I85PREP
⌘ K
BC Rental Property Management study materials
BC Rental Property Management study resources

BC Rental Property Management practice questions

One question at a time. Build your BC Rental Property Management understanding.

First 50 of 200 questions. Each one lists the choices, the correct answer, and an explanation. The checker at the top of this page saves progress in this browser when it is available.

Continue in the practice tool above to load more questions, 50 at a time.

Question 1Rental Property Management Fundamentals

In British Columbia, which statute is the primary legislation governing residential tenancies?

  1. The Residential Tenancy Regulation
  2. The Residential Tenancy Act Correct answer.
  3. The Real Estate Services Act
  4. The Strata Property Act

Explanation

The Residential Tenancy Act is the main statute that sets out the rights and obligations of landlords and tenants in BC. The Regulation provides supporting detail but does not itself establish the core rights and duties.

Question 2Rental Property Management Fundamentals

Under BC law, what is the standard maximum amount a landlord may collect as a security deposit for a residential tenancy?

  1. One week's rent
  2. One month's rent
  3. Two months' rent
  4. Half of one month's rent Correct answer.

Explanation

The Residential Tenancy Act limits a security deposit to half of one month's rent. A separate pet damage deposit may also be collected, but it is likewise capped at half of one month's rent.

Question 3Rental Property Management Fundamentals

A landlord wants to end a tenancy at the end of a fixed term because the fixed term has expired. What must the tenancy agreement generally provide for this to be effective?

  1. A clause allowing the landlord to raise rent at any time
  2. A stated condition that the tenant vacates at the end of the fixed term Correct answer.
  3. An agreement signed by two witnesses
  4. A requirement that the tenant give one month's notice

Explanation

For a fixed-term tenancy to end automatically at the end of the term, the agreement must include a condition stating the tenant will vacate on that date. Without such a condition, the tenancy continues on a month-to-month basis.

Question 4Rental Property Management Fundamentals

How much notice must a landlord generally give a tenant to end a month-to-month tenancy for landlord's use of the property?

  1. Four months
  2. Two months Correct answer.
  3. One month
  4. Ten days

Explanation

Where a landlord ends a month-to-month tenancy for landlord's use or a close family member's use, two months' written notice is generally required. The tenant must also receive one month's rent as compensation in that situation.

Question 5Rental Property Management Fundamentals

A tenant pays rent on the first of each month. The landlord wants to increase the rent. What notice must generally be given for a rent increase?

  1. One month's written notice
  2. Three months' written notice using the approved form Correct answer.
  3. Two months' oral notice
  4. No notice if the increase is under 5 percent

Explanation

In BC a landlord must give at least three months' written notice of a rent increase on the approved form. The increase may take effect only once every twelve months.

Question 6Rental Property Management Fundamentals

A landlord receives a tenant's written request to assign the tenancy. How long does the landlord generally have to respond in writing?

  1. Sixty days
  2. Seven days Correct answer.
  3. Fourteen days
  4. Thirty days

Explanation

When a tenant asks in writing to assign or sublet, the landlord must respond in writing within seven days. Failure to respond within that period is treated as consent to the assignment or sublet.

Question 7Rental Property Management Fundamentals

A landlord ends a tenancy for landlord's use and the tenant moves out. If the unit is not used for the stated purpose, what may the former tenant be entitled to claim?

  1. One month's rent only
  2. Nothing, because the tenancy already ended
  3. The security deposit doubled
  4. Twelve months' rent as compensation Correct answer.

Explanation

If a landlord ends a tenancy for landlord's use but does not use the unit for that purpose for at least six months, the former tenant may be entitled to twelve months' rent as compensation. The tenant must generally act within a set time limit.

Question 8Rental Property Management Fundamentals

What is the usual purpose of a move-in condition inspection?

  1. To set the rent for the following year
  2. To confirm the tenant's employment status
  3. To register the tenancy with the local municipality
  4. To record the state of the unit so the deposit can be fairly assessed later Correct answer.

Explanation

A condition inspection creates a written record, signed by both parties, of how the unit looked at the start of the tenancy. That record is used at move-out to decide whether any damage deductions from the deposit are justified.

Question 9Rental Property Management Fundamentals

A tenant fails to pay rent on time. Which notice may the landlord generally serve to begin ending the tenancy?

  1. A ten-day notice to end tenancy for unpaid rent Correct answer.
  2. A two-month notice for landlord's use
  3. A four-month notice for demolition
  4. A one-month notice for cause

Explanation

When rent remains unpaid, a landlord may serve a ten-day notice to end tenancy for unpaid rent. The tenant can cancel the notice by paying the outstanding rent plus the filing fee within the allowed period.

Question 10Rental Property Management Fundamentals

A landlord wants to enter a rented unit to show it to prospective buyers. What is generally required?

  1. Written notice at least 24 hours before entry Correct answer.
  2. No notice if the tenant is home
  3. Verbal notice at the door
  4. Written notice at least 30 days before entry

Explanation

A landlord must give written notice at least 24 hours before entering to show the unit, and entry must occur at a reasonable time. The tenant must be told the purpose and the date and time of entry.

Question 11Rental Property Management Fundamentals

Which of the following best describes a landlord's obligation regarding the security deposit at the end of a tenancy?

  1. Apply it automatically to the last month's rent
  2. Keep it unless the tenant asks for it
  3. Transfer it to the new tenant
  4. Return it with interest, less any lawful deductions, within the required time Correct answer.

Explanation

The landlord must return the deposit, along with any required interest, within the statutory time after the tenancy ends. Deductions are allowed only for unpaid rent or damage beyond reasonable wear and tear, and the tenant must receive a written statement.

Question 12Rental Property Management Fundamentals

What does 'reasonable wear and tear' generally mean when assessing damage?

  1. Normal deterioration from ordinary use over time Correct answer.
  2. Damage caused by a tenant's negligence
  3. Any change the tenant makes to the unit
  4. Damage caused by a pet

Explanation

Reasonable wear and tear refers to the natural decline of a unit's condition through everyday living, such as minor scuffs. A landlord cannot charge the tenant for this ordinary deterioration, only for damage beyond it.

Question 13Rental Property Management Fundamentals

A tenant wants to sublet the unit to someone else while keeping the tenancy. What is generally required?

  1. The landlord's written consent, which cannot be unreasonably withheld Correct answer.
  2. Consent from the building's other tenants
  3. Automatic permission under the Act
  4. Approval from the residential tenancy branch before listing

Explanation

A tenant who wants to sublet or assign must obtain the landlord's consent, and the landlord cannot unreasonably withhold it. The landlord must respond to a written request within seven days.

Question 14Rental Property Management Fundamentals

Which statement about a landlord's duty to keep the unit in a habitable condition is accurate?

  1. The tenant alone is responsible for all repairs
  2. The landlord must maintain the unit in a state suitable for occupation Correct answer.
  3. The duty can be waived by a clause in the agreement
  4. Habitable condition is required only at the start of the tenancy

Explanation

The Act requires landlords to maintain residential premises in a condition suitable for occupation. This duty is ongoing and cannot be contracted away by the parties.

Question 15Rental Property Management Fundamentals

A tenant has a fixed-term tenancy of one year and moves out before the term ends without lawful reason. What is the landlord generally entitled to claim?

  1. Twelve months' rent as a penalty
  2. The full rent for the entire term with no duty to mitigate
  3. Nothing, because the tenant left voluntarily
  4. Unpaid rent for the remainder of the term, subject to a duty to mitigate Correct answer.

Explanation

When a tenant abandons a fixed-term tenancy early, the landlord may claim rent owed but must take reasonable steps to mitigate the loss by re-renting. The claim is reduced by rent the landlord recovers from a new tenant.

Question 16Rental Property Management Fundamentals

What is the typical maximum late payment fee a landlord may charge under BC residential tenancy rules?

  1. Ten percent of the monthly rent
  2. One full month's rent
  3. Any amount agreed in the contract
  4. A stated amount set by regulation, currently a modest fixed sum Correct answer.

Explanation

The Act permits a landlord to charge a late payment fee only if the agreement provides for it, and the amount is capped by regulation rather than set freely. The fee must be a fixed sum, not a percentage of rent.

Question 17Rental Property Management Fundamentals

A landlord serves a notice to end tenancy. What right does the tenant generally have?

  1. To demand a jury trial
  2. To ignore the notice until the landlord files in court
  3. To dispute the notice by applying for dispute resolution within the allowed time Correct answer.
  4. To extend the tenancy indefinitely by paying rent

Explanation

A tenant who disagrees with a notice to end tenancy may apply to the Residential Tenancy Branch for dispute resolution within the time stated in the notice. Filing within the deadline protects the tenancy while the dispute is decided.

Question 18Rental Property Management Fundamentals

Which of the following is generally a valid ground for ending a tenancy with two months' notice?

  1. The tenant works from home
  2. The tenant has guests staying overnight
  3. The landlord or a close family member intends to occupy the unit Correct answer.
  4. The landlord wants to renovate the lobby

Explanation

A landlord may end a tenancy with two months' notice where the landlord or a close family member intends in good faith to occupy the unit. The tenant is also entitled to one month's rent as compensation.

Question 19Rental Property Management Fundamentals

What is the main purpose of a written tenancy agreement?

  1. To set out the parties' rights and obligations in a clear, enforceable record Correct answer.
  2. To register the tenancy with the province
  3. To transfer ownership of the property
  4. To replace the Residential Tenancy Act

Explanation

A written tenancy agreement records key terms such as rent, deposits, and the parties' obligations, making them clear and easier to enforce. It cannot override the statutory rights set by the Act.

Question 20Rental Property Management Fundamentals

A tenant's rent is due on the first of the month. The tenant pays on the fifth. Which statement is accurate?

  1. The tenant has breached a criminal offence
  2. The landlord may charge a late fee only if the agreement provides for it Correct answer.
  3. The landlord may keep the security deposit
  4. The landlord may immediately end the tenancy without notice

Explanation

A late payment fee can be charged only when the tenancy agreement includes that term and the amount complies with the regulatory cap. Late payment alone does not allow immediate eviction or forfeiture of the deposit.

Question 21Rental Property Management Fundamentals

What does the term 'quiet enjoyment' refer to in a residential tenancy?

  1. The landlord's right to enter at any time
  2. The tenant's right to use the unit without unreasonable interference Correct answer.
  3. The tenant's duty to keep noise below a set decibel level
  4. A requirement that the unit be soundproofed

Explanation

Quiet enjoyment is the tenant's right to possess and use the rental unit reasonably free from substantial interference by the landlord. It is not about the tenant's own noise level or soundproofing.

Question 22Rental Property Management Fundamentals

A landlord sells the rental building while a tenancy is in place. What generally happens to the tenancy?

  1. The deposit is forfeited to the seller
  2. The tenant must sign a new agreement with the buyer
  3. The tenancy continues and the new owner takes on the landlord's obligations Correct answer.
  4. The tenancy ends automatically on the sale date

Explanation

A change of landlord does not end a residential tenancy; the new owner steps into the landlord's role. The deposit should be transferred to the new owner, who becomes responsible for it.

Question 23Rental Property Management Fundamentals

Which of the following best describes the standard of proof generally applied in residential tenancy dispute resolution?

  1. Clear and convincing evidence
  2. Proof by a preponderance of documents
  3. Beyond a reasonable doubt
  4. Balance of probabilities Correct answer.

Explanation

Residential tenancy disputes are civil matters decided on the balance of probabilities, meaning it is more likely than not that a fact is true. The criminal standard of beyond a reasonable doubt does not apply.

Question 24Rental Property Management Fundamentals

A landlord wants to end a tenancy because the unit will be converted to a non-residential use. What notice period generally applies?

  1. Two months
  2. One month
  3. Four months Correct answer.
  4. Ten days

Explanation

Where a landlord ends a tenancy for conversion of the property to a non-residential use, four months' notice is generally required. The tenant may also be entitled to compensation.

Question 25Rental Property Management Fundamentals

What is the landlord's general obligation when a tenant reports a repair problem that affects health or safety?

  1. To make the repair within a reasonable time Correct answer.
  2. To wait until the tenancy ends
  3. To ask the tenant to pay for the repair first
  4. To ignore it if the tenant caused normal wear and tear

Explanation

Landlords are required to maintain the unit and carry out repairs affecting health, safety, or habitability within a reasonable time of being notified. Delay can support a tenant's application for remedies.

Question 26Rental Property Management Fundamentals

Under BC residential tenancy law, what is the maximum security deposit a landlord may require for a rental unit?

  1. Two months' rent
  2. One month's rent
  3. One week's rent
  4. Half of one month's rent Correct answer.

Explanation

BC law caps the security deposit at half of one month's rent, and the same cap applies to a pet damage deposit. Together these deposits cannot exceed one month's rent. A landlord who collects more than the legal maximum can be ordered to return the excess.

Question 27Rental Property Management Fundamentals

A landlord requires a pet damage deposit in addition to a security deposit. What limit applies to the combined total?

  1. It may equal one and a half months' rent
  2. There is no combined limit
  3. It may equal two months' rent
  4. It may not exceed one month's rent Correct answer.

Explanation

The security deposit and pet damage deposit together cannot exceed one month's rent. Because each is individually capped at half a month's rent, collecting both reaches the combined ceiling. Any amount beyond that ceiling is not permitted.

Question 28Rental Property Management Fundamentals

How often may a landlord increase rent for an existing tenancy under BC rules?

  1. No more than once in a 12-month period Correct answer.
  2. Every three months
  3. Every six months
  4. Whenever the landlord chooses

Explanation

Rent for an existing tenancy may be increased only once in each 12-month period. The increase must also follow the permitted amount and proper written notice requirements. A landlord cannot raise rent more frequently by issuing several notices.

Question 29Rental Property Management Fundamentals

A landlord plans a rent increase. What is the general minimum written notice period that must be given to the tenant?

  1. Six months
  2. Three months Correct answer.
  3. Two months
  4. One month

Explanation

A landlord must give at least three months' written notice of a rent increase, using the approved form. The notice must state the amount and the effective date of the increase. Shorter notice does not make the increase effective.

Question 30Rental Property Management Fundamentals

Which statement accurately describes how often a landlord may require a tenant to pay rent?

  1. Rent must always be paid weekly
  2. Rent must be paid in a single annual instalment
  3. Rent may be required at intervals no shorter than the rental periods set by the agreement Correct answer.
  4. Rent may be required only in a fixed monthly cycle set by the agreement

Explanation

Rent is payable at the intervals set out in the tenancy agreement, and the law prohibits requiring payment more often than the rental period. A monthly tenancy therefore cannot be converted into weekly payment demands. The payment schedule should be stated clearly in the agreement.

Question 31Rental Property Management Fundamentals

A tenant pays rent by cheque and the cheque is dishonoured for insufficient funds. What may the landlord generally charge?

  1. Any amount the landlord decides
  2. Nothing, because fees are prohibited
  3. A full month's rent as a penalty
  4. A fee not exceeding the prescribed maximum for a dishonoured cheque Correct answer.

Explanation

BC rules allow a landlord to charge a prescribed fee when a tenant's cheque is dishonoured, but the amount is capped. The fee must not exceed the maximum set by regulation. Charging an arbitrary penalty above the cap is not permitted.

Question 32Rental Property Management Fundamentals

What is the standard notice period a landlord must give to end a monthly tenancy for non-payment of rent?

  1. Four months
  2. Two months
  3. Ten days Correct answer.
  4. One month

Explanation

For non-payment of rent in a periodic tenancy, the landlord may serve a notice giving the tenant ten days to pay or vacate. This short notice reflects the seriousness of unpaid rent. If the tenant pays within the period, the notice is generally cancelled.

Question 33Rental Property Management Fundamentals

A tenant has not paid rent and receives a ten-day notice. Within the notice period the tenant pays the full overdue rent. What is the usual result?

  1. The notice is cancelled and the tenancy continues Correct answer.
  2. The tenant must still move out in ten days
  3. The landlord may keep the payment and evict
  4. The tenancy ends anyway

Explanation

If a tenant pays the overdue rent within the ten-day notice period, the notice is generally cancelled and the tenancy continues. The payment remedies the breach that grounded the notice. The landlord cannot rely on that same notice to end the tenancy afterward.

Question 34Rental Property Management Fundamentals

A landlord wants to end a tenancy because the landlord's immediate family member will occupy the unit. What notice must generally be given?

  1. Two months Correct answer.
  2. Four months
  3. Ten days
  4. One month

Explanation

Ending a tenancy for landlord's use or the use of a close family member generally requires two months' written notice. The notice must be on the approved form and state the intended use. The tenant may also be entitled to compensation in some cases.

Question 35Rental Property Management Fundamentals

After a tenant lawfully vacates, when must the landlord return the security deposit or file a claim against it?

  1. Within 30 days after the tenancy ends
  2. Within 15 days after the tenant provides a forwarding address Correct answer.
  3. Within one year
  4. Within 60 days after the tenancy ends

Explanation

The landlord must return the deposit, or file a dispute claim, within 15 days after the tenant gives a written forwarding address or the tenancy ends, whichever is later. Failing that, the landlord may owe the deposit plus an additional amount. Prompt accounting protects both parties.

Question 36Rental Property Management Fundamentals

A landlord fails to return a security deposit on time without filing a dispute. What additional amount may the landlord generally owe the tenant?

  1. Nothing extra
  2. Triple the monthly rent
  3. A fixed flat fee only
  4. Double the deposit amount Correct answer.

Explanation

If a landlord wrongly withholds a deposit or fails to return it within the required time without filing a claim, the landlord may be ordered to pay the tenant double the deposit amount. This penalty encourages timely and honest accounting. It applies in addition to returning the deposit itself.

Question 37Rental Property Management Fundamentals

Which of the following is a key rule about how a landlord must treat a security deposit during the tenancy?

  1. The landlord must hold it and account for it as a deposit, not as rent Correct answer.
  2. The landlord may apply it to routine maintenance
  3. The landlord may spend it freely on any expense
  4. The landlord may transfer it to the tenant's rent account at will

Explanation

A security deposit must be held as a deposit and cannot be treated as prepaid rent or spent on general expenses during the tenancy. It is meant to secure performance of the tenant's obligations. At the end of the tenancy it must be returned or accounted for under the rules.

Question 38Rental Property Management Fundamentals

A tenant who has a fixed-term tenancy wants to stay after the term ends. If the landlord and tenant agree to continue, what does the tenancy usually become?

  1. A periodic tenancy on the same terms Correct answer.
  2. A tenancy at will with no rent
  3. A licence to occupy
  4. An entirely new agreement with no terms

Explanation

When a fixed-term tenancy ends and the parties continue without a new fixed term, the tenancy generally becomes a periodic tenancy on the same terms. The rental period follows how rent is paid. This preserves the existing rights and obligations.

Question 39Rental Property Management Fundamentals

What is the general rule about a landlord requiring post-dated cheques or automatic payments from a tenant?

  1. The landlord may demand either as a condition
  2. The landlord cannot require post-dated cheques or automatic payments as a condition of the tenancy Correct answer.
  3. The landlord may require automatic payments only
  4. The landlord may require post-dated cheques but not automatic payments

Explanation

BC rules prohibit a landlord from requiring post-dated cheques or automatic payments as a condition of renting. The tenant may agree to such a method voluntarily. The choice of a lawful payment method should not be forced on the tenant.

Question 40Rental Property Management Fundamentals

A landlord and tenant sign a one-year fixed-term tenancy. Which statement about ending it early is accurate?

  1. The fixed term binds both parties unless there is a lawful ground or mutual agreement Correct answer.
  2. The tenancy ends automatically if the tenant finds a roommate
  3. Either party may end it at any time without consequence
  4. The tenant may leave early with no obligation in all cases

Explanation

A fixed-term tenancy runs for its stated period and binds both parties unless a lawful ground to end it exists or they agree otherwise. A tenant who leaves early without a lawful reason may owe rent for the remainder, subject to the landlord's duty to mitigate. The term does not simply dissolve.

Question 41Rental Property Management Fundamentals

A landlord is entitled to compensation or mitigation when a tenant abandons a fixed-term tenancy. What duty does the landlord generally have?

  1. To immediately forgive all remaining rent
  2. To do nothing and collect full rent for the term
  3. To make reasonable efforts to re-rent the unit and reduce the loss Correct answer.
  4. To keep the unit vacant until the term ends

Explanation

When a tenant breaches a fixed-term tenancy, the landlord must take reasonable steps to mitigate the loss, such as advertising and re-renting the unit. The tenant may then owe only the shortfall for a reasonable period. Failing to mitigate can reduce the amount recoverable.

Question 42Rental Property Management Fundamentals

What is the usual rule about a landlord charging a fee to review or process a tenant's application?

  1. A landlord may charge a fee equal to one month's rent
  2. A landlord may charge any application fee
  3. Application fees are generally not permitted Correct answer.
  4. A landlord may charge a fee only if the tenant is approved

Explanation

BC rules generally prohibit landlords from charging application fees to prospective tenants. A landlord may collect a security deposit only after accepting a tenant. Charging for processing an application is not an allowed practice.

Question 43Rental Property Management Fundamentals

A landlord wants to inspect the unit for a routine annual review. What is generally required before entry?

  1. Written notice at least 24 hours in advance, with entry at a reasonable time Correct answer.
  2. The tenant's written consent each time
  3. Verbal notice minutes before entry
  4. No notice at all

Explanation

For a routine inspection, the landlord must give written notice at least 24 hours in advance and enter at a reasonable time. The notice should state the date, time, and purpose. Entry without proper notice can breach the tenant's rights.

Question 44Rental Property Management Fundamentals

A tenant is away and the landlord has a genuine emergency, such as a burst pipe flooding the unit. What does the law generally allow?

  1. The landlord may enter without notice to deal with the emergency Correct answer.
  2. The landlord may never enter while the tenant is away
  3. The landlord must obtain a court order first
  4. The landlord must wait 24 hours in all cases

Explanation

In a genuine emergency that threatens property or safety, a landlord may enter without prior notice to address the problem. The emergency exception exists because delay could cause serious damage. Ordinary inspections still require proper notice.

Question 45Rental Property Management Fundamentals

Which statement best describes the tenant's obligation regarding the condition of the rental unit during the tenancy?

  1. The tenant must repair all structural defects
  2. The tenant must replace all appliances at the end of the term
  3. The tenant must keep the unit reasonably clean and repair damage caused by the tenant Correct answer.
  4. The tenant has no responsibility for cleanliness

Explanation

A tenant must keep the unit reasonably clean and is responsible for damage caused by the tenant or guests beyond reasonable wear and tear. Structural repairs and major maintenance remain the landlord's responsibility. This division reflects the parties' respective duties.

Question 46Rental Property Management Fundamentals

A landlord gives a tenant a notice to end tenancy. Within what period may the tenant generally apply for dispute resolution to challenge it?

  1. 15 days Correct answer.
  2. 10 days
  3. 5 days
  4. 30 days

Explanation

A tenant who receives a notice to end tenancy generally has 15 days to apply for dispute resolution to dispute it. Filing within that window preserves the tenant's right to challenge the notice. Missing the deadline can limit the available remedies.

Question 47Rental Property Management Fundamentals

A landlord and tenant disagree about whether a deduction from the security deposit is justified. What is the usual way to resolve the dispute?

  1. The tenant must accept the deduction
  2. The landlord's decision is final
  3. The parties must go directly to the Supreme Court
  4. The dispute may be taken to the residential tenancy dispute resolution process Correct answer.

Explanation

Disagreements over deposit deductions are resolved through the residential tenancy dispute resolution process, where an arbitrator decides based on evidence. The landlord's unilateral decision is not final. This gives tenants a fair route to challenge improper deductions.

Question 48Rental Property Management Fundamentals

A landlord plans to convert the building to a strata-lot sale where each unit will be sold. What notice generally applies to end the tenancies for this purpose?

  1. Two months
  2. Four months Correct answer.
  3. One month
  4. Ten days

Explanation

Ending a tenancy because the rental unit will be converted to a strata lot or sold under a specified conversion situation generally requires four months' written notice. The longer period reflects the significant change and gives tenants more time to relocate. The notice must follow the approved form.

Question 49Rental Property Management Fundamentals

A landlord wants to end a tenancy because the unit will be demolished. What notice period generally applies?

  1. One month
  2. Two months
  3. Ten days
  4. Four months Correct answer.

Explanation

Ending a tenancy for demolition or conversion generally requires four months' written notice on the approved form. Tenants may also be entitled to compensation in these situations. The longer notice period allows time to find new housing.

Question 50Rental Property Management Fundamentals

What is the general rule about a landlord keeping a tenant's personal property left behind after the tenant moves out?

  1. The landlord may throw it away at once
  2. The landlord may keep it immediately as compensation
  3. The landlord must store it indefinitely at no cost
  4. The landlord must follow a prescribed process, including holding and notifying, before disposing of it Correct answer.

Explanation

When a tenant leaves personal property behind, the landlord must follow a prescribed process that includes safeguarding the items and giving notice before disposing of them. The landlord cannot simply keep or discard the property. Following the process protects both parties.