visit our office during regular business hours (Monday to Friday, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, closed at noon for one hour). Our staff will provide you with a set of keys to copy. We kindly ask that you return the keys within a few hours.

We understand that lockouts can be inconvenient, and we appreciate your cooperation in following these procedures to resolve the situation promptly.

Am I allowed to paint my place?

If you would like to paint your suite, please follow these steps to obtain permission:

  1. Submit a Request: You can submit a request in writing while visiting our office, via email to maintenance@gpprime.net, or by using the request form on our website's homepage or through your Buildium portal.

  2. Await Approval: Once we receive your request, we will review it and let you know whether or not you can proceed with the painting.

We appreciate your cooperation in adhering to the terms of your lease agreement and following the proper procedures for making changes to your suite.

Damage has occurred in my rental (hole in the wall, broken window etc.), do I have to pay for it?

According to your lease, you will be held financially accountable for any damages that occur in your home that are above normal wear and tear and are caused by you or your guests.

To ensure the upkeep of our properties and to address any potential issues promptly, periodic inspections may be conducted throughout your tenancy. We will provide you with a 24-hour notice in writing before any inspection takes place. These inspections are conducted to evaluate the condition of your rental unit and to ensure that it is being maintained appropriately.

We appreciate your cooperation in maintaining the condition of your rental unit and promptly addressing any damages or maintenance concerns that may arise.

Who is responsible for paying utilities?

You will be made aware of any extra utility costs that you are responsible for when you sign your lease. This information will also be included in your lease agreement.

Who is responsible for snow removal?

At Prime Property Management, we are committed to maintaining our buildings in a good state of repair, ensuring they are fit for habitation, and complying with all health, safety, housing, and maintenance standards, which includes snow removal.

If you are renting a single-family home or townhouse, you will typically be responsible for snow removal. This responsibility ensures the safety and accessibility of your property during winter months.

We understand that snow removal can be a concern, and we are here to assist you. If you have any questions or concerns regarding snow removal, please don't hesitate to contact our office at 780-538-2980. Our team will be happy to discuss the details with you and address any concerns you may have.

When is garbage/recycling day for me?

Garbage and recycling pick-up days vary depending on your location within the city. Please consult the Aquatera website to find out when yours is. Some apartment properties have garbage and recycling receptacles available for your convenience.

Visit Aquatera's website at http://www.aquatera.ca for more information.

Can a Prime Property Management employee enter my rental unit?

It's essential to understand the guidelines outlined in the Residential Tenancies Act regarding landlord entry into your unit. Generally, landlords can enter a unit only under specific circumstances, and in most cases, they must provide tenants with 24 hours' written notice stating the reason for entry and the time they will enter.

However, there are exceptions to this rule, such as in the case of emergencies. The details regarding landlord entry, including any exceptions, will be clearly outlined in your lease agreement.

We encourage you to review your lease agreement thoroughly to understand your rights and responsibilities regarding landlord entry into your unit. If you have any questions or need further clarification, please feel free to reach out to us.

Can I refuse to let Prime Property Management enter my rental unit?

It's important to understand your rights and responsibilities regarding landlord entry into your unit. According to the Residential Tenancies Act, Prime Property Management must comply with specific regulations when entering your unit.

If Prime Property Management has delivered a written 24-hour notice, stating the reason for entry and the time they will enter, the tenant cannot refuse entry. It's crucial to adhere to these guidelines to ensure compliance with the law and to facilitate necessary inspections or maintenance.

We encourage you to familiarize yourself with the provisions outlined in your lease agreement and the Residential Tenancies Act to understand your rights and obligations as a tenant. If you have any questions or concerns regarding landlord entry, please don't hesitate to contact us.

Can I change the locks?

No. A tenant cannot change the locks. Also, a tenant cannot add locks that might prevent a Prime Property Management employee from entering the unit.

If you would like to change the locks, please contact our Maintenance Department at 780-831-1089 to discuss.

Can Prime Property Management change the locks?

Prime Property Management can change the locks while the tenant is living in the unit as long as they give the tenant a key for the new lock. If a tenant has been evicted, Prime Property Management can change the locks even if the tenant has left property in the unit.

Can I use Prime Property Management as a reference for my next rental application?

We are more than happy to provide you with a reference. Please feel free to provide the contact information for your prospective landlord or rental agency, and we will promptly assist them with any information they may require regarding your tenancy with us.

If there are any specific details you would like us to include in the reference, please let us know, and we will do our best to accommodate your request.

Have we answered everything?

If you have any questions that have not been answered on this website, please email us at reception@gpprime.net and a Prime Property representative will respond to your inquiry as soon as possible.

For legal issues regarding Landlord and Tenant matters, please refer to:

https://www.servicealberta.gov.ab.ca/pdf/tipsheets/Information_for_tenants.pdf