All You Need to Know
You’ve moved into your new home and you have questions, from paying your rent to managing maintenance requests. Read our most frequently asked questions for Devon residents and make everyday life that much simpler.
Rent & Payments
How do I pay my rent?
Devon’s preferred method of payment is through our online rent payment partner platforms. For your convenience, you can set up automatic recurring payments online via our payment partners bank account options, debit card, or credit card. To get started, visit devonproperties.com/pay-my-rent
Alternatively, we accept personal cheques, post-dated cheques, certified cheques or money orders.If you are paying by cheque, please ensure your cheque is made out to the correct payee, as it may vary depending on the property you live at. If you are unsure who to make your cheque out to, please reach out to your building manager. Please ensure the address, including building and unit number, are included on any form of payment. For security reasons, we don’t accept cash rent payment except for extenuating circumstances, which can only be paid at Devon’s corporate office.
When is my rent due?
One of your most important obligations as a tenant is to pay your full rent on time. With Devon Properties, rent is due on the first day of the month. You are required to pay rent on time even if the day it’s due falls on a holiday or your bank is closed. Setting up automatic payments through our online system can help make this easy and worry-free.
What happens if I pay my rent late?
All residents are required to pay rent on or before the due date. Not paying rent on time is a breach of a material term of your tenancy agreement and the Residential Tenancy Act.
If rent is not received when due, a late payment charge may apply. If payment has not been received, Devon Properties may issue a 10-Day Notice to End Tenancy as early as the second day of the month.
If you receive a 10-Day Notice, your tenancy does not automatically end. If the full outstanding rent is paid within 10 days of receiving the notice, the tenancy continues as normal. However, if payment is not made within that 10-day period, you may be required to move out.
Any unpaid rent and related charges will remain on your tenant account until the balance is cleared using certified funds (such as a certified cheque or approved online payment method).
Late payments also become part of your tenant record. If you anticipate a delay, we strongly encourage you to contact your Building Manager as early as possible to discuss your situation.
How do rent increases work?
We know monthly rental payments are a significant part of household planning. Notice of Rent Increases are governed by provincial regulations, and we follow all Residential Tenancy guidelines regarding notice periods and allowable annual adjustments.
Lease Terms & Changes
How do lease renewals work?
At the end of your initial fixed-term lease, your tenancy will automatically transition to a month-to-month agreement; there’s no need to sign anything for this to take effect.
If you’re happy in your home and would prefer the stability of another fixed-term lease to help lock in your current rental rate, we’re happy to discuss that with you. Simply reach out to your Building Manager to explore your options.
Can I sublet/Airbnb my unit when I go away?
If a resident wishes to sublet their apartment, they must contact the Devon Building Manager and arrange to complete the required paperwork. The “subletter” will complete a small portion of the standard resident screening process. Please note, the legal registered tenants on the lease are still 100% responsible for any unpaid rent and issues that may arise with the “subletter” occupying their unit.
Airbnb and/or vacation rentals are not permitted uses of the rental apartment and as such are a material breach of a rental agreement. Refusing to follow the rental agreement guidelines could result in termination of tenancy (e.g., eviction).
If you’re considering a sublet, please contact your building manager first. Subletting requires Devon’s approval and completion of the appropriate paperwork, including a standard screening process for the subletter.What happens if I need to break my lease?
Residents enter into a fixed-term lease, which is typically 12 months but occasionally 13 or 14 months. After the lease ends, it automatically reverts to a month-to-month tenancy as we do not allow short-term leases. The tenant may end their tenancy by giving the Landlord at least one month’s written notice and completing a Notice to Vacate form as mentioned in your signed Tenancy Agreement.
For more information on costs associated with breaking your lease, please refer to the following resources:
For BC residents: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/housing-tenancy/residential-tenancies/ending-a-tenancy/breaking-a-lease
For MB residents:
https://web2.gov.mb.ca/laws/regs/current/071-2010.php?lang=en
Maintenance & Repairs
What happens if there’s a maintenance issue in the apartment?
Devon’s policy is to provide a first-class accommodation that is enjoyable for all residents. If there are any outstanding maintenance issues in your suite or with one of your kitchen appliances, you can submit your maintenance and repair request as soon as you notice the problem through your Resident Portal.
To submit your request, log into your Resident Portal and fill out the information under “Maintenance Request.” Follow the prompts on the screen to complete the details of the maintenance issue. Your request should include:
- A description of the problem
- The urgency of the repair
You will also have to provide permission for maintenance staff to enter your unit. We will do our best to arrange to have this work done as soon as possible and will attempt to schedule the repair at a time that is convenient for you. You can also monitor the progress of your submitted request through your Resident Portal.
Devon will provide and maintain the residential property in a reasonable state of decoration and repair, suitable for occupation by a resident. Residents are also responsible for reporting issues early and taking reasonable steps to prevent damage caused by neglect or misuse.
How long will it take to complete my maintenance request?
We aim to address all maintenance requests as quickly as possible. Response times may vary depending on the nature and urgency of the issue.
Emergency repairs are prioritized and handled immediately. Non-urgent requests are typically scheduled in the order they are received.
In some cases, timelines may depend on vendor availability, part orders, or access to your suite. If specialized materials or replacement parts are required, repairs may take longer than expected.
How does Devon prioritize urgent concerns?
We are continuously reviewing building communication and procedures to support the safety and comfort of our residents. That means urgent issues (such as flooding, heat outages, or elevator disruptions) are handled immediately, while non-urgent items are scheduled in order of priority. In the event of an elevator malfunction, emergency services are dispatched immediately to ensure residents are assisted as quickly and safely as possible.
We appreciate your patience, and we’ll always do our best to communicate timelines clearly.
What if I notice an issue in a common area or around the property?
We pride ourselves in providing well-maintained apartments. If you notice something that needs attention—whether it’s litter, lighting, landscaping, or a repair in a shared space—please share your concerns with your building manager. We listen to our tenants, acting on your feedback to make your home and rental experience unparalleled.
Will there ever be temporary service interruptions at the property?
From time to time, short-term service interruptions may be required to complete building upgrades or necessary maintenance. This can occasionally result in temporary disruptions to heating systems and/or hot and cold water service.
These upgrades help ensure the property remains safe, well-maintained, and operating efficiently for all residents.
We make every effort to minimize the duration of any service interruptions and reduce noise or disruption wherever possible, and your Building Manager will notify you in advance of any planned outages. We appreciate your patience and understanding during any temporary inconvenience.
Move In & Move Out
Will I get a chance to inspect my suite before I move in? What about before I move out?
Move-in and move-out inspections are an important part of the tenancy process.
Your building manager will complete a written inspection with you when you take possession of your rental unit, and a similar inspection will take place at the end of your tenancy. We provide vacating residents with a Suite Cleaning Checklist to help make the move-out process clear and straightforward.
These inspections are required under the Residential Tenancy Act and help ensure transparency and clarity for both residents and management.
Please note that attending your scheduled move-out inspection is important. Under the Residential Tenancy Act, if a resident does not participate in the move-out inspection, they may forfeit certain rights related to their security deposit.
If you’re unable to attend at the scheduled time, please contact your Building Manager in advance to make alternate arrangements.
What should I do if my suite isn’t fully ready or cleaned at move-in?
Every suite at Devon Properties is thoroughly inspected and cleaned prior to move-in to ensure it meets our standards.
In the unlikely event that your suite is not fully ready during the turnover process or requires maintenance, any outstanding items will be “noted and listed for repairs” with a Devon Properties representative, as outlined in your tenancy agreement. This ensures all concerns are formally documented and addressed.
If you notice anything upon arrival, please let your Building Manager know right away. We’re committed to resolving outstanding items as quickly as possible so you can settle in comfortably.
When and how will I receive my security deposit back?
At the end of your tenancy, we will complete a Move-Out Condition Inspection Report and review the condition of the rental unit with you. If applicable, any damage to the rental unit or residential property for which you are responsible will be documented, and both parties will agree to any deductions from the security and/or pet damage deposit.
In accordance with the Residential Tenancy Act, your deposit (less any agreed-upon deductions) will be issued within 15 days of signing the move-out inspection report and providing a forwarding address.
All deposits are returned by cheque and mailed via Canada Post. While we issue the cheque within the required 15-day timeframe, delivery times may vary depending on postal service timelines and are outside of our control.
If you have questions about your deposit or mailing details, please contact your Building Manager.
Living at Devon Properties
Are utilities included? If so, which ones?
Your tenancy agreement indicates which utilities are included. These may include heat and hot water, or other similar utilities. In most cases electricity is not included and therefore setting up and maintaining payments to your provincial utility provider is solely a tenant responsibility.
Are there designated building quiet hours?
We’re committed to maintaining a respectful, comfortable community for everyone. Residents are expected to avoid noise and loud conversation that interferes with others’ quiet enjoyment at any time.
Quiet hours are typically observed between 10:00 pm and 9:00 am.
During these hours, we ask that noise be kept to a minimum. Thank you for helping create a peaceful environment for all residents.
With regard to noise concerns, our team monitors issues reported by residents and addresses them in accordance with building policies to help support a respectful and comfortable living environment for all tenants.
Am I allowed to decorate the apartment without penalty?
We want you to feel at home, and simple decor is welcome. We would like to remind residents to keep the residential property clean and presentable to not disturb the quiet enjoyment of other occupants of the building. Please familiarize yourself with the following guidelines:
- Decorations visible from the exterior of a building must not be used without the landlord’s prior written consent.
- The resident will not hang or store anything in or on the windows, balconies, or other areas of the building, suite, or residential property which would interfere with the uniform appearance of the property.
- Painting, papering, or decorating of the rental unit or residential property will be done only with Devon’s prior written consent and with Devon’s approved colours.
If the above is not followed, Devon has the right to claim against the deposit for any damage to a residential property.
What should I do if a package is lost or stolen?
Devon Properties makes every effort to maintain secure residential buildings; however, residents must remain vigilant. We strongly encourage you to collect packages promptly and avoid leaving personal belongings unattended in common areas.
In the interest of preventing theft, please take all personal belongings to your unit and ensure bicycles are properly secured in designated storage areas. Items left unattended in the lobby may be disposed of without notice. Neither the Landlord nor Devon Properties is responsible for items that are damaged or stolen while left in common areas of the property.
If you experience a package theft, please contact your Building Manager right away. If your property is equipped with security cameras (please note that not all properties are), your Building Manager can review available footage with you upon request.
If you notice suspicious activity or unauthorized individuals in the building, report it to your Building Manager immediately.
Safety & Emergencies
Who should I contact in case of an emergency at the residential property?
In the event of a bona fide emergency involving real or potential personal danger, loss of service, or property damage—such as fire, flooding, or personal safety concerns—please call 911 first.
Then, immediately contact your Building Manager, if it is within regular business hours. If it is outside of regular business hours please contact the DEVON PROPERTIES EMERGENCY LINE at 1.888.998.7620.