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Difference between revisions of "Repairs and Services When Renting"
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Repairs and Services When Renting (view source)
Revision as of 18:55, 23 January 2014
, 18:55, 23 January 2014→Dispute resolution for repairs and services
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*give you permission to pay for the repairs yourself and to deduct the cost of the repair from your next month’s rent, | *give you permission to pay for the repairs yourself and to deduct the cost of the repair from your next month’s rent, | ||
*order you to pay your rent to the [[Residential Tenancy Branch]] instead of to your landlord, until the repairs are done. This is called a “re-direction of rent.” See Section 65 of the [[Residential Tenancy Act|RTA]]. | *order you to pay your rent to the [[Residential Tenancy Branch]] instead of to your landlord, until the repairs are done. This is called a “re-direction of rent.” See Section 65 of the [[Residential Tenancy Act|RTA]]. | ||
If you went without something like your stove, fridge, toilet, or balcony because the landlord delayed repairs, you may want some of your rent money back. If you and your landlord cannot agree on fair compensation, you can go to [[Dispute Resolution|dispute resolution]] at the [[Residential Tenancy Branch]]. If the dispute resolution officer agrees that you should be compensated it will | |||
most likely be through a temporary rent reduction. | |||
===Proof of the problem=== | |||
Make sure you gather proof or evidence of the repair problem in case you have to go to a [[Dispute Resolution|dispute resolution hearing]]. You can take a photograph, or videotape the problem. Cost estimates from a tradesperson such as a plumber make good evidence. You can also ask friends or neighbours to look at the problem and be witnesses at a [[Dispute Resolution|dispute resolution hearing]]. | |||
===Calling a municipal building inspector=== | |||
Some municipalities have rules about how clean, safe, and healthy your suite must be. You can phone your municipal hall and ask them about these standards. (Look under “Health”, “Fire” or “Building Inspections” in the blue pages of the phone book or do a search for your municipal government on the Internet.) Inspectors may check your place and order the landlord to do repairs or clean things up. Unfortunately, not all municipalities will do this. If you live in a community that does not have by-laws to protect your health and safety you should call or write your mayor and city council and encourage them to adopt standards of | |||
maintenance by-laws. See section on [[Taking Action]]. | |||
===Building inspections in Vancouver=== | |||
The City of Vancouver has a Standards of Maintenance by-law for enforcing basic housing standards. The by-law covers everything from heat and hot water to rotting floors. Other by-laws make a landlord get rid of cockroaches, mice and fleas. If you live in Vancouver, you can phone City Hall and ask an inspector to check your place. The phone number for the City of Vancouver property use inspector is '''(604)873-7398'''. For information on the Vancouver health by-law contact Vancouver Coastal Health at '''(604) 675-3800'''. | |||
