“Quiet enjoyment” is a legal right that protects tenants from unreasonable interference with their use of a rental property. In simple terms, it means tenants are entitled to live in their home peacefully, without unnecessary disruption from landlords or others acting on the landlord’s behalf. Quiet enjoyment does not mean absolute silence. Instead, it refers […]
What rights does “quiet enjoyment” give tenants? Read More »
A builder’s lien (sometimes called a construction lien) is a powerful legal tool that helps contractors, subcontractors, and suppliers get paid for work or materials provided on a construction project. In simple terms, it allows an unpaid party to register a claim against the property they worked on to encourage payment on unpaid amounts. When
What is a “builder’s lien” and how does it help you get paid? Read More »
In most Canadian provinces and territories, there is a basic two-year limitation period. This means that you have two years to start your claim against a defendant or else you will automatically forfeit your right to make that claim. So, yes, it matters a lot. The two year period is usually calculated from the date
What is the “limitation period” and why does it matter? Read More »
A franchise is a business model where one party (the franchisor) grants another party (the franchisee) the right to operate a business using the franchisor’s brand, systems, trademarks, and operating methods in exchange for upfront fees and ongoing royalties. In this relationship, the franchisor will typically retain significant control over the manner in which the
What is a franchise? Read More »
Wrongful dismissal (not to be confused with constructive dismissal) is when an employer terminates an employee without “cause” and without proper notice of termination or severance pay in lieu of notice. The below is also expressly subject to the terms of the employment agreement between employer and employee. To be clear, employers generally have a
What is “wrongful dismissal” in Canada? Read More »
Short answer: in most cases, no. It would be rare for you to receive jail or prison time simply for owing money in Canada. Unpaid debts are generally considered a civil matter, not a criminal one. That means creditors must pursue collection through legal processes like demand letters, negotiations, or lawsuits and not criminal charges.
Can I go to jail for not paying my debt? Read More »
In Canada, “just cause” or “for cause” allows an employer to terminate an employee without notice or severance when the employee’s misconduct is so serious that it fundamentally destroys the employment relationship. Courts apply this standard very narrowly, because termination for cause is the most severe employment outcome. The employer bears the full burden of
Were you fired “for cause”? Read More »
Here are some practical, step-by-step “how to file” items describing how you would generally start a small claims action/lawsuit against a person in Canada. It is very important to note that this represents a general overview of steps. The mechanics and specific requirements and may vary from Province to Province. Please double check to ensure
How to start a claim in “Small Claims” Court Read More »
In British Columbia, the rules around returning a security deposit are strict, clear, and intentionally designed to protect tenants from unfair withholding. Under the Residential Tenancy Act, a landlord has 15 days to deal with a tenant’s security deposit once the tenancy ends and the landlord receives the tenant’s forwarding address in writing. Within that
THE SPECIAL RULE ABOUT SECURITY DEPOSITS IN B.C. Read More »
Move-in and move-out inspections are a critical part of the landlord–tenant relationship because they provide the factual foundation for determining whether a landlord is entitled to retain all or part of a tenant’s security deposit. These inspections protect both parties by creating a clear, documented record of a property’s condition at the beginning and end
THE INTERPLAY BETWEEN SECURITY DEPOSITS AND THE MOVE-IN AND MOVE-OUT INSPECTION Read More »
