Letter to my landlord

[shanmonster]

(What do you think of this?)

To whom it may concern:

Several months ago, the vent over my toilet started dripping water. I called someone to come look at it, and nothing was done.

Over the past four or five months, the water problem continued. I have called and left written repair orders on numerous occasions.

Whenever water is run upstairs, it leaks down into my tub. There is something wrong with their plumbing. This is not a case of overflowing bathtubs. It drips every time they run their water.

The plaster on the bathroom ceiling is destroyed. My soap dish and tub are filled with cement crumbs, not to mention what happens if we're bathing when the upstairs water is running.

The closet in the adjacent bedroom is also significantly water damaged.

Not only is this unsightly, but it is a health hazard. It is a matter of time until mould begins to grow. I have a respiratory disease and cannot live in these conditions.

I have been promised on several occasions that this would be dealt with, and it has not.

Rent will be withheld until this is dealt with.

(After a bit of research, I'm revising the last line to this:)

If arrangements for repairs have not been made within the next business week, I will be contacting the Investigation and Enforcement Unit (IEU) of the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing.

Comments

[tlatoani.livejournal.com]

Sounds reasonable, but I don't know Canadian landlord-tenant law. Do you have a Renter's Union or other group like that in Toronto that you can get advice from?

[meddevi.livejournal.com]

I would add something like "As recommended by my lawyer (or the housing authority), rent will be withheld until this dealt with."

[silverfae.livejournal.com]

Check your laws first. In Kansas, USA, once written notice is given, the landlord has 30 days to comply before rent can be withheld.

[real-bethy.livejournal.com]

I think this is a great letter. It's about damn time they fixed the situation. Your amendmant to the letter (taking out the bit about withholding rent and instead stating you will contact the IEU) is completely appropriate and in line with your rights under the Ontario Landlord and Tenant Act (of which, for better or for worse, I have become well-versed in).

Did you send a copy to Steeves and Rozema as well?

I'm sorry that you are still dealing with this. I'd like to say I'm shocked that they haven't done the repairs yet, but it seem to be par for the course in that building.

[shanmonster.livejournal.com]

I haven't sent it yet. I'm waiting to see what Dave thinks of it, and then sending it.

[prince-hring.livejournal.com]

IANAL, but:

I've found that the best way to withhold rent is:

"...rent will be held in escrow with my lawyer until the repairs are complete."