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Difference between revisions of "Repairs and Services When Renting"
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Repairs and Services When Renting (view source)
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===Don't hold back your rent=== | ===Don't hold back your rent=== | ||
You may want to withhold your rent for your inconvenience or the cost of repairs you have done yourself. If you do this without getting a | You may want to withhold your rent for your inconvenience or the cost of repairs you have done yourself. If you do this without getting a arbitrator's order, your landlord could evict you for non-payment of rent. It is better to apply for [[Dispute Resolution for Tenants|dispute resolution]] if you are having trouble getting your landlord to do repairs. | ||
===Send a letter=== | ===Send a letter=== | ||
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:''Teresa Tenant'' | :''Teresa Tenant'' | ||
You can also use [http:// | You can also use [http://tenants.bc.ca/template-letters/ TRAC's template demand letters]. | ||
===Dispute resolution for repairs and services=== | ===Dispute resolution for repairs and services=== | ||
When you take your landlord to a dispute resolution hearing for non-emergency repairs or services, the | When you take your landlord to a dispute resolution hearing for non-emergency repairs or services, the arbitrator can: | ||
*order your landlord to do the repairs or restore the service, | *order your landlord to do the repairs or restore the service, | ||
*order your landlord to lower your rent until the repairs are done or the service is restored, | *order your landlord to lower your rent until the repairs are done or the service is restored, | ||
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''See section 65 of the [[Residential Tenancy Act|RTA]].'' | ''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 at the Residential Tenancy Branch. If the | 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 at the Residential Tenancy Branch. If the arbitrator agrees that you should be compensated it will most likely be through a temporary rent reduction. | ||
===Proof of the problem=== | ===Proof of the problem=== | ||
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===Building inspections in Vancouver=== | ===Building inspections in Vancouver=== | ||
The City of Vancouver has a Standards of Maintenance bylaw for enforcing basic housing standards. The bylaw covers everything from heat and hot water to rotting floors. Other bylaws 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 bylaw, contact Vancouver Coastal Health at 604-675-3800. | The City of Vancouver has a Standards of Maintenance bylaw for enforcing basic housing standards. The bylaw covers everything from heat and hot water to rotting floors. Other bylaws 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. You can call city hall by dialing 311. The phone number for the City of Vancouver property use inspector is 604-873-7398. For information on the Vancouver health bylaw, contact Vancouver Coastal Health at 604-675-3800. | ||
===Repairs and "illegal" suites=== | ===Repairs and "illegal" suites=== | ||
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===Mold=== | ===Mold=== | ||
Mold is a major problem in many homes in BC given our damp climate. It is important that you take every step possible to prevent excess moisture in your home so that the landlord does not blame you for causing the mold problem. If you do find mold make sure you document it with pictures, witnesses, and with letters to your landlord in case you should need evidence for a [[Dispute Resolution for Tenants|dispute resolution hearing]]. You can also call your local health authority for more information about mold. (Look for the number in the Blue Pages of your local phone book.) | Mold is a major problem in many homes in BC given our damp climate. It is important that you take every step possible to prevent excess moisture in your home so that the landlord does not blame you for causing the mold problem. If you do find mold make sure you document it with pictures, witnesses, and with letters to your landlord in case you should need evidence for a [[Dispute Resolution for Tenants|dispute resolution hearing]]. You can also call your local health authority for more information about mold. (Look for the number in the Blue Pages of your local phone book.) | ||
== Emergency repairs == | == Emergency repairs == | ||
The ''[[Residential Tenancy Act]]'' has special rules for "emergency repairs." The rules may allow you to do repairs in some circumstances. Emergency repairs are repairs that are made for the purpose of repairing: | The ''[[Residential Tenancy Act]]'' has special rules for "emergency repairs." The rules may allow you to do repairs in some circumstances. Emergency repairs are repairs that are urgent, necessary for health or safety, and made for the purpose of repairing: | ||
*major leaks in pipes, | *major leaks in pipes, | ||
*damaged or blocked water or sewer pipes, | *damaged or blocked water or sewer pipes, | ||
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===If your landlord doesn't agree=== | ===If your landlord doesn't agree=== | ||
Your landlord may not agree to pay you back. The landlord may say that it wasn't an emergency, or that the repairs cost too much. If this happens, your landlord can apply for dispute resolution. You will have to let a | Your landlord may not agree to pay you back. The landlord may say that it wasn't an emergency, or that the repairs cost too much. If this happens, your landlord can apply for dispute resolution. You will have to let a arbitrator decide. If the landlord wins, you might have to pay some or all of the money back. | ||
===You should have tenant insurance=== | ===You should have tenant insurance=== | ||
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===Resources and forms=== | ===Resources and forms=== | ||
*TRAC Template Demand Letters - [http:// | *TRAC Template Demand Letters - [http://tenants.bc.ca/template-letters/ Request for Repairs, and Restricting Heat (Essential Service)] | ||
*RTB [http://www.rto.gov.bc.ca/documents/RTB-24.pdf Notice Terminating or Restricting a Service or Facility] | *RTB [http://www.rto.gov.bc.ca/documents/RTB-24.pdf Notice Terminating or Restricting a Service or Facility] | ||
