Difference between revisions of "Repairs and Services When Renting"
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==Standards of Maintenance== | ==Standards of Maintenance== | ||
The ''Residential Tenancy Act (RTA)'' is the most important law for you to understand, but it is not the only law that applies to tenants and landlords in BC. This is especially true when it comes to repairing and maintaining rental properties. Although the ''RTA'' states in general terms that landlords must comply with health, safety, and housing standards required by law, it does not do a good job of explaining what that means. | The ''[http://www.bclaws.ca/EPLibraries/bclaws_new/document/ID/freeside/00_02078_01 Residential Tenancy Act (RTA)]'' is the most important law for you to understand, but it is not the only law that applies to tenants and landlords in BC. This is especially true when it comes to repairing and maintaining rental properties. Although the ''RTA'' states in general terms that landlords must comply with health, safety, and housing standards required by law, it does not do a good job of explaining what that means. | ||
For a more detailed description of your landlord’s legal responsibility to repair and maintain your rental property, you will need to research one of your City’s bylaws – usually referred to as a “Standards of Maintenance” or “Good Neighbour” bylaw. These local laws go into greater detail than the ''RTA'' on heating systems, hot water, infestations, exterior walls, roofing, elevators, fire escapes, etc. If your landlord is refusing to make certain repairs, your City might be willing to send a Bylaw Officer to inspect your property, issue warnings and fines to your landlord, or otherwise enforce the bylaw. Alternatively, the bylaw could be used as evidence for a repair order at a Residential Tenancy Branch (RTB) dispute resolution hearing. | For a more detailed description of your landlord’s legal responsibility to repair and maintain your rental property, you will need to research one of your City’s bylaws – usually referred to as a “Standards of Maintenance” or “Good Neighbour” bylaw. These local laws go into greater detail than the ''RTA'' on heating systems, hot water, infestations, exterior walls, roofing, elevators, fire escapes, etc. If your landlord is refusing to make certain repairs, your City might be willing to send a Bylaw Officer to inspect your property, issue warnings and fines to your landlord, or otherwise enforce the bylaw. Alternatively, the bylaw could be used as evidence for a repair order at a Residential Tenancy Branch (RTB) dispute resolution hearing. | ||