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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 10012 - 97A Street, Grande Prairie, AB T8V 2C1. 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 at 10012 - 97A 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 $500.00 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 Prime Property Management isn’t properly maintaining a building or unit?

Prime Property Management has an excellent reputation for providing their tenants with fast and efficient repair services, so this should not be an issue. In accordance with the Act, rent must still be paid on time, even if a tenant feels their maintenance needs are not being met.

If a tenant withholds rent, Prime Property Management  can give the tenant a Notice to End a Tenancy for Non-payment of Rent. To ensure that this does not become an issue, it is important to submit your service/repair requests to Prime Property Management as soon as possible.


The Maintenance Department can be reached at 780-831-1089, via email at maintenance@gpprime.net or send a maintenance request using the online feature on our website's homepage.

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

Yes. Prime Property Management  must give a tenant written notice of rent increase at least 90 days before the day the rent increases. The notice must include how much the new rent payment will be and when the new payment goes into effect.

The Act states that rent cannot be increased unless 365 days have passed since the commencement of the tenancy or the last increase in rent, whichever is later. See the Residential Tenancies Act for more information. 

If the tenant decides the new rent payment is more than what they want to pay, there is enough time for the tenant to provide Prime Property Management with proper notice of termination and move out before the rent increase begins.

How often can the rent be increased?

Rent for a new tenant cannot be increased until 365 days after the tenancy has started. Prime Property Management is then allowed to increase the rent once every 365 days.

Is rental insurance included in my rent?

No. It is the responsibility of the Tenant to insure the Tenant's property against all damage or loss to such property and to obtain a Tenant's liability policy as stated in your lease agreement.

Prime Property Management does not cover any insurance costs, nor the costs of any damages incurred as a result of fire, flood or break-in.

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?

We prefer that tenants set up pre-authorized payment at the time of their lease signing. If you choose to do otherwise, payments must be received by the first of the month by debit in office, in the form of certified cheque(s), money order(s) or post dated cheque(s).

Are monthly rent receipts available?

Rent receipts are provided to tenants automatically when rent is paid at our office.

Otherwise, you will need to request a receipt in person at Prime.

Unfortunately, we cannot email them monthly.  

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?

Rent is considered overdue if it is not paid on the 1st of the month. For example, if a rent payment is due on the 1st of the month and it is not received on that day, it is overdue.

After the third working day of each month, a late fee of $5.00 per day will be applied to all outstanding rent.

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?

Prime Property Management must be provided with a one full month's, written notice of termination from the tenant(s). The termination date must be the last day of their rental period or lease, 30 days notice to vacate does not apply during a lease.

For example, if it is a monthly tenancy that begins on the first day of each month and the tenant gives Prime Property Management notice on June 15th, the termination date would be July 31st.

Should you have questions regarding timely notice, please contact our Leasing Department at 780-831-1037 or email at leasing@gpprime.net.

On what grounds can a tenant be evicted?

There are many different reasons for evicting a tenant. The following is a brief list of some of these examples:

    Rent has not been paid in full.
    Rent is frequently overdue.
    Excessive damage has been caused to the rental property.
    Illegal activity being performed by the tenant in the unit or on property grounds.
    Safety of others has been compromised.
    Peace of other tenants or landlord has been disturbed.
    Too many unauthorized people are living in the rental unit.
    In the case of subsidized housing, income has not been reported.
    *** An Owner who requires the unit for him/herself personally, must deliver 90 days notice to end a periodic tenancy.
 

Who is responsible for maintaining the unit?

It is the landlord's responsibility to maintain the unit and ensure that it is in a good state of repair.


The tenant is ultimately responsible for keeping the unit clean, up to the standard that most people consider ordinary for normal cleanliness. The tenant is also responsible for repairing or paying for any damage to the rental property caused by the tenant, their guests or another person living in the rental unit.

How do I put a request in for repairs?

A request for repairs can be be submitted in writing while visiting our office, by telephone at 780-831-1089, via email to maintenance@gpprime.net or you can send a maintenance request using the online feature on our website's homepage.

Please provide enough detail for us to assess the problem and assign an appropriate repair person without visiting your unit. A work order will assigned immediately and our Maintenance Coordinator will contact you to schedule the work. 

Should you have an after hours maintenance emergency please call 780-538-2980 and press #8.

This is to be used ONLY FOR MAINTENANCE EMERGENCIES: EX: No heat, no hot water or if you have a flood in your suite.

If there is a fire call 911.

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

If your situation is an emergency (leaks, flood, no heat/water/electricity), please call our office during the day Monday to Friday 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM at 780-831-1089.

Should you have an AFTER HOURS maintenance emergency please call 780-538-2980 and press #8. This is to be used ONLY FOR MAINTENANCE EMERGENCIES: EX: No heat, No hot water or if you have a flood in your suite.

If there is a fire call 911.

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

Get out safely, call 911, and inform Prime Property Management as soon as possible by calling 780-538-2980 and press #8.

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

If you have roommates, please try to have them let you in. If you cannot reach them, and it is during office hours (Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, (closed at noon for one hour), you can stop by the office at 10012 - 97A Street and our staff will provide you with a set of keys to copy and return within a few hours.

If you have locked yourself out of your home after office hours, you will be required to call a locksmith to get back into your apartment and pay all associated costs (may range from $100-$150).  

Our preferred locksmith is Lang Locks 780-532-0122.

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

If you have roommates, make arrangements to make a copy of their set. You will be responsible for all associated costs. Otherwise, you can stop by the office during regular business hours (Monday to Friday, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, closed at noon for one hour) and Prime Property Management will provide you with a set of keys to copy and return within a few hours.

Am I allowed to paint my place?

Painting without Prime Property Management's permission is a violation of your lease. If you would like to paint your suite, please submit a request and we will let you know whether or not you can proceed.

A request can be be submitted in writing while visiting our office, via email to maintenance@gpprime.net or you can send the request to our Maintenance Department using the online feature on our website's homepage.

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

Yes. Your lease states that you will be held financially accountable for any damages that occur in your home that are above normal wear and tear and caused by you or your guests. Periodic inspections may be held throughout your tenancy (24-hour notice will be supplied in writing) to evaluate the condition of your rental unit.

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?

Prime Property Management must ensure that the buildings are kept in a good state of repair, fit for habitation and that they comply with any health, safety, housing and maintenance standards, which includes snow removal.

If you are renting a single family home or town house, in most instances you will be responsible for snow removal.

If you have questions or concerns regarding snow removal please contact our office at 780-538-2980 to discuss.

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?

The Act allows a landlord to enter a unit only under specific circumstances. In most cases, the landlord must provide the tenant 24 hours written notice, stating when they will enter and for what reason. There are some exceptions, such as in the case of emergency. This information will be included in your lease agreement.

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

Provided that Prime Property Management has complied with the Act by delivering a written 24 hour notice, a tenant cannot refuse entry.

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?

Yes, Prime Property Management is happy to provide you with a reference for your next rental application.

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