If your landlord damages your property in Canada, you have a number of legal options available to you. The specific steps you take will depend on the nature of the damage and the specific laws in your province or territory.
Document the damage. The first step is to document the damage as thoroughly as possible. Take photos and videos of the damage, and keep a record of any conversations you have with your landlord about it. You should also get written estimates from contractors for the cost of repairs.
Contact your landlord. Once you have documented the damage, you should contact your landlord and request that they repair it. You should do this in writing, and keep a copy of your correspondence. If your landlord refuses to repair the damage, or if they do not repair it within a reasonable amount of time, you may need to take further action.
Contact your provincial or territorial landlord and tenant board. If your landlord refuses to repair the damage, or if they do not repair it within a reasonable amount of time, you can contact your provincial or territorial landlord and tenant board. The landlord and tenant board can help you resolve the dispute with your landlord.
File a claim in small claims court. If you are unable to resolve the dispute with your landlord through the landlord and tenant board, you may be able to file a claim in small claims court. Small claims court is a relatively quick and inexpensive way to resolve disputes.
Sue your landlord in civil court. If the amount of damage is significant, or if you believe that your landlord has breached the lease agreement in other ways, you may be able to sue them in civil court. This is a more complex and expensive process than small claims court, but it may be necessary if you want to seek a larger damages award.
Here are some tips for dealing with a landlord who has damaged your property:
- Be polite and professional. Even if you are upset with your landlord, it is important to remain polite and professional in all of your communications with them. This will make it more likely that they will be cooperative.
- Be clear about your demands. When you contact your landlord, be clear about what you want them to do. Do you want them to repair the damage? Do you want them to compensate you for the cost of repairs? Be specific in your requests.
- Keep a record of everything. Keep a record of all of your communications with your landlord, as well as any other documentation related to the damage. This will be helpful if you need to take further action, such as filing a claim with the landlord and tenant board or suing your landlord in court.
If your landlord damages your property in Canada, you have a number of legal options available to you. The specific steps you take will depend on the nature of the damage and the specific laws in your province or territory. If you are unsure of what to do, you should contact a lawyer or a tenant advocacy group for assistance.
This article is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Contact us today to discuss your specific situation.